Baby chins @ shelter

[Jmora11]

I work at an animal shelter thats not well versed in the small animal department. I have worked previously in a pet store that dealt with small animals, so I know a little bit more than our vets (who really only deal with dogs and cats.)

Recently however, we had a male and female chinchilla dropped off at our front door. As luck would have it, the female was pregnant. Mom and the babies have been in foster for 6 weeks and returned today to the shelter.

I currently have an adopted Chinchilla, Aurora, who is roughly 6-7 months old. I am planning on taking one of the babies home, but everything I have read says baby chinchillas are usually not weaned until 8 weeks and shouldn't leave mom until 12 weeks. Now, I plan to take this back to work, but chances are the chins will stay up for adoption and leave before that time period.

Therefore, my concern is....the babies are already eating hay and pellets, therefore are weaned from mom. Now, if I put the baby with my somewhat older chin, will this prevent any behavioral issues the chin may gain? Also, can I supplement until baby has hit the 12 week stage?

Any help would be great, thanks

I

 

[jags]

They can be weaned and separated from mom at around 6 weeks. They should need no supplementing just feed, water and hay.