Restraint Chinchillas

Chinchillas are fairly easy to handle and require no special restraint techniques. They rarely bite when handled gently; however, they have been known to nip at a finger when frightened or startled. When picking up a chinchilla, grasp it gently at the base of the tail with one hand and scoop up the body under the belly using the other hand.
Chinchillas that are handled roughly can “slip” their fur, leaving large tufts of hair in the hands of the handler. This is a natural defense mechanism designed to leave potential predators with mouthfuls of hair.