I have three boys, two are father and son(a bonded pair I adopted)Yoda & Oobie and the other, NIkko I slowly introduced a year ago and after I was sure they were all compatable I moved him in with the father and son.They have all shown 'affection' (touching noses) and have had no issues. Now, almost a year later I am noticing Nikko is becoming dominant and being aggressive with the other two. The father takes it in stride as he is a big boy like Nikko but Oobie is smaller and seems to be getting depressed. I have sat back and watched and Nikko is being nasty to him(will chase him off the wheel, will sit ontop of the house Oobie sleeps in). Oobie seems to cowar in the corner alot. He still runs around but not nearly as often as he used to.He looks like he may be losing weight. I currently have the father and son together but seperated from Nikko. I have a ferret nation cage so they still have plenty of room . Just reaching out for any thoughts on the situation or advise.
Dominance issues with my three boys
- Thread starter tylerlee1
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Shooper
"Ellie Mae"
As much as you probably dont want to hear it, it is best that you separated
them now before any real harm was done. It seems as though a chin can, at any given time, just decide they dont like a cagemate. My boys were very close and one day out of the blue it all changed. Now they are forever separated. You did the right thing!!
them now before any real harm was done. It seems as though a chin can, at any given time, just decide they dont like a cagemate. My boys were very close and one day out of the blue it all changed. Now they are forever separated. You did the right thing!!
Cuddlebug
Well-known member
It sounds like Nikko is bullying Obie. It is probably for the best to keep them separated. The bullying could escalate in to a full blown fight at some point. Besides, you wouldn't want Obie spending his life cowering in a corner, would you?
poetrue
Well-known member
I agree with the above. It is a good thing that you separated them, bullying/fighting can lead to deathly consequences if allowed to continue.
As far as reasons why the change in attitude I have a few suggestions on things to check. I've seen chins start to get agressive when there was something wrong with them and they were in pain.
I've seen chins get aggressive when there was a change in their environment - new cage, different chinchillas in a neighboring cage, females added to a cage in the same room, females going into heat nearby, etc.
I've seen chins start to exhibit signs of bullying and fighting when there was an accidental mis-sexed chin, leading to multiple males in the cage with one female. You should check to make sure that isn't the case!
Also in the case of possible missexing, I've seen chins get aggressive when a female becomes pregnant. The female will often get very aggressive towards outside males, but I've also seen fathers get aggressive towards other males within the cage trying to protect their pregnant mate.
Just ideas on things to look for. Unfortunately sometimes chins just stop getting along too!
Cheryl
As far as reasons why the change in attitude I have a few suggestions on things to check. I've seen chins start to get agressive when there was something wrong with them and they were in pain.
I've seen chins get aggressive when there was a change in their environment - new cage, different chinchillas in a neighboring cage, females added to a cage in the same room, females going into heat nearby, etc.
I've seen chins start to exhibit signs of bullying and fighting when there was an accidental mis-sexed chin, leading to multiple males in the cage with one female. You should check to make sure that isn't the case!
Also in the case of possible missexing, I've seen chins get aggressive when a female becomes pregnant. The female will often get very aggressive towards outside males, but I've also seen fathers get aggressive towards other males within the cage trying to protect their pregnant mate.
Just ideas on things to look for. Unfortunately sometimes chins just stop getting along too!
Cheryl
Mt. Zion Chins
Barb
I agree with everyone. Also trios most of the time don't work - especially with males
