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Post by sparkiesnaps on Jan 31, 2011 12:41:47 GMT
2 of our 3 boys have just reached a year old and have very suddenly this morning started fighting badly. Obviously its a dominance thing, but its really nasty fighting and all 3 are involved. The 2 youngsters, Sly and Chuck have both had minor injuries (cut mouth/chin) and it seems as though Sly is the instigator, though theyve all been having a go, so we've taken Sly out for the time being. We only have a smallish hamster cage to keep him in so its no good for long term. Chuck is very freaked out and squeaking constantly and still trying to have a go at Bruce, the older one who isnt showing as much aggression as the younger ones. Any advice welcome we really dont know what to do, it's even harder as I've just had a baby 2 weeks ago and really struggling to deal with this situation.  |
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Post by sparkiesnaps on Jan 31, 2011 13:26:43 GMT
update: 1 hour separated, Sly is in the small cage, we've put it next to the big one so they can still see eachother. Sly very agitated, wanting to get out, Chuck squeaking with fright. Very worried about Bruce, he's very still and subdued, seems to be in shock, has runny poo stuck to his fur around his rear end. Chuck has finally just gone and sat next to him so hopefully this means they can be friends. Should we move Sly further away to calm the other two or will that make reuniting them harder?
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Post by deguconvert on Feb 1, 2011 17:40:41 GMT
Runny poo is not a good sign for a degu . . . you may need to take him to a vet. Look on degutopia, they talk on there about bloat and runny poo, and hopefully there is advice on how to help poor Bruce out. I wouldn't worry about moving the cages apart, keeping them close enough to interact is important. I understand your distress over their fighting, it is very troubling. Add to that your newborn, and you must be feeling very unpleasant stress and anxiety. (Congratulations on your new baby.) I would keep them apart for a bit yet, keeping an eye on Bruce, and if Bruce perks up and all is calm, I would try putting Sly back in with them. If you have a chance to look closely at their bodies and check for wounds, it would be a good idea. Rubbing your fingers against their fur will also tell you if there have been previous injuries recently that have scabbed over. I don't know why dominance should become such a big issue right now, but it does seem to happen about 20-30% of the time in degus. Hopefully it will pass just as quickly, for your sake!
Now for you . . . do you have anyone that is giving you a helping hand with baby? How are you feeling in yourself? Is this your first? I ask that because although it doesn't matter how many births you've been through, they are all demanding and visit great changes, it does effect you if there are other children on hand to care for as well. I hope for your sake that you have a support system that you can call upon. If you do . . . don't hesitate . . . CALL on them. YOU need it so that you can be all the Mum you want to be. My thoughts are with you!
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Post by donnapass on Feb 5, 2011 17:23:51 GMT
i have only had my little guys 6 days , and they have been fighting one has had a cut eye and chin , ihad cleaned him up but i am worried about them now . please could you give my some help
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