Chins not breeding

[Mek072]

Hi everyone. About a week ago, I rescued a male and female chinchilla. They are approximately 2 years old. The previous owner said they never had a litter of kits. They are not neutered or spayed. The cage they were in was very small, so I moved them to a much bigger cage. However, they no longer sleep together.
They were kept in a dark and dingy basement. They are do take treats from my hand however they are a little shy. But that is to be expected.
Here are my questions.
1) why have they never produced a litter of kits
2) why are they no sleeping together anymore

 

[Shenanigans]

I'm not a breeder, but I do know that generally female mammals in bad conditions sometimes don't conceive or carry to term very well. If it was a small and dark area that would contribute, also if they didn't have a good diet or had any other issues.
They also may not be a male and female- search for guides on here and double check if you can, many people make mistakes sexing chins. This could have happened and you could have a pair that is the same sex.
They may be sleeping apart simply because they enjoy the room. I wouldn't worry about it too much, as long as they aren't fighting.
I do highly recommend you separate the two. Since they are rescues, they are likely not pedigreed/good for breeding. They may not have bred before, but they may very well begin now. I would separate and mark 115 days on your calendar. Gestation is 111 days in chins, but the extra days can help just to be safe. If you want them to live together, separate, and then spay or neuter beforehand, but make sure you look up the risks involved in chinchilla surgery and make sure you have a very good experienced chinchilla vet.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

Also, some pairs just don't breed. Sometimes breeders will have to switch their males out with different females in order for them to produce.

As far as sleeping together, it could be that they have more room to get away from each and have their own space, where as before they had no other choice than be together.

 

[Vyxxin]

In regards to why they haven't previously reproduced? It could be a million things, for whatever reason some chinchillas do not reproduce together. Some do not reproduce in certain cages, in certain areas of the house, on certain diets...etc...etc

Does this mean they will never reproduce? Not necessarily. Aside from having a physical abnormality (such as in sterility) a change in whatever is causing them to not reproduce will change the outcome.

That all said, as mentioned above, a pair with no background should NOT under any circumstances be left together to breed.

And finally, as to why they're sleeping apart...because they can? Chins are funny, unless they're fighting it has nothing to do with them no longer enjoying each other's company.

 

[starleomach]

You should count yourself lucky those animals should never be bred. I would split them up to be safe