Question:
Well, I started the Umbra/Wingnut introductions this week. The first day Umbra sprayed Wingnut in his cage, and he made grumpy noises back at her, occasionally even managing to nab her tail. The second day they just sniffed each other once in awhile. Today they are sleeping as close together as the two cages will allow. I think tomorrow or tonight will be playtime together, and we'll see if they will play nice.
On the other hand, my remaining two boys have decided to despise each other and I've had to separate them. Ack! I've run out of cages. Little monsters. Once I can have Wingnut and Umbra in the big wooden cage together, I'll put the two boys in the smaller cages side-by-side where I have Wingut & Umbra now. Hopefully they will eventually become friends again and can be put into one larger cage. Heavy sigh. At least my two females caged together are still friends....


Answer:
awww look att he two lovebugs I hope all goes well with intros!
in the meanwhile, you know I have two empty cages sitting in my living room. You are more than welcome to borrow one if you need it


Answer:
Kreenish, I have you tried the "smoosh method"? When all else fails, the smooth method works like a charm.


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Thanks, Sophie, I'll keep those cages in mind. I still have hope the boys will stop being idiots.
Denise, I haven't tried the smoosh method with any of my chinchillas yet, although I know it has worked for others. If slow and patient doesn't work, I may use the smoosh method later.


Answer:
Hmmm....What is the smoosh method??? Explanation, please. Can you tell I am still inexperienced at introductions?..
I've been trying for the last while to do the play nice thing with 2 sets of chins and they aren't having any of it... We've had the cages side by side for a very long time but playing together isn't going well at all.
Sounds like I may have to try this smoosh method...
Kreenish, All the best for your Umbra and Wingnut


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They look so in love, and broken hearted because they can not get close enough to each other.
I have had to use the smoosh method but prefer not to also, if you are patient and persistent it works well.


Answer:
Originally Posted by petart pam
Hmmm....What is the smoosh method??? Explanation, please. Can you tell I am still inexperienced at introductions?..
I've been trying for the last while to do the play nice thing with 2 sets of chins and they aren't having any of it... We've had the cages side by side for a very long time but playing together isn't going well at all.
Sounds like I may have to try this smoosh method...
Kreenish, All the best for your Umbra and Wingnut
The smoosh method is when you put them in a cage together with no room at all for them to move and no room for them to stand up to attack.
I did this for 10 min. a day for three days and then started working with them again in the play nice method and it worked, however you also need to keep in mind their are some chins that will just never get along


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they are sure adorable! And that smoosh method is interesting, I haven't heard of it before!


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From what I've heard, if you have something like a small carrier, you can use towels to only allow enough room for the two chinchillas, and no room for them to fight. Like I said, I haven't had to use that method yet.


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You know, the more I look at that picture and the more it looks like Umbra is giving Wingnut the cold shoulder and he's begging for forgiveness