|
|
Post by mojitolover1234 on Dec 22, 2022 19:33:49 GMT -8
Hi all. So I have 2 females that are about 2 years old. They have been together since i got them, around a year and a half ago. I’ve noticed that Mocha seems to be bothering mochi. She’ll sniff her face, try to groom her, try to get her attention. All signs of when she is in heat. But mochi will retaliate and start chasing her around the cage pretty aggressively. Mocha will jump, run away, and start thumping. I haven’t noticed any bite marks or anything. This started last night. I separated them in a split cage this morning while I was at work to avoid any catastrophe and then put them together when I got home. They slept together and seemed fine until now when mocha is being chased again. Any thoughts as to why this is? Is mochi just annoyed with mocha or could this be a declanning sign? I think i am going to separate them tonight again to avoid any escalation.
|
|
|
|
Post by betty on Dec 24, 2022 5:30:13 GMT -8
This sounds like it could be the start of something because of the consistency over more than one day (heats are usually quite short) but it might be salvagable if it isn't.
I usually suggest reduce the overal level of 'solid' substrate - and then to distract them with something like LOADS of shredded paper of hay - whilst removing first all the things that might get in their way or allow one to get cornered or trapped. This way they are distracted with 'the mess' you have made and might work together all day/night to recify the situation and then realise what a great team they make (and for Mocha to behave more apologetically).
The removal of clutter and more solid objects could make them feel a bit more confident when moving around too as there are no or at least reduced barriers to space and no pinch points (which can enhance bullying opportunities). Also, this should allow you to watch them more closely as well (as they have less places to be concealed from view).
Watch closely for the next 24-48 hours though as if it isn't reducing the repeated and consistent chasing episodes, it might need more drastic action. However if you feel (from watching them) that they are 'unsafe' to be left alone - then please do just keep them apart permanently.
|
|
|
|
Post by mojitolover1234 on Dec 24, 2022 9:58:12 GMT -8
Thank you for the suggestion!! I had them separated all day yesterday and switched them back and forth like you’d do in a split cage method. Then i took out their hides and wheels and put a bunch of shredded paper and other cardboard for them to chew on and I took out the divider. Now they are sleeping together in a corner so they did miss each other I suppose! I’ll keep watching them the next 24 hours and see how they do. Happy holidays!
|
|
|
|
Post by mojitolover1234 on Dec 24, 2022 23:10:40 GMT -8
So they continued to chase each other tonight after I removed the barrier and everything. And Mocha does have a scab and a little bit of blood above her tail which I will assume is a bite wound. I separated them again with the divider to make sure they are safe. Is the next step to permanently separate them? I was most likely going to just put them in separate enclosures completely.
|
|
