Chinchillas that didn't grow up together may not get along upon first being introduced. This might surprise some people since chinchillas are sociable in the wild.
However, all is not lost. It is possible to get two chinchillas used to each other's company. When we were introducing two chinchillas from different breeders we used a tried and proven technique. We put the newer chinchilla in a spare cage we had. We kept our older chinchilla in her original cage. We kept the two cages side-by-side so that chinchillas could see and smell each other at all times.
Then, every night we would let each chinchilla out of her cage for a period of time, but never both at the same time. We left it up to each chinchilla to approach the other. Of course, with the cage bars in between them, there was no fear that they would hurt each other.
After a week or two, we allowed both chinchillas to leave their cages at the same time. The first few times we did this, the chinchillas would chase each other which we stopped as quickly as possible.
Again, a week or so after releasing both from their cages we noticed that there was less chasing and less fighting. The number of "incidents" continued to decrease over time. About 3 to 4 weeks into the process, we moved the newer chinchilla into the older chinchilla's cage. They slept in the same box, shared the same water bottle, and ate from the same dishes.
And as further proof that this system works, we repeated everything again with a third chinchilla with same results.
We believe in providing as complete information as possible, so we want to also make you aware of the neutral zone technique. Those that use the neutral zone technique actually disagree with the approach we described. We leave it up to you decide which approach to take.
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July 22nd, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Simon,
It is normal for one chinchilla to be more dominant than the other. As long as neither chinchilla is being harmed, you shouldn't worry. However, you should make sure that the shy chinchilla is getting enough food and treat. Consider using two dishes so that each can eat at the same time.
July 22nd, 2006 at 3:38 pm
Hi. I have two chinchillas and they're about the same age i.e. around 1 year old. One chinchilla is getting bigger than the other one and always eats treats or gets into the bathhouse first. The other is sort of shy and does everything last. They're also brothers. Is this normal?
June 24th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Hando,
Unfortunately there is no way to know if chinchillas will get along with each other. In the wild they are social and in captivity they are generally social too.
Keeping the cages close together so that each chin can see and smell the other chins will help them get used to each other. However, you should also let them out of their cages so that they can interact. At first, they may not get along and you should separate them if fighting ensues. But as they spend more and more time together the fighting should decrease until it disappears altogether.
Please be sure to monitor them while they are out of their cages during the first few weeks until you're sure they are all getting along. We also recommend that they initially be let out in a small area where you can quickly separate them in case there is fighting.
June 24th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
My daughter has three chinchillas from the same litter all born at different times. Will they fight or get along? She does not want them to hurt each other. Will keeping their cages close to one another acclimatize them to each other?