We had the male neutered which was not a good experience
I always discourage neutering or spaying chinchillas, unless it is a matter of life or death.
1) their systems are so tiny and difficult to work with ...
2) they are very sensitive when being put to sleep ... (can be overdosed easily)
3) not that many vets are familiar with chinchillas ... (especially in this area)
4) the vet gives you antibiotics and does not bother to tell you they need a replacement of the flora in their systems ...
5) this weakens their system and if girdia is present, it breaks loose and multiply
He loves just sitting in the empty house when it's not bath time. Or on the top of it...
Notice where the house is (the highest stable point in the cage), he can see what is going on in other parts of the room. The enclosure around him makes him feel safer, like the rocks that protect them in their native habitat.
Do inspect the house regularly ... he may never chew it, but the odds are he will sooner or later. You might want to have a hut or ledge ready to replace the dust bath house when/if he starts chewing on it, once they pick out a favorite place, they can get upset if it is changed.
I totally understand I am always learning things about them too. Right now I am watching my two chins in the same cage together and getting along for the first time . *squeeeee* This whole thing with getting them together has been a huge learning experience.
That's great news! Is your one a mature chin then? Is this why you were having trouble? I know I asked our breeder and he said that our babies are a month apart in age...and there should be no trouble putting them together. As long as they are both males. But I do worry...but am glad that with the cage we have...we can easily keep it as a two cage system...or make it one large one. Which if they do ever take a disliking I've got it covered.
Age does play a part in it, but their personalities are the main thing. Most chinchillas, like most humans, usually get along just fine ... but ... if you find two that have conflicting personalities, it is next to impossible to put them together. So much easier to put two of the same sex together that like each other to start with ... and they will usually have a much better chance at continuing to like each other for the long haul.
A hint they may work to cover shelves in fleece; use the long sleeves from fleece shirts.I slip them on over tubes, shelves, and even a peice of pine at the bottom of the cages for Moms to have babies on.
I can see it now ... Hey, honey, do you know where all my flannel shirts are disappearing to?
Jo Ann