dominance behavior???

toma · Mar 30, 2011

I have 2 male chins living together in a very big cage. sometimes the bigger of the two chases the smaller around the cage this only happens for a minute.

Today i heard an almighty noise in the cage he had chased him and there was some fur pulled from the smaller ones back, only a small amount, is this a dominance thing just to show who's boss or is it a bigger problem, apart from this they are fine after the cuddle up together and go sleep etc, just don't like the thought that the smaller one could be stressed.

thanks for any feed back.

Siany · Mar 30, 2011

Hi, ive got two girls and my Lola is the more dominant. Every now and then Lola will chase Dotty around the cage and sometimes there is a little fur loss, this usually happens when Dotty shows a little more dominant behaviour and Lola puts her in her place. Also Lola will wee on Dottys back every now and then and i think this is why there is fur flying. If its not often i wouldnt worry too much but i would keep an eye on it in case one of them gets hurt.

toma · Mar 31, 2011

Thank you for the reply, will keep an eye on them, they are usually fine and it one happens a few times a week.

Ronda · Mar 31, 2011

Sometimes the agressive male will get so agressive that they mount the other chin. You will get a torn skirt pattern around the lower hind end of the meeker chin. I would separate them when they reach this point. It can happen fast so watch them close. Also watch the food and water intake as sometimes the aggresive chin can keep them from eating and drinking at times.

Ronda

addictedtochins · Mar 31, 2011

I would get two water bottles and two food and hay dishes, he may be smaller partly due to him not eating enough and being nervous. You said it was a big cage, you may think about dividing it. My Sammy was being pestered by Doesha (both males) now Doesha is alone and Sammy is with 3 other boys who get along well, He has gained weight and is 100% happier

toma · Apr 1, 2011

He has tried to mount him a couple of times. The small one has always been small and he's been putting on weight when he has check ups at vets, I've never seen the big one keep him away from food and water. Bit worried now!!! Don't want them to be separated as they cuddle up at night and fall asleep together and okay when they are out. Generally they are fine??