Hi there! I just adopted two chinchillas last Monday, and they are amazing!! Cookie is an 8 year old female, and Chi Chi is a 12 year old male. I'm keeping them separate for now, but will be introducing them eventually. Chi Chi is a little more shy, but he already lets me pet him, and seems to enjoy it. Cookie is SUCH a sweetie, and really enjoys being touched and petted. She is so expressive, it seems like I can read her body language so easily!! She is so eager to get out and play, but I've been reluctant to let her out because for one, I haven't chin-proofed the room yet, and also I'm worried that once I let her out, I might have trouble getting her back in! I don't want to end up chasing her around the room and scaring the heck out of her when we've made so much progress so fast! I guess the first step is to get the room ready, then I can worry about it. :-D I truly did not expect these little critters to steal my heart so much!! The bond is incredible!
New Chin mommy
- Thread starter gin411
- Start date
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lightningturtle
Scooper of all the poops!
Welcome to CnH!
One thing to know: if your male is not altered and you put them together, they WILL breed. If they are not pedigreed and show-worthy, they probably should not breed.
If you plan on breeding, read ALL of the horror stories first and make sure you're prepared for the worst. Then do a ton of research, and then do some more. Breeding can be dangerous for these animals.
However, if one of them is altered (another risky endeavor) then you might use one of the introduction techniques discussed on the boards. Keep your second cage, though, just in case. Chin fights can be brutal.
Chins are amazing, awesome pets. And even if yours stay separated, you're in for years of joy with them.
One thing to know: if your male is not altered and you put them together, they WILL breed. If they are not pedigreed and show-worthy, they probably should not breed.
If you plan on breeding, read ALL of the horror stories first and make sure you're prepared for the worst. Then do a ton of research, and then do some more. Breeding can be dangerous for these animals.
However, if one of them is altered (another risky endeavor) then you might use one of the introduction techniques discussed on the boards. Keep your second cage, though, just in case. Chin fights can be brutal.
Chins are amazing, awesome pets. And even if yours stay separated, you're in for years of joy with them.
cindyv3737
<---House beaver.
Welcome!
Thanks for the advice. He is altered, and I'm definitely not breeding them! I have a double ferret nation cage that I'm keeping the levels separate, but I plan to introduce them during play time, so it'll be neutral ground, once I get them a little more comfortable with handling, so I can get them back in the cage without having to chase them around too much. Cookie is so friendly though! I don't think it'll be long!
I introduced them yesterday during play time, and it went extremely well! Tonight I opened up the separation between the two levels of the cage, and they've been hanging out together all night. :-D I do believe they will be fast friends! It makes me so happy that they each have the full run of the cage now, too. So much more room! And they seem happier and more active now. :-D
