Neutering Young Chins

[Melissa123]

Hello all!

I adopted a pregnant female a few months ago. The kits are now 9 weeks old. I have already separated the 2 boys to prevent pregnancy.

I have tried to find a proper home for the boys, but I am failing at finding the perfect home for them. I truly want to keep them as they are the sweetest chins ever.

My only problem is cage space. I do not have room for 4 double FN's in my rodent room. I have 6 females. Trio, pair, and one solo girl. I know I will be neutering these 2 boys. That is the best option I have so no fights happen with the unaltered boys and to prevent pregnancy.

My only concern is pairing up the boys and with what female.
My options are
*Pairing both neutered boys with My solo girl, Violet.
*Placing one boy with my Solo girl, Violet and the other boy with my female pair.

The first option, I am concerned the boys would still fight over Violet when she comes into a heat cycle.

The second option, I have heard some females fight over the male.

This will be my first neutering experience with a chinchilla. My vet is amazing and has done chin neuters before, so I am not worried about this part. The bonding afterwards is my biggest issue and with who..

Their surgeries are on August 15th. The will be just over 12 weeks. I've asked a lot of people about the young age and I feel confident about this.

 

[Dreamlite]

I have groups of males caged in the same room as females and they do not fight. Females will not 'fight' over a male. Introducing another chin into any colony can cause problems with the existing chins. I have never had a male neutered but I would talk to an experienced vet to determine what size/age they can safely be done. Just be prepared to hand feed if needed after surgery. Good luck with your boys.

 

[obcsed]

I think you are overly optimistic that pairing will occur after neutering. Besides usually being expensive and always risky, it does not really change the males behavior. It doesn't work like it does in cats and dogs. So basically, you can still end up with everyone separate after the surgery anyway. Good luck.

 

[Smidgeyy]

Personally, I wouldn't risk neutering unless there is a health issue. Working for my local vet, I have seen the things that happen when pets don't do well under anesthesia.

As obcsed said, it won't change their behaviors. All your pairs can randomly decide they want to be single things, regardless of how well they are getting along right now. You should always make sure you have enough room for cages. Since you said you had FN cages, you can split them in half if you have to.

Personally... I would keep the males together in a cage separate from the females. Being around each other and in separate cages shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Melissa123]

Thank you for your replies...

as I have stated, my vet is very chin savvy and has done this surgery before. I've already spoken to her about them being young. 12 weeks is the soonest she is comfortable doing this. I *am* getting them neutered. That wasn't the reason for this thread. I understand your concern, but I know and trust my vet. I have also been through guinea pig neuters. I realize it is not the same as dogs or cats.

I am simply wanting to know which bonding I should pursue. Whether it be both boys with Violet, my solo girls. Or separating the boys between my solo girl and my pair.

I do realize that this could not happen. I know how tricky bondings can be. Right now I am just hoping for the best possible option. If the bondings do not work, I will deal with it when the time comes.

 

[ticklechin]

Neutering did squat for my one males attitude, he still hated anything chinchilla. The chin/chins you got are the ones you got, adjust accordingly rather that using risky tactics.

 

[Melissa123]

Neutering did squat for my one males attitude, he still hated anything chinchilla. The chin/chins you got are the ones you got, adjust accordingly rather that using risky tactics.

their attitude or dominance isn't an issue. they being able to reproduce is.

 

[Melissa123]

Well, I know most of you aren't on my side in these matter, but they both will be getting neutered on the 15th. I know this is the best option for them. I have 6 females. 3 of which they are related it... I do not want babies. Period.

Even if they do not bond with my females, this is still the right choice for myself and them. I want peace of mind knowing 100% pregnancy will not happen will do this. I am looking at this long term.

I do hope you all understand. I know this is risky, but so is keeping them in a room full of females- related at that. My vet knows what she is doing. I trust her very much.


I just wish I didn't have to explain myself like this and you all would understand. :/