Unusual behavior, possible no longer getting along

[MamaJ]

Shoe is about 2 years old and Spookie is a little less than 1.5 years. They have been happily together since Spookie was 11 weeks old. About 4 days ago I noticed a behavior change in my 2 boys.

They seem to have scuffles during playtime, Spookie will usually approach Shoe, sniff him (nose to nose) and Shoe does a sound that almost sounds like a growl/hiss. They will occasionally mount one another briefly, no chasing that I observed. So for the past 4 days, neither of them seems very interested in coming out for nightly playtime at all. Especially Spookie usually pours out of his cage the second I open it, now he just sits there. I finally coaxed him out last night and he acted oddly fearful of me, hid under the cage and seemed very timid. Shoe came out for a little while, but seemed fine otherwise. Both boys had a little tuft of fur protruding from their backs/butts, nothing bad at all, but I did notice it.

I think they may no longer be getting along, but I am having a hard time figuring out who is bullying who (if that is in fact what is going on when i am not in there). Spookie was acting timid, but he is also a LOT bigger than Shoe, has pristine whiskers, whereas Shoe is a small guy......I just don't know. I was thinking about trimming whiskers, but don't even know which boy is the source of trouble so to speak.

Thoughts?

 

[cindyv3737]

If you think they are fighting split them. They've given you a warning. You don't want to wake up one morning to a badly injured or dead chin. We can't tell you why they don't get along. It just happens. One day they decide they no longer want to be friends.

 

[MamaJ]

I am not really worried about why they are fighting...could be a million things. I guess I was more wondering about whether this is 'normal" behavior or considered fighting. I am curious as to who is the bully. I will get my second cage ready.

 

[MamaJ]

Maybe I should be more clear. I saw a couple of things that were "red flags" to me personally, but I am by far not as knowledgeable as some of the folks on here, so I was hoping to get a take on their behavior.

Also, I am not sure how to determine who is bullying who (again, if this in fact the case) since i saw mutual humping, both boys had a fur tuft sticking out, etc.