Terrorising male

[pip]

I put two sons (now 9 weeks old) in with daddy degu, after deciding the genders needed splitting. Everything has been fine since the babies were weened at 5 weeks.

But now daddy has started terrorising the small ones. He chases, humps, bites and treats them terribly. I took him out for the night to see if temporary separation would help (and the babies loved the break!) but back this morning he's just as bad.

He's worse with one baby than the other, and can't understand why, and why his behaviour has suddenly changed. When you open the door to the cage, the very bullied baby darts out and sits in your arms, in refuge.

Can anyone help? The poor mite is terrorised.

[Lala]

Was dad the dominant degu before? It might be he's showing his sons who is boss, but it seems a little extreme with them being so young and I'm assuming they aren't fighting back.

[pip]

He's only ever been with his 'wife', and he's been fine all through the rearing and for the past four weeks when I separated the males from the females.

They aren't fighting back, and the little one is terrified. They all used to be so lively, but now he just sits in my hand or on my leg very still.

[jolie]

Okay, you have Dad goo, Son #1 and Son #2 (little one), right?
They've been together four weeks? How long has he been bullying the sons?
Where in the world are you? (if not comfortable saying, just say whether Americas or Europe.)

Very strange. Nine weeks old is not the age that they would begin puberty or anything.... Could be increased daylight hours affecting Dad's testosterone and making him more aggressive.
If the terrorizing does not calm down, the only thing I can say is consider neutering Dad and putting him in with Mom. Sorry, I know that doesn't help much.

[pip]

Yes, that's right, and I'm in the UK. It can't be the daylight hours because they're actually in a secluded corner away from the window, where they've been for weeks. This behaviour has come out of the blue. He was a model dad, helping his 'wife' with all the babies. And he's been with the two boys now for a month, no problems, very happy.

But all of a sudden they're terrified of him. I just tried re-introducing, and I've never seen a little one launch himself out of the cage so quick, like lighning. He has got really aggressive with them, and they're terrified of him.

When you say neuter, do you mean the snip or castrate? Do they both carry equal risk?

[kerry]

i wonder if he is really missing mom and is a bit unsure of being on his own without her. they could be getting on his nerves???

[jolie]

Any surgery carries risk. I mean the snip. Mine have had it done, but it's not a guarantee as mine still do not get along. :/
I think that even away from the window, they still are affected in the spring.

Sorry, I don't think I'm much help to you. I hope all goes well for you and your goos.