2 male chinchillas don't get along

[gizmo&gadget]

Hi all!

I have 2 chinchillas. One is about 6 mo. to a year old than the other. They are both male. We got Gadget (younger chin) about 5 months after Gizmo (older) and at first Gizmo did not warm up to Gadget, as expected. It has now been 7 months since the two have been together, and they are still living in separate cages. When we try to have them play together now the little one, Gadget, tries to attack Gizmo who seems pretty much okay with Gadget now. I am a first time chinchilla owner, and I don't know if there is anything I can do to try to get these two to bond or if they will dislike each other for the rest of their lives. Any advice from an experienced chinchilla owner/breeder would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Stackie]

Some chins will never get along. The only advice I can give is to take it slow, try sitting them cage-by-cage for a few weeks, and continue with playtime. Gadget may be going through puberty and want to be dominant over Gidget. If the attacking does not quit, it is unlikely that they will get along and they will just have to live separate. Try searching 'introduction techniques' on the forums and you will turn up some strategies.