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[cadillactaste]

As most know...I'm getting another chin off of the breeder once it's weaned. He is a month younger than the one I just recently purchased. I am wondering...do I wish to keep the carrier next to the cage...since they were in the same room not far from each other...is there still a quarentine issue? I am talking we're to pick the other chin in a two weeks time frame from the other one I believe. I would think it wouldn't really make a difference would it. Same breeder kept closely in room just a few cages down from each other.Or could I place the carrier since it would fit...inside the cage Nibbles is being housed in?

At what point would one place them together in a cage? Just trying to figure it all out...since they are both so young...if it makes as much a difference than with mature chins.

[Jo Ann]

   In my opinion, getting two this close together from the same breeder and where the two kits were in the same room with each other should not be a problem with quarantine time ... UNLESS the breeder has had a illness or problem with any of the chins it that room between the time you picked up the first one and the time you pick up the new one.

There is the introduction time that needs to be considered.  Kits tend to get along better ... usually ... but not always.  I have known of litter mates that fought in the first 3 days.  Make sure you have a second person handy and that they are introduced outside of the cage ... in a small area.  Do not leave them alone inside the cage until you are sure they are getting along good.  Stay within hearing distance for the first 24 hours and be prepaired to separate them if necessary.    Usually there is not a problem, but there is always a chance their could be a problem. 

Basic rules:

If they sniff each other and snuggle or play ... it's almost a given that they will get along.   
If they ignore each other ... it's a good chance they will get along.   
If one or both become aggressive instantly ... more than likely they will never get along.       

I may sound overcautious, but if you ever find one after a fight, you will be, too.

   Jo Ann

[cadillactaste]

Thanks JoAnn...I haven't given Nibbles outside the cage privilages yet. We did when we first got him...in my son's bedroom. But he got behind the dresser and climbed the wall!!! I didn't like chasing him and having him scared of me. I did see where a bathroom if the lid is down...is an appropriate room to allow them to play in. Is this correct? I am considering buying a play fence area...but Nibbles is such a good jumper. And I'm wondering if it will also be a waist of money in doing so...

I have read that they will come for baths...and figured I'll place them in the cage when they climb in to get a bath.  For chasing a chin is stress on BOTH of us in my opinion...Since I haven't offered free play in the bathroom...should I await the new arrival and have this area be a nutral zone for the both of them...or should I bring Nibbles out later tonight for playtime?

[Jo Ann]

   As you have found out, a bedroom is not the best place to turn one loose    I think we have all been there at one time or another.   

The bathroom could be a good neutral place to introduce both of them.  Make sure the lid is down ... no standing water in the sink or tub (you can even use a dry tub or shower as an even more confined play area to maintain control over one or both).   No open containers of liquid (such as a soft drink).  All cleaners should be in a closed/secured cabinet.  Keep the door closed if they are running free in the room.

Use a treat jar (rattle the treats inside the jar - they quickly learn what this sound is) to call your little ones OR offer them a dust bath when it is time to return to the cage.  A kit can have a tiny treat ... maybe a small pinch of a raisin or a part of an oyster cracker or a pinch of  dried papaya ... once or twice a day.  Even a piece of hay or a food pellet would be considered a treat by the chin, if you are hand feeding it.   

   Jo Ann

[cadillactaste]

Oh yes...we learned the hard way  ...that a bedroom isn't the place to allow "play time sessions"...Oh...shampoos then should be stored away too...so they don't topple them on them. I never thought of that. Thanks for all the tips...We'l definately try this