Introducing Chinchillas

Chinchillas are unique about having a new friend.  They love companionship but when introducing someone new they need to know, WHY is this new chin in my house.  When bringing a new chinchilla into the home you need to let your pet chin know that he/she is not being replaced.  You will need to avoid any actions that might suggest the new chin is first or better.

When introducing chins you will place the new chin in a small cage or carrier next to your existing chin.  When you come in the chins area always say hello to your chin first, give him/her the treat first.  Always put your chin first so there is no jealously.   The chins will be able to see, smell and talk to each other.  They need to be this way for at least 3 days.  Do not give any dust baths to either chin during this time.  After 3 days in the early part of the day while the chins are groggy, place a clean dust bath in your chins cage and place the new chin in the cage too.  Watch them for at least one full hour.  If your chin chases the new chin or pulls out fur remove the new chin at once and try again 3 to 5 days later.  Good signs are face grooming and ear grooming.  If it is a new baby the baby will squeak like a squeaky toy and your chin will be cleaning it's face.  Your chin will mount the new one, males and females do this to show dominance.  It is normal behavior. 

During the getting acquainted time- Never let the new chin run in the existing chins space.  Your chin will resent the new chin.  When they are friends then you can let them share space.  Do not introduce them outside of the cage for play time.  This chin will be the property of your chin and you must act this way so there is no jealousy.

Once bonded they will share the water bottle, food dish, dust bowl and toys.  They may squabble occasionally over toys or special treats, this is normal.

Tips:

Adult chinchillas love babies!! Male babies should be 3 months or under when introducing.  The hormones from sexual maturity will not be present yet .  This will avoid any competitive feelings between the guys.

Females get along with other females

Males get along with other males

If you place a male with a female they WILL have babies

Neutering can be very risky.  Talk to your vet.

Having a new cage (neutral ground) to place the new chins in after the three to five days is almost a definite success.

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Hand feeding baby chinchillas

                                                                                                                 NOTE: Kitten replacer formula is

                                                                                                                  safe and an excellent product this is what I prefer to use

Recipe: 1 cup dry milk

              1/3 cup Gerber mixed baby cereal                                       

Mix these two ingredients and place them in an airtight container

NOTE: nutrical or dyne should be added to the wet mix for extra calories and vitamins by the ½ teaspoon.

When ready to feed your baby take 1 teaspoon of mix, 2  teaspoons of filtered water heated to very warm (do not use hot tap water this may contain lead) feed through a dropper by the drop.  Baby chins chew their food for the first few days.  Be patient so the baby doesn't choke on the milk.  The tummy should feel full and the chin will refuse any more when it is full.  You must keep the milk warm while feeding.  I use a coffee cup hot pad.  I also check the milk as I am feeding to be sure it is neither to hot or cold.  I fill up the dropper and hold it up to my lip to test the temp. For the first week feed the baby 5-6 times daily.  Then for the next three weeks 4-5x daily.  For the next two to three weeks feed 4x daily.  The baby will eat larger amounts at each feeding and wont need to have as many smaller feedings.  Beware some babies will over eat-don't let them!  If you notice constipation or diarrhea offer the chin some plain yogurt (no artificial sweeteners) Usually they eat it right up.

  Keep your baby warm inside an aquarium or the like, with a lid.  I use baby receiving blankets or fleece instead of bedding to avoid dust and provide extra comfort.  Change the cage every day or two.  Roll up a clean sock into a ball for the baby to cuddle with or provide a small, clean plush animal for your chin.   Place a small water bottle, small pieces of alfalfa hay and some crushed fresh pellets daily in the cage for the baby to start picking on.

The set up that I use is: a ten gallon aquarium with a wire lid (not plastic).  A clamp light with a 60 watt black light bulb for heat.  I place it on half the tank not the middle so if it is to warm the chin can go to the other side of the tank.  The black light avoids stressing the chinchilla with bright light.  I use a self stick thermometer on the outside of the tank (so the baby doesn't chew it) to keep an eye on the temp.  77 to 80 degrees seems to work well.

If you have a high energy baby (3 weeks or so)  You can place them in a hamster ball for exercise.  I was amazed at the intelligence of my first little chin that I was raising.  She was so happy and hyper and too small to let run safely so I placed her in a hamster ball and to my amazement within 10 minutes she was rolling and steering.  There was a bump in the rug followed by smooth linoleum.  Well she rolled onto the linoleum but couldn't make the bump   UNTIL….she realized if she backed up and got a running start she could ride right over that bump and back into the carpeted living room.  Well she learned to stop before running into furniture and how to turn quickly to avoid her brother who also mastered this ball.  They are pros now as adults.  I introduce these balls to many of the young chins and they grow up enjoying the bigger balls available .  Warning: caution is to be used in the hot summer time weather.  This is better used for exercise during the colder months.