Long-tailed chinchillas Make it realise th at p l ayi n g u p w i l l g et i t n ow h e r e !
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These cute-looking rodents from the Andes have become popular and pet shops stock many varieties with different shades of fur. Imagine you’re in love with a girl who works in a pet shop. You’re in there one day browsing aimlessly, when a chinchilla escapes. She asks you to catch it . . . Obviously, you want to look cool and competent. So be prepared: now’s your chance to learn how to handle a chinchilla.
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I ns e c ts , a r ac hn ids, un usual pets
Chinchillas are docile creatures, but if they’re not used to humans, they can get agitated. Hold them firmly at the back of the neck, so that they realise that acting up will get them nowhere. With your other hand grip their rear legs. The trick is a skilful adjustment of pressure: with too little pressure, you may drop the animal if it plays up; with too much, you may cause it stress.
