Unusual behavior with two newly introduced chins

[broderp]

Some background:
I bought my wife a chin for x-mas, along with a cage.
A few weeks later we decided to get a second chin and a second cage.
Both are males. The first is probably ablout 6-9 onths old and the newer one is about 3/4 his size.

We read about how to introduce them etc..and indeed when playing around the bedroom they would appear to fight (the larger would jump on the smaller one and seem to 'box' him with a paw or two.

They were in separate cages for about a week, then we switched cages for a day or so, and finally let them stay together for a few hours and then return them to thier respective cages. This along with thier daily free play time and cage swapping they have pretty much stopped the appearant fighting and seem to tolarate each other.

They are now in the same cage (we actually cleaned the cages, gave them a good dust bath and put both cages together to create one large multi level cage.


The issue:

The larger one every once in a while will seem like he's climbing on top of the smaller one (and the smaller one does not move or run away) and he will appear to 'root' his nose into the smaller ones fur, around his head and ears. Its not violent, but slow, like hes smelling the fur. There is no biting or fur pulling.

The small one will sometimes come up to the larger and press his nose in the same manor into the back (leg area or side) of the larger.

WHAT DOES THIS BEHAVIOR MEAN? :hmm:

 

[Stackie]

It sounds like a dominance type behavior. Chins display their dominance by mounting others. This may include humping, or may just be the mount. I have observed them doing the 'nose rooting' like you describe when mounting.

As long as this behavior does not escalate into excessive chasing, fur pulling, or any other signs of aggression, they are probably still just trying to figure out the dominance hierarchy.

For future reference, it is recommended to quarantine a new chinchilla before you introduce them. This quarantine period should last for 30 days in separate cages, in separate rooms. It helps be sure the new chin is not carrying an underlying illness and potentially infects your other chin. Most illnesses manifest within this 30 day period. It also allows the new chin to acclimate to his surroundings and become comfortable. Moving to a new home with new people and a new cage is stressful enough without having a new chin attempting to chase and assert their dominance over them.

 

[tunes]

I agree with Stack on the dominance humping. It is very normal, but it's something to watch for to be sure it isn't escalating, and to be sure that the chin being humped does not feel that he's being overpowered. I've seen chins stop eating because of that.

If you want to try and nip it in the bud, you can trim the whiskers of the boy who is doing the humping. Take them back until they are about an inch long or so. It may be enough that he gets over his macho issues.

Also, be sure that they are both males. There have been many owners on forum who come to find out that the new chin they brought home was actually the opposite sex, but they didn't find out until they saw babies! Just do a quick comparison so that you're sure they are both males.

 

[broderp]

I agree with Stack on the dominance humping. It is very normal, but it's something to watch for to be sure it isn't escalating, and to be sure that the chin being humped does not feel that he's being overpowered. I've seen chins stop eating because of that.

If you want to try and nip it in the bud, you can trim the whiskers of the boy who is doing the humping. Take them back until they are about an inch long or so. It may be enough that he gets over his macho issues.

Also, be sure that they are both males. There have been many owners on forum who come to find out that the new chin they brought home was actually the opposite sex, but they didn't find out until they saw babies! Just do a quick comparison so that you're sure they are both males.

Yep they are both boys :wink2: its a bit obvious on the older, Chili as not only can you see his, uh...'boys' hanging, but his other obvious male part is quite visiable as well. The smaller one, Chalupa has the male part, but no 'boys' yet. (I hope you get my meaning) :hmm: The pet stores they came from also only carry males.

Could you elaborate on the whisker trimming? Are they self concious about thier appearance or something? Do they grow back? Noob questions I'm sure.....sorry.

 

[Amy555]

It also sounds like they could be just grooming each other. It's kind of like scratching each other's back with their teeth, and they usually grunt at each other if it is too much. Mine also especially like to groom each other's faces. So it could just be normal roommate behavior.

 

[Stackie]

Could you elaborate on the whisker trimming? Are they self concious about thier appearance or something? Do they grow back? Noob questions I'm sure.....sorry.

It is common for dominant chins to chew the whiskers down on the subordinate chins. So, if the dominant chin's whiskers get shortened, he won't feel as dominant over the other.

 

[broderp]

It is common for dominant chins to chew the whiskers down on the subordinate chins. So, if the dominant chin's whiskers get shortened, he won't feel as dominant over the other.

My wife read this thread and was concerned that it would hurt him. :hmm:

So far this behaviour has gone away. Our chins are occupying separate parts of thier cage and only occationally come into contact. Its been pieceful so far, a few nose touches and what looked like a kiss. :kiss:

 

[Cuddlebug]

Question. You said Chalupa has the male part but no boys hanging down. Are you referring to the urethral cone? Both males and females have a cone. That is why pet stores make mistakes about chinchillas' genders. Look to see if there is a space between the base of the cone and the anus. If so, you have a male. If not, you have female.

 

[broderp]

Question. You said Chalupa has the male part but no boys hanging down. Are you referring to the urethral cone? Both males and females have a cone. That is why pet stores make mistakes about chinchillas' genders. Look to see if there is a space between the base of the cone and the anus. If so, you have a male. If not, you have female.

Oh boy, :innocent: I'll have to look tonight when we let them out to run around. The pet store (PetSmart) said he was a boy and that they only carry boys. But they could be wrong.... I didn't know they both had a cone. I assumed it was his um..:hmm:.you know. (not sure what words are appropriate to use in this forum)

I came home from work today and found them both in the same timothy hay tube sleeping. That was cute. looks like they are going to be buddies after all. Hopefully not PARENTS.:wacko:

 

[Stackie]

I assumed it was his um..:hmm:.you know. (not sure what words are appropriate to use in this forum)

We use penis and vagina and all the technical terms here. We are all mature (at least we try to be ), so we prefer to use the real words here.

Can you try to take a picture of his/her genitals? We'll most likely be able to tell you as soon as you post them.

 

[Amy555]

Your mention of the rooting around in each others fur made me think it may simply be grooming. Just in case, here's a video of chinchillas grooming.