Worried about my lonely chins

[BeckiBug]

Hi everyone! I was just hoping to get some advice on possible new cage mates for my chinchillas.

I currently have a female and a male chinchilla, in separate cages of course. Their cages are right next to each other so that they can still see each other and 'talk'. I don't ever want to breed them. But I am concerned that just being next to each other is not enough social stimulation. I don't want them to feel lonely.

When I bought my female from a breeder, I also purchased her sister from the same litter, and unfortunately she passed away from a tumor that my vet found on her chest. That was over two years ago.

I would like to get a new male, and a new female to go in each respective cage so they each have a partner. But my boy is 5 and my girl is 4. I am for one thing concerned about them not accepting a new partner because of their age(which I know is a risk no matter the age anyway). If I were to decide to try it should I try to get chinchillas of around the same age or would younger be ok? I am also worried that if I tried two males, that because of the presence of a female, or 2, that it would make things almost impossible.

And of course I know that it would be a very slow process anyway. I was just wondering if it would be worth a shot, or if they are ok just next to each other. I just want my babies to be happy.

Thank you for any advice that is given!

 

[tunes]

Usually people recommend trying to introduce a younger chin to an older chin - it seems to go smoother. But as you say, yours have been alone a long time, so it may not work. Some chins happily accept a partner, others just don't want to share their space. You would have to be prepared to house them all separately just in case. Do you have time and room for four chins in four separate cages?

As far as males and females in the same room, that isn't a huge issue for me but I think they are just used to so many other chins in the room anyway. In your case, you just won't know until you try. Again, going back to the separate cages being a necessity comment above.

 

[BeckiBug]

Thank you! That's actually really helpful. I haven't made up my mind yet. It is just a thought for now.

Do you think they are just ok next to each other? I guess at least they aren't completely alone.

If I try to introduce another one and it doesn't work out then I am left with 3/4 lonely chinnies instead of 2! :banghead:

 

[tunes]

Many chins live long happy lives alone, some do better with partners, some partners turn on each other after a year or even five years. Chins are just weird and there's no way to know for sure except to try it and to watch them closely if they get together.

 

[Godofgods]

Just one thing to add. I do have a father+son in a cage next to mother+daughters in another cage. My boys get along perfectly. But when one of the girls is in heat, they have gotten a bit aggressive toward each other. I separated my guys for a day or two immediately to make sure nothing escalated. So far Ive had no real problems. But something that you might want to keep in the back of your mind as well, just in case.