Introducing at night...

[outsiders_girl]

Has anyone ever done this? I was going to do another smoosh attempt with my 3 chins, 2 of them are already bonded and living together (since like June...) and I tried to add a 3rd chin about 2 weeks ago. I wanted to do it today, since I have school during the week, but we didn't get home until about 2 hours ago. Do I was thinking of *trying* to do a smoosh in a few mins... but was wondering if anyone has tried it before. I have a small carrier, which they would have to walk over one another to get to another place, then when they are ok in that I move them to a cat carrier, and then if they are doing well, I move them to a big cage. Would you say that it's too risky to do it now? Or has anyone tried it? I may give it a try... who knows? Maybe it would work better because they are less angry about someone waking them up and putting them with another new chin while they are trying to sleep :confused:

[SarahSueBob]

I'm not too experienced, but I can't see any reason why it would make a difference what time of day you try, as long as you are going to be around to supervise. What are you using to smear on their noses to make them get along? Have you done the smoosh before with your other two who have been together since June?

[outsiders_girl]

Hi,

I am using Vics Vapor Rub- just a little bit. I smooshed the 2 that have been together, and I smooshed once before that also. They got into a squable, so I removed the one that wasn't bonded. I'll try again next weekend, but after that, if it doesn't work, than I am going to have to think of something else. I think I have a plan... I am going to buy 2 breeding runs, using one for breeding, and using the other one as a cage- the bonded pair can have 2 holes and the one can have one hole- and of corse, all of them would get seperate out of the cage free run for a few hours a day. That would be my last choice though- b/c I would prefer not to do that. I need to get down to 4 cages by Jan 1. and really don't want to give up any- plus, I would feel awful if I had to give up the unbonded one, because my friend gave him to me, and I gave my friend one of my chins when I moved away. She offered to take him back, but the weekend that we were supposed to meet her mom was told she wasn't allowed to drive because she had pnamoenia (lol- I know I spelt that way wrong!). So that messed everything up. She called me to tell me that we couldn't meet, and started crying on the phone because she wanted him to be with me or with her- and I said I promise that I will find a way to keep him- but that made me feel awful because now I made a promise that I am not sure I can really keep! :(

[SarahSueBob]

Well, I hope it works...maybe you should try smooshing them separately? One new friend at a time...maybe that's all he can handle? I've recently done it on my guys and it worked....granted, they lived together and then they were separated for about 2 weeks because Gus got neutered and it was sort of a mess, but when I put them together they were friends right away. Just give it a couple of chances! They'll work it out!

[SarahSueBob]

Also, there's another thread on here called "smoosh attempt #1" or something like that, and they had some great advice...try looking there for some more tips!

[outsiders_girl]

I just remembered a tip that someone gave me... I have another male who is agressive... and protective at the same time. Someone told me to trim his whiskers, so maybe that would work? I am going to let them rest until next weekend- leaing their cages next to eachother again. I guess the whisker thing is worth a shot for next time- but I have a feeling that this is based on sight and not on smell.

I have read that thread, but I am going to go back to it b/c I can't remember for the life of me what suggestions it had.

[karynnd]

Someone on here gave me this hint and said it's worked really well for her. I've tried it twice and it worked great for me both times. She said she takes the chins she wants to get together for a car ride and then she puts the female or females in the male's carrier. She said it has always worked for her.

Well, I tried it for the first time yesterday with three of my chins and it worked great. There wasn't any fighting at all. She said she drives for about 20-30 minutes and then puts the chins together. Since this method worked so well for me, I would definitely tried it again. :)

[chuckles]

I'm not too experienced, but I can't see any reason why it would make a difference what time of day you try, as long as you are going to be around to supervise. What are you using to smear on their noses to make them get along? Have you done the smoosh before with your other two who have been together since June?

Actually, morning time is best when they have been active all night & are ready to sleep; they are usually a little less likely to fight. Doesn't mean they wouldn't fight at all. What sexes are we talking about here also by the way? That may also have something to do with it; if the bonded pair are male & female & the other is female, you would need to get the 2 females to bond before adding the male.

[arafel]

Karynnd - this driving around thing... how exactly does it work? You put the chins in the other's carriers and drive them for 20-30 minutes and then put them together? or do you put them together and then drive?

I didn't quite understand, lol. I also have three males - two are bonded and the third is by himself. I'd love to see the three of them together if at all possible.

[chuckles]

Karynnd - this driving around thing... how exactly does it work? You put the chins in the other's carriers and drive them for 20-30 minutes and then put them together? or do you put them together and then drive?

I didn't quite understand, lol. I also have three males - two are bonded and the third is by himself. I'd love to see the three of them together if at all possible.

You will need two carriers; put the bonded pair in one & the other in the second carrier; put them in the car & drive 20-30 min.; stop & put the bonded pair into the carrier w/the other chin, then drive back. You will need to keep an eye on them just in case it may not work & they start fighting in the carrier. If no fighting occurs by the time you get back home, put them in a neutral cage or thoroughly clean one before putting them in. Still keep an eye on them for a few days once they are caged together just in case. Also the cage must be big enough to house all three chins.