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) as a rule, not that many vets are familiar with chinchillas ... (especially in this department)
4) the vet gives you antibiotics and does not bother to tell you they need a replacement of the flora in their systems *while on antibiotics ...
5) this weakens their system and if **Giardia is present, it breaks loose and multiplies
*Antibiotics kill all bacteria ... even the good bacteria known as flora that keeps the chinchilla's digestive system working properly.
Please read:
Don't Let the 'Cure' Kill Your Chinchilla! At:
http://www.geocities.com/jobernstein1949/**Another article:
Giardia At:
http://www.geocities.com/jobernstein1949/I am going to get a new baby female chinchilla in the next few weeks to keep company with my male chinchilla. ...
A female chinchilla at 3 1/2 months old has the ability to get pregnant, but her birth canal would not be large enough to deliver the kits. You would probably loose both the mother and the unborn kits.
I never put a female into a "breeding situation" until she is at a year old ... two chinchillas of opposite sex, placed within 3 inches of each other, is a "breeding situation".
... I found that female and male chinchillas get along best but this raises the question about which one I should have fixed. I know that it would be easier to neuter the male compared to spaying the incoming female, although I can't help but think it would be easier on a younger chin rather than my older male. Also, would it be more expensive to neuter a female and would there be a higher chance of infection in a female?
To avoid pregnancy ... get two of the same sex ... or, if you feel you have to have one of each sex ... and you do not want kits ... then never let them spend any time together, not even a supervised play time.
Lastly would my breeder I am purchasing the chinchilla from be able to spay the female before I pick her up?
I am very strongly against neutering or spaying. Why put your chinchilla in danger? Why put them through unnecessary pain?
Not meaning to be rude, just being truthful ... If you were to ask me this question, or tell me you have plans to spay or neuter, I would politely had you a list of other breeders you could contact.
Jo Ann