Difference between play fighting and real fighting

[coronasol]

Hello All,

Well my little boys are 8 weeks old now and getting more settled by the day - they eat from my hands and don't scarper so much when I'm near the cage They don't seem to want to venture onto my hands and out the cage yet though, but I'm sure they'll get there.

I wanted to ask you all what your experience is with fighting Goo's in that how do I tell the difference between minor squabble/dominance play and a proper fight? The boys squabble, chase each other, box and it all seems harmless, and one also seems to chase the other away from food or treats with some squeaking. I just want to make sure this is all normal (which I think it is based on reading these boards) and if there are any signs I should watch out for or be worried about that may turn into more serious fighting? What are your experiences?

[deguconvert]

Serious, dangerous fighting tends to be almost silent, except for the loud bangs that result from the kicking as they flip off the walls. They don't squeak or anything, all energy and concentration is fully on the battle. If you are hearing squeaks and squeals most likely you are seeing a non-threatening match.

[coronasol]

Thanks! Good to know their current squabbles are normal then - I was pretty sure it was regular behaviour but it's always good to know what behaviour indicates something a little more serious, just in case

[xtratime]

Thats good to know for me too. We have 3 females and it seems one is always on top of the other and the one under is squeaking away. I feel like helping her out .

[dmwitch]

I had an injury that I just noticed this morning. My 3 male goos live together and squeaky today has a bite or scratch by his eye. His eye is shut and he is acting more timid today than usual. Should I keep an eye out. Didn't see any major fighting this morning but it could have happened yesterday while I was out. We were out for awhile yesterday and I didn't see any problem while home though. Is there a way to treat his eye also.

[deguconvert]

If you boil up some water, let it cool and make a mild solution of saline . . . 1/2 table salt to 1 cup of water . . . and then use a well soaked cotton bud to wash it down, it will help to clean it out. You may need to have a small towel on hand as well to dry him a bit.

Scratches around the eyes are not too uncommon, really. I think they can happen during basic boxing that gets a little feisty. The eye and the area surrounding it are a little more vulnerable to tears from the nails as a result of the short hairs and the tender skin.