Are they happy together or not?

YannyNBonny · Dec 3, 2010

So a couple of weeks ago I got a new chinchilla. In the beginning, they got a few pecks here and there and they made their defensive sounds. Which is pretty normal. The ranch owner told me to switch their cages every 3 days. I did so. Now, when I put them together, they seem pretty calm but they still have a few pecks here and there. They also make their defensive sounds still. No fur flying, no chins running for their lives. So I'm wondering, are they happy together or not? Should I put them as cage mates? They were hopping along each other, but still a few pecks. The younger one also mounted the other chinchilla (they're both females). So yeah, is it safe to open the ferret nation and let them be cage mates?

addictedtochins · Dec 3, 2010

Any new chin should have been quarantined for 30 days to watch for illness before putting them together, it's too late now. I think you can try to open up the FN but do it in the morning when you will be home all day to supervise and intervene if needed. IMO some squawks and pecks are perfectly normal and expected.

YannyNBonny · Dec 3, 2010

Oh okay. Thank you

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SarahKay · Dec 3, 2010

Haha, I'm trying to put mine together, too. No defensive sounds or chewing but the younger one mounts the older one and they sniff noses and then sprint away from each other.
Some site I read said "you know chins are happy together when they cuddle". If that was true (doubt it happens from the start, anyways), I can never combine mine.

Cuddlebug · Dec 4, 2010

It sounds to me like there is hope for both sets of chins. Like mentioned previously, try putting them in the same cage on a day when you will be home the entire time and supervise them closely.

SarahKay · Dec 4, 2010

I put them together to supervise and the smaller chin bit my older one. I decided to keep them separated permanently because the older one apparently got in a big fight with his brothers before I got him so I really don't think he should be stressed out any more.

Laurie · Dec 4, 2010

As Theresa said only up the FN while you are there to monitor them. This early on do not leave them unattended at all. It's normal for each chin to want to and try to assert dominance--hence the kacking, pecking and mounting. Eventually someone will rule and be the boss of the cage, until then the dominance will be asserted by both. If you see fighting where blood is drawn they need to be separated immediately.