Author Question: Comparison of a polygamous breeding setup and a pair mating setup for ... (Read 81 times)

LCritchfi · **on:** Jul 18, 2018

Comparison of a polygamous breeding setup and a pair mating setup for chinchillas:

Question 2

There are two methods that can be used in properly picking up a chinchilla:

whitcassie · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 18, 2018

Answer to Question 1

In a polygamous breeding setup for chinchillas, there are several cages attached to a tunnel. A male can
visit several females at any time. Each female wears a collar that prevents her from leaving her own cage.
This setup usually involves three cages, housing two females and one male. Additional cages can be added
for more females. A male can exercise in the tunnel, and he can breed more females in a smaller period of
time; females can be bred to give birth during the same time frame.

In a pair mating setup, the male should be placed close to the females cage, so they can become familiar
with each other. The male can then be placed in the females cage, with a box so that he can have a safe
area if the female is unwilling to breed. This setup allows a breeder to watch the mating more carefully and
affords the ability to remove the animals quickly if fighting occurs. It also allows a male to stay in the cage
with the female through the gestation and birth, if desired.

Answer to Question 2

Method 1: Cup both hands and place one hand in front of the animal, and the other hand behind, and cup
the animal in the hands. This is the gentlest and most recommended procedure for picking up a chinchilla.
Method 2: Grasp the animals tail close to the body, and pick it up. Hold the animal close to the handlers
body, so it feels safe. This method is used when the chinchilla is frightened.