Post by adoptaratcanada on Dec 11, 2006 19:14:21 GMT -4
I thought I'd post this, just in case my experiences are useful to anyone else. Copied from another post...
part 1
I had a question...maybe I'm being premature and
it will pass...
I notice tonight that Hugh is really, really
feisty.
He's definitely been the shyer of the two, but
had really come a long way and had become quite
outgoing. I moved them into a new, bigger cage
yesterday, and I'm hoping it's only due to a bit
of stress until he gets used to it. After I put
them in there, they did seem a bit scrappier than
usual. However, last night they were interested
in my being around, and comfortable being taken
out of the cage.
So, they woke up not all that long ago this
evening and I gave them their dinner and when I
wanted to take them out, Locutus was ok, but Hugh
was having none of it. Well actually I did get
him out (not as easily as yesterday) after
putting Locutus back, and wanted to take him (H)
out again but no way was he going to let me
handle him (he did a tiny squeek when I first put
him back but I *think* it was a cranky squeek,
rather than pain, but you never know, I guess).
He mostly ran from my hand and was nippier than
usual...they often feel my hand with their teeth
which is normal but this was a teensy bit more
aggressive (I thought I'd cleaned any food smell
off my hand), and when I would touch him while
he was in the cage or try to pick him up again,
he would turn really fast, almost defensively,
grabbing my fingers...not enough to hurt but
certainly enough to shock me. He did it a few
times, and I've left him alone now.
Any suggestions on what this might be about, and
how to handle it?
After my bad experience with the awful bite
Chopin gave me early on, I find this set-back
really depressing...it makes me wanna cry :/
THANKS!
Linda
Part 2, the update:
I was able to get Hugh out for a moment after I wrote that email last night although he did seem a bit crabby again after I put him back.
This morning I was able to get him out for a quick cuddle and he wasn't as defensive. I also moved the new cage back to the computer room from the rat room. I think maybe there were a few too many changes in a short period, so I'll leave them here till they get used to the cage. I've had a few emails back from people saying that it's just them maybe a bit stressed, but definitely re-establishing territorial dominance again because of the new cage...so they should sort it out before long. I'm VERY happy to hear that!
The boyz went in for their initial check-up at the vet a couple of hours ago. Fortunately got them out of the cage no problem. They travelled very well (Locutus got a dab of Rescue Remedy on his ears, and Hugh licked a dab off my finger). They weren't so keen at coming out of the carrier, but once they did, they were fine. Everything's in good order!
Now they're back home for an afternoon snooze!
linda