Hi, i currently have only 1 female chinchilla, Genie. She's currently 9.5mths old, and i've had her for 5.5months.
Im thinking about getting another female chinchilla, preferably around 3 months old as i have read that younger chinchillas are easier to bond.
I am prepared to keep them in separate cages in case they do not get along, but will try my best with the introduction process first and pray hard that it works!
I have several questions here, hope someone can help out!
Genie appears to be unusually friendly and tame, according to what i've read about "normal" chinchillas. She climbed onto my hand on the very first day we met and let me scratch her on the side of the neck. She now lets me pick her up whenever, even during playtime, stroke her anywhere, hold her, and cuddles with my hand and uses it as a pillow when i put it inside her cage etc.
However, if i put my hand in front of the circular opening of her wooden hideout, she would sometimes freak out and lunge at my hand, making a loud noise(compared to her usual quiet chatter) and bite my hand once. Immediately after, she would calm down and sit and let me stroke her.
1)
Did i startle her? It doesnt always happen, only occasionally. And the bites dont hurt at all. Is she being territorial over her hideout?
I am able to put my hand through the circle of her hideout and push her out through the other opening. She doesnt mind, and would just lay her front paws on the wall/above the door if she doesnt want to come out. I could also leave my hand on the floor of the hideout and she would come over and lay on it and sleep.
Is she territorial then? Would introducing a new chinchilla be less likely to go well?
2)
Also, I would like advice on the best method to introduce female chinchillas.
I wish to avoid the smushing method as i've read that it can make chinchillas aggressive towards each other, and it often does not go well.
I initially wanted to to put the 2 cages beside each other and wait until they seem fine/rest on platforms right next to each other, but i've also read that this would instead reinforce territorial behaviour.
3)
What should i look out for in terms of personality when getting a new chinchilla, to increase the chances of bonding with my current one?
Sorry for the wall of text, hope you dont mind reading through and giving some advice, thank you!
Im thinking about getting another female chinchilla, preferably around 3 months old as i have read that younger chinchillas are easier to bond.
I am prepared to keep them in separate cages in case they do not get along, but will try my best with the introduction process first and pray hard that it works!
I have several questions here, hope someone can help out!
Genie appears to be unusually friendly and tame, according to what i've read about "normal" chinchillas. She climbed onto my hand on the very first day we met and let me scratch her on the side of the neck. She now lets me pick her up whenever, even during playtime, stroke her anywhere, hold her, and cuddles with my hand and uses it as a pillow when i put it inside her cage etc.
However, if i put my hand in front of the circular opening of her wooden hideout, she would sometimes freak out and lunge at my hand, making a loud noise(compared to her usual quiet chatter) and bite my hand once. Immediately after, she would calm down and sit and let me stroke her.
1)
Did i startle her? It doesnt always happen, only occasionally. And the bites dont hurt at all. Is she being territorial over her hideout?
I am able to put my hand through the circle of her hideout and push her out through the other opening. She doesnt mind, and would just lay her front paws on the wall/above the door if she doesnt want to come out. I could also leave my hand on the floor of the hideout and she would come over and lay on it and sleep.
Is she territorial then? Would introducing a new chinchilla be less likely to go well?
2)
Also, I would like advice on the best method to introduce female chinchillas.
I wish to avoid the smushing method as i've read that it can make chinchillas aggressive towards each other, and it often does not go well.
I initially wanted to to put the 2 cages beside each other and wait until they seem fine/rest on platforms right next to each other, but i've also read that this would instead reinforce territorial behaviour.
3)
What should i look out for in terms of personality when getting a new chinchilla, to increase the chances of bonding with my current one?
Sorry for the wall of text, hope you dont mind reading through and giving some advice, thank you!
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