Introductions and vet check for new chin?

[spochins]

I have a 6 year old neutered male chin named Tico that lost its cage mate earlier this year due to an injury. This past week I obtained a 4 month old female chin named Isabella from Craigs List. Isabella is currently in a separate room and cage from Tico while she undergoes quarentine (sp?). I will keep her apart from Tico for 3 weeks. She appears healthy- no drooling, clear eyes, good appetite, normal looking poo, beautiful coat, alert, and outgoing. Is there any need to take her to a vet for a health checkup at this point if she isn't exhibiting any signs of illness?

I've read up on introductions on Chins n Hedges but still have a few questions. How old should Isabella be before I attempt an introduction with Tico? I've read that even a neutered male will attempt to mate with a female. I've also heard that if an adult attempts to mate with a young female he may possibly hurt her bacause of the differences in size. I haven't done a weight check on Isabella yet. However, she's already pretty good sized. I'm in no hurry to introduce them and am willing to wait until she is old enough.
I'd appreciate any tips that you might have!
Thanks,
Sue

 

[Megan]

I do not take chins to the vet unless they are showing signs that they need it. If keeping them in a seperate room, you should be fine. Just keep an eye on her---and if anything looks off make sure you get her right in .


I have no experience with neutered males and their potentional sex drive, so I'll leave that one for someone who has actual experience with that. I have put many young kits in with older chins provided they were a good size with no ill effects, but have never personally had a neutered male in with a female.

I would think as with anything, if her size isn't bad, there shouldn't be a problem.