Friends fighting

atkinsn2 · Feb 5, 2011

I just bought 2 chins from the pet store a couple of days ago. They are both males. The two were kept in the same cage at the pet store. I'm not sure how long they were together at the store. I have had them in the same cage since I got them and everything has been fine. They seem to be friends. I have seen them sleeping on one another and grooming each other. One of them is clearly dominate (Pikachu). The more timid chin is Ryu.

However, today I gave them some fresh water which initiated a fight. Pikachu was using the bottle when Ryu tried to push him out of the way to get a drink. Pikachu did not like this one bit. They fought for a little while and Ryu eventually gave up. Ryu lost a couple pieces of fur in the fight. 20 minutes later they were getting along fine again, sleeping right next to each other. I'm not sure what I should do about this. I really don't want to separate them as they seem to be friends most of the time. It was clearly triggered b the fresh water.

Is this sort of thing common between two males? Should I try getting a second water bottle so they don't have to share. I don't have any other chins, just these two.

caiti · Feb 5, 2011

I really don't know how serious that fight was since I only have one chin and don't really know about how they interact with one another, but I do think it's a good idea to get a second water bottle (and maybe food dish). Even animals who get along all the time, with things like food and water it not only forces them to implement a hierarchy but also makes things tense. Sometimes animals may never have a problem it's just something you can do to prevent some fights if they ever might happen. And in a already stressful situation (new home) it can be a trigger.

As far as separating goes, other members will likely give you advice on that. Good luck with your boys! Oh and sometimes pet stores mis-sex chins so I would just double check they are both males.

Jazicat · Feb 5, 2011

If they fight again I would separate them, especially if fur flies. It may be that in their new home they've decided they don't like each other and may not be able to be caged together. I'd also keep watch closely tonight because a fight can get bad very quickly.

addictedtochins · Feb 5, 2011

Since you have only had them a couple of days I wouldn't separate over a little fur flying if they are ok otherwise. I have only seen a fight like that over water when the water bottle wasn't working right and they were thirsty. The bottle has to be straight up and down, sometimes when it leans backwards a little the ball stopper doesn't work right. I like to use a spring to firmly attach the bottle to the outer cage wall. Also sometimes new bottles just do not work for some unknown reason. Every time I get them water I check it after I hang it to make sure it works. I also make sure I see the air bubbles when I see them drinking. Get 2 working bottles and feed dishes in there cage. Congratulations on your babies and welcome to CnH, Theresa

TnkTaingTal · Feb 5, 2011

Even chins who love each other have fights sometimes, think of them as brothers. Brothers fight as do sisters; don't worry about it too much. It wouldn't hurt to have two water bottles and food dishes. In my experience they only fight over food and water (when they usually get along) Ever now and then they will if they just annoy each other like when cleaning one another or pushing each other into different sleeping positions and what not.

atkinsn2 · Feb 5, 2011

Thanks for the advice. I will get a second water bottle and food dish tomorrow. I have been watching them ever since the fight and they have been getting along fine. The water bottle works just fine. I can see the air bubbles in it when they drink out of it.
I hadn't changed the water in 2 days, the fight happened almost instantly after I changed the water. I guess I will see what happens tomorrow when I change the water again.
We just had play time and they were fine. Honestly they are way more afraid of me still than they are of each other.
When I go back to the pet store tomorrow to get the second water bottle I will ask the people at the store if they have had any previous fights.