Starting an introduction

[ChinNewbie]

Ahead of time I want to say sorry that this is another post about introductions, but all the ones that I have found are about the aftermath of the introductions.

I got a new Chin (Milo) a little over a month ago and now have finally moved him into my room with my other boys. Turbo and Bubba are brothers are have always have gotten along great with each other, and I would really like to have all three of them together so Milo doesn't have to be alone in his cage. I

With that I have a few questions:
1. When is a good time to start the introductions?
2. Where is the best place to introduce them?
3. What are the main signs that it isn't going well?
4. Should I only introduce Milo to them one at a time?
5. If it start to go bad when should i step in to stop them from (as Cesaer says reaching the "red zone")?


Thank you for all the help!

 

[tunes]

http://www.chins-n-hedgies.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13659

1. When is a good time to start the introductions?
On a weekend in mid-morning when you will be around.

2. Where is the best place to introduce them?
Depends on what method you use.

3. What are the main signs that it isn't going well?
Chasing, kacking, fur flying, or flat out attacking.

4. Should I only introduce Milo to them one at a time?
Nope. All at once. If you introduce Milo to one, then odds are Milo and the one he is introduced to will get along, and not the third guy.

5. If it start to go bad when should i step in to stop them from (as Cesaer says reaching the "red zone")?
See above.

Introducing a third chin to a strongly bonded pair can be pretty dangerous. Be very careful to keep a close watch for any and all signs, even those not including fighting such as loss of appetite, not drinking, not pooping.

Good luck.

 

[ChinNewbie]

So after the information from Tunes (thanks again that was a lot of help) I tried the play time introduction. I put out a pan with dust and lots of chew toys and i sat in there as well to make sure if a fight started brewing I could stop it.
Anyways the first few minutes started out okay the pair (turbo/bubba) jumped right into the dust and started rolling around, once Milo realized that they were in the dust he would get close to them and then would run the other way.
Then Bubba and Milo came face to face and started to sniff each other, and it looked like it was going well, but then they started to rise up and at that moment I slipped my hand in between them and of course I was the one that got bit. (But I'm okay no blood)
So, I took milo out right away and placed him back in the cage. looks like Milo will have to stay by himself. It just seems that he is scared of everything and I was hoping they would get a long to show him everything is okay.

 

[tunes]

I just want to point out, I personally think playtime introductions are the most dangerous ones you can do. Many people seem to think this is a good idea, but I think it is an accident waiting to happen. All that free space and room to chase and fight is just not a good iea. I included it in the list just because it's another method, not because I recommend it.

 

[Linganne]

Try the one that peggy mentioned, small cage with the dominent one inside over night. It really works. As for me i have been trying to pair them also with the play time introduction. But for me it didnt really work at all. And it has been going on for about 3 weeks. Since i read the intro about small cage in big cage and i did it. It only took me about 4 tries, 3 days and now so far so good. But i also let both of them out together for play time with my supervision. And when the dominent one starts i will put him back in the small cage again.



Its great information. Different methods works for different chins. Well i strongly suggest trying this method. Its also very safe.

 

[ChinNewbie]

I have decided to not try to put them together, at least for right now. I work during the week and now that Christmas is around the corner, I have been working overtime on the weekends. So I don't want to try anything new without being there.

On that note, I am worried about my bounded pair. Last night when cleaning out their cage, I looked up and saw my Bubba had some fur that was coming loose. I picked him up and noticed that there was a spot of fur missing. I started to look him over and found a bigger patch missing with a scratch on the skin (to me it looked like a bite mark) at that point I separated them. Though I am confused, every time I'm in the room with them they are cuddling on a shelf or running on their wheel together.

Should I keep them separated? Did I ruin their relationship by trying to add a new member?

Thanks again for the advice!!!!