I have a 4 year old male chinchilla that has been alone ever since I bought him from the pet store. He doesn't like to socialize with people, so I thought that maybe I should get him a friend that he'll be more comfortable with. I don't want a girl because I don't want to breed them. But I'm worried that a male will be territorial or something. Does this happen? Or should he warm up to the new chinchilla? Is there anything I should do to prepare them for each other?
Integrating a new chinchilla!
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ChinnyMom
slave to Rhino and Guss
if you are a new chin owner i would take the time to bond with your only chin for a while, then consider a second down the road, once you are more knowledgeable and have some chin keeping under your belt.
why do you say your chin doesn't like to socialize with people? how long have you had him? what things do you do to help him bond with you?
why do you say your chin doesn't like to socialize with people? how long have you had him? what things do you do to help him bond with you?
My sister owned him for 4 years but went to school so now he's mine. He never seemed to like my sister either. He's been in my care for almost 2 years now. I keep him in my room with me and I try to be patient and pet his head and give him a treat everyday to get him to warm up to me, but I just haven't grown on him. He does not like to be held, and when he runs around my room everyday he avoids me at all costs. I've been patient (two years!) but I'm starting to think that he just doesn't like people all that much. I thought another chin would give him a way to socialize. I feel guilty that he doesn't have anyone that he likes being around!
Chin_Parent
Well-known member
What room are you letting him out in? I know if I let Chinchy out in the bedroom, which is fairly big, he'll avoid me because he knows I'm the one who puts him back in his cage and ruins his fun. If you let him out in the bathroom though, he'll jump all over me because it's much smaller. I think being in a smaller space like that might facilitate bonding. Also, chins tend to prefer "scritches" (similar to the way you'd scratch a cat under their chin, behind the ears, etc). A good way to go about giving scritches (in my experience anyway) is to ask permission before you do it, by putting your hand palmside up in front of them, asking them softly if it's ok, and then scritching underneath the chin. If you scritch on their head, behind the ears or whatever, they may feel threatened and think that you're trying to pick them up.
Also, most chinchillas don't like being held. They aren't generally very cuddly animals, so I wouldn't expect your chin to like it. Hopefully these suggestions help though.
Also, most chinchillas don't like being held. They aren't generally very cuddly animals, so I wouldn't expect your chin to like it. Hopefully these suggestions help though.
ChinnyMom
slave to Rhino and Guss
chins are not the type to be held and cuddled at all. and they are always on the go during playtime. my Rhino will scamper away from me every chance he gets when he's out of his cage, lol.
That's helpful guys, thanks! I'll definitely take your advice into account (actually I think me and my chin had a bit of a breakthrough today haha). I'm still interested in giving him a friend though. Are chinchilla's generally happier if they have another chinchilla with them? Or is he okay/content being alone?
ticklechin
Well-known member
I have had single chins for years, they do fine alone with human attention.
I usually try to encourage same sex pairs when selling my chinchillas, mostly so the stress level when going to their new homes is minimal, and also because chinchillas are colony animals. But if he has been the only chinchilla for pretty much his whole life, he is probably used to being "the only child". 
So you could probably go either way with him. But if you decide to get another chinchilla you will want to take alot of advice/tips from people on here, so they can tell you how you should slowly let them get used to each other.
So you could probably go either way with him. But if you decide to get another chinchilla you will want to take alot of advice/tips from people on here, so they can tell you how you should slowly let them get used to each other.
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There is a forum FAQ that explains the different methods of introducing chins. Give that a read and find the one that works for you.
http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13659
There are also probably 100s of threads about this topic if you do a quick search.
http://chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13659
There are also probably 100s of threads about this topic if you do a quick search.
