How to Introduce Chinchillas

Chinchillas are quite sociable creatures and can be housed together in the same cage. Be sure to properly introduce them first in one of the following ways, which involve gradually introducing the smell of the newcomer to the group.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chinchilla Cages
• Perfume

1. Place the chinchillas in separate cages, but side by side, to allow them to become accustomed to one another's scents.

2. Mask the natural scent of the newcomer with a drop of perfume before placing him or her into the cage with the other chinchillas. As the perfume fades away, the scent of the new chin will be gradually introduced to the others.

3. Consider providing a cage with several levels. Chinchillas are jumpers, and they will appreciate the extra space.

Tips & Warnings

• Although in general chinchillas enjoy each other's company very much, putting two males together with one female may cause some animosity between the males.

[ChinxLover]

on 4/27/2008 Perfume can harm chinchillas. Vics VapoRub, just a tiny bit on the nose works wonders. Also, never house two females in the same cage as a male. That will lead into one female attacking the other.

on 11/22/2005 I find that 2 females in the same cage with a single male is not a good grouping either, but this may depend somewhat on the individuals temperments.

on 11/22/2005 "It's quite possible to maintain same-gender groupings,
especially male pairs, since males are less aggressive
and territorial than females."