Quarantine is almost up...

[Smidgeyy]

Momo's quarantine is almost up. Technically it's done on Monday, but would it be alright to introduce them on Sunday?

Also... What is the best way to go about this? I've read multiple things on introducing them but I wanted to check here anyway.

Should I start with playtime? Or should I put them in a carrier together? Any opinions would be awesome.

 

[Smidgeyy]

Another question... I know that I should clean the cage to get the first chins scent out of the way, but what do I do with the wooden ledges? Are those okay to leave in or should I buy new ones?

I'm really hoping I won't have to replace them Lol.

 

[Godofgods]

Personally, i started just by having the cages near each other (but not letting the chins touch each other.) Let them get used to each others presence for a good while before trying anything personal.

Ledges should be fine. They can always be sanded down. After a while of use they will get a bit dirty. Im planning on getting a second set of ledges. When the first are dirty ill replace them with the second. And that will give me plenty of time to sand down/clean the first batch.

 

[Smidgeyy]

It's good to know I won't have to change the ledges they are all pretty clean except for one, so I'll try sanding it then.

So would it be alright to try things out this weekend then? I did actually bring my new chin over to the cage to test their reactions and there was slight interest but neither seemed to care. They just looked at each other and went about what they were doing before. Is that a good start?

 

[Godofgods]

I would suggest taking your time with it. You dont want to rush putting them together. Maybe leave there cages near each other for a while to let them get used to each others presence. Then try moving them closer for a while. Its usually good to let them be as comfortable as they can about the others presence before you let them come in contact with each other. - That can take weeks or months. I myself did a month for each step to get mine used to each other before letting them come face to face the first time.

A lot wrong with that pic, i know. But that was my first two chins very first face to face meeting!

 

[Smidgeyy]

Thanks for posting.

The way my room is set up, I don't have enough room to place the cages close by. I did have them in the same room but on separate sides. I was careful not to handle them without washing my hands between, changed the dust, etc... The other bedroom does not have a window so I could not put an AC in there, otherwise I would have kept him in there.

They had to have known each other was there... Whether it was from barking, scampering around, etc... So I'm sure they were aware of the others presence.

I can try putting one in the carrier and leaving them next to each cage for a bit, though they're not a fan of the carrier unless they're on a car ride Lol.

Are both your chins still friends now or did they have a falling out?

 

[ServantofBlueberry]

I would be careful, mine had their cages next to each other for about a week and paid no mind to each other, and one night I had the playpen too close to one of the cages and they went to sniff and it went bad fast. No one got hurt, but if my reaction would have been slower, it could have been a vet trip. They have been about four inches apart and there are still cage ramming/bar chewing at the sight of each other.

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

I also suggest putting the cages side by side (not to close) for a while, even if you have to rearrange the whole room. Then swap cages (put them in each others cage rather than their own) so they get used to each others scent then introduce playtime.

 

[Smidgeyy]

I can't really rearrange the room, that's the issue. :/ My outlets are limited so my bed/nightstand cannot be moved. I had to rearrange it to get the CN to fit in the first place. I can't have either of them directly infront of the AC, and that's my only other option. That's about 3 feet away, but the constant flow of cool air hitting him directly could make Momo sick. I believe the cage would be low enough that it fits under my window, but I don't really trust it... Unless you guys think that's okay.

The only thing I could do is put them directly next to each other if I move my storage things... But that's too close. Chilly can't get his mouth through the bars since it is a CN, so that's a bit better, but Momo can since his cage has bigger spacing. I did cover some of it in wire, but since some sides were covered where I had it, I left those go.

When swapping cages, how long should I leave them in there? Short periods of time or a few days?

 

[Stackie]

I have had the best luck with the car ride method, then completely cleaning and rearranging a cage and doing the cage within a cage method until I feel comfortable enough letting them out together. After the many intros I have attempted, I just don't like the neutral play area method, and even the side by cage method doesn't seem to yield much results. They are still in their own territories that way and may act aggressively due to feeling their territory is being invaded.

 

[Smidgeyy]

So you take them on a car ride while having them share a carrier, right? Should I put hay or anything in there? How long should I drive around? What should I do if they start fighting during the drive?

What cage would you recommend getting to put in the cage? I don't have anything that's small enough at the moment Lol. I have a double CN cage. This would be easier to manage than moving the cages around.

Sorry for all the questions. I just don't want to mess this up. XD

 

[Stackie]

Yes, I use a cat carrier and have them both in it, and bring a spare in case. I like to have someone else drive while I sit in the back seat with the carrier next to me so I can keep an eye on them. That way I can break them up should they start fighting. I don't put anything in the carrier with them. Knock on wood but I have yet to have any fight while doing this.

I have a used show cage and a small wire hamster cage with a plastic bottom that I have used for the cage within a cage method.

 

[Smidgeyy]

I have a fabric carrier... Is that okay?

Which chin should be where then? Should the old or new chin be in the small cage?

 

[Stackie]

Shouldn't be a problem, just make sure the carrier isn't too large- you want it to be small enough that they are forced to be close to each other and not completely at separate sides.

I do the cage within a cage after I have completely remodeled and cleaned a cage. If you do it in a cage that is already set up, put the chin who is used to living in the cage in the smaller cage, and let the new chin explore. Then swap. Though like I said, I recommend putting them in a newly arrange/cleaned cage so there isn't any territory issues.

 

[Smidgeyy]

So you'd recommend changing the wooden bits? I can buy wood and make new ledges but I have a house and a rainbow bridge that I'd like to keep.

As for cleaning the cage... I know people recommend taking it outside an hosing it off with water/vinegar... I live on the second floor and don't have a hose or a yard, so any recommendations there? Lol. I do wipe out the trays every week when I change the fleece. I dust the bars off weekly and I did just try to wipe them last weekend. Getting the little cracks has proved difficult. Lol.

 

[Stackie]

I'd wipe the wood down with vinegar and water, and change the placement in the cage. Do the same for the rest of the cage as well.

 

[Smidgeyy]

I just rearranged a bit this weekend. Is that new enough? I got a bunch of new things and they've only been in a few days.

 

[Stackie]

In wouldn't recommend it. The cage needs to be completely new to both chins when they go in together for the first time. The whole point is for neither to be familiar or comfortable with the surroundings and therefore have no territory claimed, reducing risk of fighting over territory encroachment. It also causes them to be more interested in exploring than focused on each other. You don't want to cut corners when doing introductions


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[Smidgeyy]

Okay, thank you!

Another silly question... Should I wipe down the cage before or after the cage within a cage method? and at what stage of this do I put them in the carrier and go for a drive? I just want to make sure I do it correctly. :cute:

 

[Shenanigans]

I'm considering a new chin too and since this is all relevant I'll add a few questions if you guys don't mind. Maybe it'll help others too to have the info.
Is there a difference with which chin in the carrier first? And does anyone have a good guide/things to watch for chin body language? I know dogs very well and instinctively see aggression and all that-i worked at a shelter socializing and things too. So I know general stuff but I'm not an expert in chins. I'm still on my first. I figure attacking is pretty easy to see but what are cues that it's be good to separate them now before something starts? And what are signs they're playing? I plan on youtube-ing extensively and I'll know both chins well before trying, but any hints are appreciated. I know there's plenty of people that mistake dog playing for fighting and I'd like to know chin differences before I try. Also, any good videos or pics of playing?