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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January 13th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Hi! I have two chinchillas and I am trying to get them used to each other. After having their cages side by side for awhile, I let them out together for a playtime. One of my chinchillas will lunge at the other one causing him to fur slip. Today he got a mouth full of fur. Is this signs that they will not get along or do we need to keep working with them? Thanks!
January 11th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Hello,
I have a male chin that is about 1 year and 6 months old. I have had him for about 8 months. I let him out to play everyday and try to interact with him he only tolerates me. I've tried to be a very good companion for him but I think that he just doesn't like people. He will occasionally let me scratch under his chin and behind his ears but not often. He often times seems so lonely especially crying at night. I was wondering if I could intro a new male or is it as impossible as I have read? Or will he become more accustomed to me with more time?
January 9th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Can you put four chinchillas in the same cage ?
January 9th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
can you put four chinchillas in the same cage ?
December 30th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Emily,
Sorry about the late response. We've been traveling visiting family and friends during the holidays.
It sounds like your chinchilla is just still uncomfortable with you. We recommend that you continue to spend time with your chinchilla so that it grows up used to being handled.
As for a second chinchilla, it's not necessary to get one. Chinchillas can do quite well on their own if you can spend enough time with them. In the wild, chinchillas are social creatures even though they can have territorial disputes.