How long for new chins to settle in?

[Binka]

We got two boys yesterday - they're 6yo brothers. The person who'd had them previously hasn't had much time for them lately. She said they've not been out the cage in a year!

Now I knew they would need time to settle in and we need to gradually get them used to us by talking to them, letting them sniff, etc.

However one of them is very outgoing and if you open the cage he hops out into your arms and is happy for a cuddle. Doesn't seem bothered by any of it.

The other one is still in his nesting box and I haven't seen him come out yet. I'm worried he might not have eaten or drunk yet. Tried tempting him with a treat and nothing. Do you think he's OK?

 

[cindyv3737]

Some chins are fine the moment you bring them home, others take a long period of time to adjust.

When I first brought Shelly home, she was out and running around the next evening.

Artemis has been with me for 4 months. She's still nervous, spends most of her time in the tube, but is starting to come around. It will probably take her another couple of months before she discovers that she likes me.

ButtonWillow, came home the same day as Artemis. She's very outgoing, came around in about two months.

I let both boys settle for about a month before trying to let them out. Your one that is nervous will come around. As for his eating/drinking, he is probably eating when you are sleeping. If he is pooping, he is eating.

 

[Binka]

Thanks. There is lots of poo, not sure if it's from both of them or just the braver one. It is early days yet, so sure the shy one will be braver soon.

 

[starrynight0621]

We got two boys yesterday - they're 6yo brothers. The person who'd had them previously hasn't had much time for them lately. She said they've not been out the cage in a year!

Now I knew they would need time to settle in and we need to gradually get them used to us by talking to them, letting them sniff, etc.

However one of them is very outgoing and if you open the cage he hops out into your arms and is happy for a cuddle. Doesn't seem bothered by any of it.

The other one is still in his nesting box and I haven't seen him come out yet. I'm worried he might not have eaten or drunk yet. Tried tempting him with a treat and nothing. Do you think he's OK?

That reminds me of my chins. Outgoing Orville and shy Wally.

Is one of your chins smaller than the other? That's how I tell the difference between my chinchilla's poops. Smaller chin = smaller poop.

Are you feeding them the same food as the previous owner? Do they have a water bottle?

 

[Binka]

Oh no, I forgot to ask the previous owner what she fed them on! I meant to and forgot. Will email and ask.

One chin is smaller so I'll do a poo inspection. The water is going down in the bottle, but its also dripping. How much should they drink a day?

 

[Cuddlebug]

if you have already been feeding them something different from what the breeder had, just continue to do so. You add acidolphilus to their food to help with the switch.

Chinchillas do not drink a lot of water. Like mentioned earlier, he is probably eating and drinking when you are not in the room.

 

[smhluvsmh]

We have 3 girls and they are all different we have had Gizmo for 13 months and sisters Micah and Sterling for 8 months. Micah is still very skittish, startles easy, hangs out at the back of the cage.

 

[jbcstratton]

I would replace the drippy water bottle, first you don't want them getting wet and getting fungus and second you can't monitor water intake when you don't know how much is dripping out.