Continued handling is a must. The more you handle your new chinchilla, the better. You should work on having him or her perch on your hand for a treat to lift them out of the cage. This takes time and patience. You should always sit in front of the cage door if you are going to let your chinchilla out, so he or she must climb onto you before leaving the cage. Any play area should have no cracks or crevices to hide in, nor accessible electrical cords. Always give your chinchilla treats and dust baths in the cage only, with a few extra treats when they come to you. This way there will be no chasing to get them back into the cage. Remember: NEVER chase your chinchilla. They will lose trust in you and will continue to run and hide from you. That is why initial handling and early training is a must. They are not technically domestic animals, and are considered exotics. Chinchillas are NOT good pets for young children or impatient, excited people. They may like to stay in a jacket or sweater if you work with them, but they will not sit quietly in your lap. They are also a commitment of 8 to 14 years, as this is their usual captive lifespan, and they may live longer! They will never be as relaxed and laid back as that lop-eared rabbit, but they are fascinating to watch and much more dynamic. Just like any species, as they age they will calm down a bit..bit.