Intros - 2 young males

[jess_w]

2 days ago I got a new chinchilla, Jerry. He's just been weaned from his mum (12 weeks) and we're hoping to get him in a cage with Gus, our 6-month old male. They're completely unrelated, from different breeders and different colours. But Jerry's breeder said that because they were both pretty young I'd probably just be able to put them together straight away and they'd be fine.

I didn't want to risk anything though, so I left their cages next to each other for a day so they could get used to each other, then I let them out together for playtime last night. Both their cages are on the floor so I just opened them both and let them go in and out as they pleased. Gus was quite nervous and kept jumping back in shock every time Jerry went near him, Jerry seemed pretty chilled out until Gus came along and then he would chase him and Gus's fur would be everywhere. I find it strange that the younger one is being more dominant! (I know about the smooshing/ stressful environment method but I'd rather leave that as a last resort)

Jerry is turning out to be a cheeky little so-and-so, and whenever Gus's cage is open he'll just hop right in, whether Gus is there or not, and start eating his hay etc! Gus hides in his wooden house and makes disgruntled noises when Jerry goes near - then there's a bit of fur slippage, again only Gus's.
Is it a good idea to let Jerry go in Gus's cage while Gus is still in there or should I introduce them "properly" in a neutral area. Gus tends to freak out a bit if I close his cage at playtime because I don't want Jerry getting in!

Also I don't have a spare cage, so it will be Gus's cage that gets scrubbed out and they will both go in there if they get along. Does anyone have any tips on cleaning wooden shelves, toys etc? I was thinking of turning the shelves upside down but I don't know if that will help to mask the scent. They also both have their own toys like cardboard tubes and gnaw blocks - should I get rid of those, or will it be comforting for them to both have something of their own? Thanks

 

[tunes]

I use hot water and white vinegar to clean my cages and "stuff." Wash the hammocks and that takes care of the scent as well. You can wash the shelves in it, then put them in the sun to dry. You can also sand wood shelves down with sandpaper and that will do pretty much the same thing.

If they are both young, I wouldn't worry over much about going crazy with the fresh toys. They will end up sharing them anyway.

Most people recommend doing a 30 day quarantine before introducing a new chin, especially since you are getting him from a different breeder altogether. Just something to consider.

Congrats on the new addition!

 

[jess_w]

Yes I have heard about the 30 day quarantine. What's the reason for it?

 

[Brea]

I would try switching their cages. Put Gus in Jerry's cage and switch them everyday for a week or two. It helps them get used to the smell of the other chin in their cage. I wouldn't worry about the toys. They will work it out on their own. The reason for a quarantine is just in case the new chin you brought home is carrying any 'sickness' that the other chins you own don't catch it. Congrats on your boys, and good luck with them!