When introducing new chins, there are two methods. I have tried both and had sucess with both.
Familiarized/Supervised Introduction
- Place cages beside each other for up to two weeks and allow chins to see each other and become accustomed to each other
- Place the older chin in a smaller cage, and place inside a playpen or a chinproofed room and allow the new chin to roam through both cages, and the room. This will help them to establish their surroundings and familiarize them with the environment.
- if all seems well allow them to have a play time together, and be prepared to intervene if any fighting occurs. I find its a good idea when doing an introduction like this to provide hay, toys and multiple dust baths to help entertain them while they are meeting.
Smoosh Method
- Begin by finding a carrier that is smaller than a shoe box, I like one that has mesh sides, as the wire ones can give them extra room and allow them to get arms/legs stuck. When you put two chins or even three together the cage should be completely filled up, with no extra space for them to move or turn around.
- place a small(very little) amount of vapor rub on top of their nose, and I cannot stress the point of using just a tiny tiny bit enough. This will keep them from smelling individual scents.
- Shove some hay in the carrier as well, it will help take their minds off of the actual smoosh
- Also put a chinchiller or something similiar on the bottom of the carrier to help keep the temperature cooler
- Do NOT leave the chins alone in the carrier while the smoosh is going on, and keep a supervised eye on them to watch for fighting or over heating
- Do NOT leave them in the smoosh carrier for more than 15 minutes at most. I usually pull them at about 12 mins.
- when its all over, they are all so happy to be okay, that they get along.
Niether of these methods are 100% guaranteed, and if you find your chins fighting, separate them before one becomes seriously injured. Remember though, mounting is completely normal and not the same as fighting. |
