What is the best way to deal with my chinchilla being neutered?
It is easier and safer to castrate a male chinchilla as it is less of an operation than that required for a female. After castration, the male has to be caged on his own for approximately 3-6 weeks. This is to ensure that the castration is complete. Convalescing chinchillas should be placed in a one level cage initially. Place newspaper on the cage bottom to absorb urine and change this 3 or 4 times daily. The chinchilla’s operation site needs to be kept very clean the first few days to avoid infection, so should not have contact with wood shavings etc so newspaper is the best alternative. Do also try to restrict the chinchilla’s exercise during this period, as stretching/pulling may damage the stitches….the stitches are normally dissolvable ones nowadays. Bear in mind that a separation of the male from the other chinchilla/s may require a ‘transitional introduction’ procedure when it is time to put them back together.
I would generally agree with the previous answer. It seems that the author has covered the most important aspects. Though I would also add some notes on your pet’s cage you should bear in mind when purchasing a home for your chin. To ensure hygienic conditions, promote healthy habits and well-being of your dear friend, opt for a vertical multilevel cage (it would encourage your chin to be active after the recovery period is over). The cage should be metal (sometimes they chew on plastic cages and that has proven to have negative consequences for chinchilla’s health). I will leave here a website for more tips on an ideal chinchilla cage. I found them quite useful.
