Chinnies living in pairs

Denise · 06-17-2004, 01:13 PM

Once I introduce Leo and Shadow, all my chins will be in pairs. I am thrilled at the way everything has worked out with my pairs. My chins are so content having a chinnie to cuddle with, groom, and of course the ocassional arguing. Since I put Lexus in with Tweety, Tweety has gained weight and overall seems more contented.

Some people say when you pair up a chinchilla with another chinchilla they are not as affectionate towards their owner but this is not the case. I find my animals love me just the same and it is great they have a companion when I am not able to spend time with them during the day.

neuroleptical · 06-17-2004, 01:25 PM

Sounds like a great setup Denise.

Personally I don't think Cub would tolerate another chin so I keep her solitary, although it does sound as if pairs are preferable.

Lisa · 06-17-2004, 01:36 PM

My boys seem to be much more comfortable when they are with each other (when they get along

). They usually sleep plopped down on their sides so I guess an added chin means extra security.

outbackchin · 06-17-2004, 01:42 PM

I have always found that my pairs are so much happier and more content than when I have a chin by themselves. right now sadie is alone (b/c I am looking for a friend for her) and she requires so much more attention and is never calm. however when I let her play with her mother, she calms down and enjoys her playtimes so much more.
I wouldn't have my chin set up any other way...ofcourse that is b/c my chins get along. I have known some chins that HAVE to be by themselves.

neuroleptical · 06-17-2004, 01:44 PM

Cub was beaten up badly by another chinchilla when she was a baby, that's why I keep her alone. But your chins all sound so happy together!!!

Candycane · 06-17-2004, 01:53 PM

I always thought that Hazel was more content by herself (she HATED other chins) but now that she has her daughters with her, she seems much calmer. I don't find that any of them are less affectionate...if anything, they are fighting for affection!

kreenish · 06-17-2004, 09:22 PM

We have three males together, and two females together. They seem pretty happy to have another furry body with which to, as Denise put it, cuddle, groom, and occasionally argue. We had one other male until recently who loved us big hairless ones, but not other chinchillas. Every time a female was in heat he would viciously attack any other chinchilla. Now he has a home with a lovely young woman who spoils him terribly and gives him more attention than he ever had before. Talk about the alpha male....

Chinchilla Valley · 06-18-2004, 01:38 AM

I have a couple of chins. that live by thenselves. because they don't seem to get along with other chins. most of the time though, my pairs are great together and sleep cuddled up side by side

McCaille · 06-18-2004, 03:24 AM

Of all the chins we have here, there are only a couple that are not in pairs. I find that my paired chins are just as affectionate if not more so than the single chins. Our wildest little man settled down to an absolute sweetheart when we put him in with his little lady. She was the same way (smart one, eh? put our two wildest chins together...haha...it was destiny I tell you, destined) They seem so much happier to have a companion(s) Nothing cuter than walking into the chin room and see two chinnies snuggled up in the corner together!

Solarsis · 06-18-2004, 10:14 AM

Mine are much happier with a friend too

When we lost Tinsel, Jigsaw lost close to 50 grams before stabilizing a bit. As soon as Calypso came in the picture and their cages were side by side, Jigsaw strated gaining again.

Jigggy is an attention hog no matter who she is with and what she is doing. She's such a diva