what does one do for an outcast chin?

[brittanycrystal]

My chin family is comprised of Pikachu, Stitch and Rex. Pika and Rex are little two chin peas in a pod, and they're attached at the hip. Since becoming cage mates they both seem immeasurably happier and entertained; however, Stitch is the odd man out. We haven't had any anti social behavioral problems, or fighting. Stitch has an entirely different personality, he is very active, in and outside of the cage and he always wants to explore and play. Its like watching a child in a room of teenagers, he wants to play, they don't, he gets sad and sulks in the corner.

I've ensured that they have endless entertainment possiblities, I've tried my hardest to fill their 60x18x48 cage with chews, ledges and hammocks galore. But he just needs something more.

What do you think I should do? I've considered finding him a cage mate with a more similar personality, but I can't guarentee that they'll get along, I am just stumped. I even got a fish tank and set it up with nocturnal fish about 3 feet from their cage, and granted it obviously entertains them, he needs company.

 

[Bostongirl'sChin75]

You could try getting a stuffed "chin" buddy for him. I got one from qualitymutationchinchillas.com and my Ansem loves it. He throws it about the cage, sits on it, and just generally loves it. I have 2 other girls chins who also love their fleece blankets to cuddle with.

This could be an inexpensive way for you to get him a buddy without the possible trauma should he and another chin, not get along.

 

[3CsMommy]

Talk to a breeder/rescue near you that knows his/her stock well, let him/her meet Stitch, and narrow down the choices based on personality. This is what I plan to do when it comes time for Crash to have a roommate again. He got bullied by Cervantes, so I'd like to see about somebody a little more easy going next time and avoid the stress.

 

[brittanycrystal]

thank you for responding!

I've tried to execute the cuddly fleece buddy friend plan, unfortunately they've all been used as pillows, and the larger ones are now beds. Haha.

I do like the idea of getting him a buddy of his choosing, do breeders usually allow you to do that?

 

[3CsMommy]

The worst you can get from asking is "No".

 

[brittanycrystal]

Something just occured to me, is it possible that he doesn't fit in because he's a dwarf chin?

I never really thought it would make a difference, but he's so muscular and agile and hyper. I could imagine that being very off-putting and perhaps annoying to my other boys.
Everyone has that friend, that's just entirely too hyperactive, lol

 

[Afphy]

Have you tried getting him a stuffed animal? I know you said you tried a fleece blanket thing but I know my male chinchilla absolutely loves his stuffed animal (we call it Mr. Snuggles). We had originally adopted Pedro to be a cage mate for other other chin - who unfortunately decided instead to hate him for all eternity. We were worried that he was lonely, as he is a very cuddly little love bug. It turned out to be a very good purchase. He carries the thing all over his cage, sleeps next to it, sits on it, ect. Just make sure its a chin safe one.

 

[jessers]

What would be considered a 'chin safe' stuffed animal?

 

[Olallie]

get him a wheel?

 

[3CsMommy]

Cut two outlines (teddy bear shape, just squares, whatever) from fleece. Pin together and sew around 3 seams, then stuff with fleece scraps. Use a running stitch to close the last side/edge, making sure you hide the threads well, and tadah! Safe chinny stuffy.

 

[jessers]

Cut two outlines (teddy bear shape, just squares, whatever) from fleece. Pin together and sew around 3 seams, then stuff with fleece scraps. Use a running stitch to close the last side/edge, making sure you hide the threads well, and tadah! Safe chinny stuffy.

Sorry but I fail at sewing :wacko: what kind of stitch..? I think tomorrow will be my first time making anything from fleece so..

 

[3CsMommy]

Would photos help? I can take pictures of each step and send them to you tonight.