Is it possible??

[MistyMeanor]

I have tinkered around with something in my head for a while. Anyone with vet experience (ahem! Jess) would be great to answer this question...

Does anyone here think it may be possible that after a certain age a chins pelvic bones somewhat fuse, similar to a guinea pig?

The reason I say this is cause I do all of my pairings young. Makes for easier intro's. All of my chins have grown up together and have never gotton preggo before 6mos, and were always at a good weight. Smallest were in the 500's. So I guess I breed earlier than some others that wait a year or more.

From my experience, my ONLY birthing problems have been with chins that had not littered before a year old. I know that with GP's they need to be bred before a year old to prep their pelvic bones cause they are still flexible at that age to stretch out. And that in turn will help future litters.

I know a lot of people too that breed after a year old that have no problems. So I am totally just going by my personal experience. I would be interested in finding out more info or medical "FACT" that it's better to wait over a year.

I have also heard that if chins get preggo before a year that it can stunt their growth. From my experience that is NOT true... in fact opposite.

So anyways, I guess I am just wanting to hear some feedback on this idea I have.

[Chrisanne]

I am not completely sure... but it is very plausible in my opinion

[Seneca]

interesting... I don't really know enough about breeding or have enough experiance right now so can't really answer any of those questions but I'm interested to hear what others have to say about it.

[Gemini]

When I was studying pre-vet, I remember that there were several rodents whose pelvic bones will fuse. However, we didn't study chinchillas specifically (it was only pre-vet after all) so I'm not sure. I would say it was possible. With almost any species, there are less complications with birth and breeding the younger the animal is started (after they are of age of course!).

[AmandaDi]

I am curious on this as well. Kenzie is over a year and hasnt popped yet so it worries me some with what some say about it being too hard when they are older.

On the other hand I have heard of some breeders who do not breed until they are over a year of age, and they have no problems...

My honest opinion... every chin is different and I think some can handle it and some cant!

[ChinsAreMe]

Nope chins pelvis does not fuse like a guinea pig and I have had first time moms of 2 yrs old have kits just fine :)

[AudieV]

I have had the same experiences as you Misty. The older my chins are when they start to breed the more problems I have. I just had my 3 year old homo eb spayed after a c-section. It was her first successful litter, she had one other litter about a year ago with one dead baby. Just seems they would not come out.