Biting Tails

[Lala]

Hello, me again.

We've noticed since the last post that our dominant Degu, Coke, keeps biting Jack's tail! Is this normal dominant behaviour? It's not all the time, just if Jack's in the way of him Jack never does it back though!

I'm worried because I know Degus tails are really sensitive and can fall off if grabbed! These are our first Degus and our babies, so I'm panicking at the littliest things
They normally get on well, always chirping at each other and playing. My boyfriend said they had a little bust up yesterday while I was at work so I'm dead worried now!

Byeee
Lala
.x.x.x.

[exile57]

Mine have done it twice, but once each not just the dominant one. And like yours, it was only cos the other one was in the way and he wanted to get on my hand. It wasn't a big bite though, just 'oi i'm here' kind of nibble.

I wouldn't worry unless the dominant one if trying to 'bite' properly.

[Lala]

Thank you

They were both fine last night... all chirpy and happy!

[ra]

I have a mother/daughter pair. They both bite one another's tail, especially if one gets in front of the other when lining up for treats. I've even seen one grab the others' tail and pull them back out of their way. I am sure they know how far they can go before causing damage because they do this daily and neither has ever hurt the other. The daughter can get food aggressive and has caused her mom to squeak loudly then box her a good one! Appears to be normal Degu behaviour.

[exile57]

I probably shouldn't laugh, but I burst out laughing at the vision of mum turning round and 'boxing' the young un

[peggy]

Mine often seem to hold other's tail and nibble it! Weird. Even I've had two degus with bitten tail and one with 2/3 of her tail, probably caused because of her buddy. It's a pity they haven't the beautiful brushes anymore....

[jim]

My young pair tend to tug on each other's tails. Well, saying that only one does.

One of them only has half of a tail so he's got the advantage if he gets to the hand with the treat in first! Taylor has no chance to yank him back ...