One or Two?

[Chinwawa]

I have a new 14 week old white mosaic female. She is very affectionate and tame. She begs me to pay attention to her and runs to the door of her cage to jump in my lap. She sits on me to eat treats and last night she snuggled in my shirt.

She comes from a litter of 3 white mosaic sisters. I chose her because of her ear coloring and temperament. Now that I see what a delight she is I am so tempted to go back and get one of her sisters. I shouldn't really spend the money.

Here is my question: is it healthy for a chin to be caged alone. I am home every night and I snuggle her and handle her at least 3 times a night for about a half hour each time. We have not had out of cage play time yet. This Monday will be our first. If it would be better to have two I want to go get one of her sisters not introduce a strange chin later.

Thank you all for advice in advance.

Faye

 

[Stackie]

It's really up to you. From what it sounds like, she gets enough attention from you and she would be perfectly fine alone. I have several chins that are singles and they do just fine- if anything, they seem more affectionate towards me.

I, personally, like to keep any animal that lives in "herds" paired up, but with some of my chins that is just not possible because they do not get along with others..so I make sure to give them extra attention. Their cages are still next to other chins though, so they do have some sort of interaction.

If you want to get one of her sisters, then go for it. However, keep in mind that since they have been separated, you may have to take introductions slow to be sure they will get along. And, keep in mind that even though they are sisters, they may decide one day that they just do not want to be together anymore and you will have to separate them..so two cages, two of everything. It's a fact that all of us with paired chins have to keep in mind.

 

[Chinwawa]

Hi Stacie and thank you for the speedy reply. My question came because I saw pics of your two chins snuggling in their fleece tubes. Awww.

I think I will not go for a second, especially because they have been separated already. I was just thinking of her welfare. I cant keep my hands off her so she is sure to get enough attention and loving.

We are leading up to our first out of cage play time on Monday when I am off work. I am just thinking it through as far as safety.

Faye

 

[KissThis]

I have seen it work well both ways. I have some that are happier single and others that are much happier in groups. It is much easier to introduce two together that have lived together before, especially when you first get them. It is much harder to add a second one later after the first one has settled in. If you don't have the money easily available, I would say don't worry about getting two. Better to save some for unexpected vet visits. As long as you are around to play with her, she will be fine and will probably like being the queen of the house.

 

[VolunteerChin22]

I would put the money towards extra play things or cage accessories or even a bigger cage for the future if you don't think you can really afford two. If vet bills crop up sooner than later you will be glad you only have one to take care of. You could always try and introduce another female later on when you have more funds.

 

[Chinwawa]

Thank you KissThis and Volunteer,

My research today involved play pens. I have decided to put the money toward one of those playpens with the zippered top. I am going to go to Petco Monday when I am off work.

I have medium sized cage right now that will be ok until she is bigger. I plan on purchasing a FN cage next year.

Better one well cared for Chin than two with worry about $.

 

[Carol~Anne]

I would just enjoy her by herself for a while since you seem to be able to spend quite a bit of time with her and then maybe later on consider introducing her to another female. I had my first chin for three years all by himself and I enjoyed him thoroughly and I know he enjoyed me and the rest of my family. Except my son... he nipped his ankles constantly. I think he was just letting him know that he was the new kid on the block and that he was much cuter, softer and gave much better kisses, lol.

 

[GliderChillaLove]

some chins really enjoy and benefit from the company of other chins, and so at least two is a good option for people who don't spend as much time with their chins as you do. But considering the fact that you do give her plenty of love and affection I don't think she needs another one, but she may benefit from one.

It's your call. I think she will be perfectly happy by herself as long as you continue to socialize with her as much as you already do. So like I said do what you think i best for your chin.