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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August 30th, 2006 at 8:37 am
Hi-it's us again. We just wanted to thank you for your help. Zoe and Smokey are getting along great, they are already cuddling with each other, it is the CUTEST thing!! Thank you so much for your knowledge and advice.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Melinda,
Give it more time before worrying too much. It took ours 3 or 4 weeks to get along well enough to be left to sleep in the same cage.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:03 pm
Hello again! I once again need to ask for some advice - I only got my other chin a week ago and have been trying to introduce the two with playtime together. I thought that it wouldn't take too long for them to get along because they're so young, so I first let one out around the other's cage and then I've been letting them both out in a small area together. Yesterday it seemed like they were playing well together - they sort of snapped at each other, but then it toned down when I put out the dust bath. Today, it was all down hill and there was definitely some fur flying. Do they just need more time or is there anything I can get them to help them get along?
August 28th, 2006 at 8:21 am
Sounds like everything is fine then. If they continue to not like being around each other consider using two food bowls so that they don't feel forced to fight for food. Make sure both are getting enough to eat and that one is hogging the food.
August 27th, 2006 at 5:05 pm
No, He didn't chase her when she ran away, he just let her go. They were in the cage together this morning when I got up and I was watching them to make sure they weren't fighting, and they don't attack each other, it seems like they just pretty much tell the other one to go away. Like Zoe will be on the lower level of the cage and he'll come up to her, she won't bite him she just kind of jumps up at him and then he goes away and they go about their business.