Piggie Boy feeling down

[kimberlie]

Due to Snickers being aggressive with Fudge, I decided to give them a "trail separation". Fudge has stayed in his usual cage, whilst Snickers has been moved to another.
Snickers is positioned next to Fudge so that they can see each other, and still talk through the bars.
They have been separated for only 3 days, but i've noticed that Snickers behaviour has changed. He sits on top of the house, staring at Fudge all day long, and constantly chews the bars when Fudge gets closer.
He seems more withdrawn and doesn't seem to be enjoying floor time as much.
Hes even started snubbing his veggies and just leaving them. :{
Its got me worried because he seems a bit sad.

Any suggestions as to how I can cheer him up? Should I get Fudge out with Snickers during floor time to help lift his spirits?

 

[Wiebke]

Snickers is obviously very unhappy - he cannot understand that it is his behviour that has caused the separation and is feeling badly treated and lonely.

How is Fudge doing on his own? If he seems a lot happier since, I would not put them back together. You have to brace yourself for the full fireworks of the dominance protocol anyway.

 

[kimberlie]

Snickers is obviously very unhappy - he cannot understand that it is his behviour that has caused the separation and is feeling badly treated and lonely.

How is Fudge doing on his own? If he seems a lot happier since, I would not put them back together. You have to brace yourself for the full fireworks of the dominance protocol anyway.

I think that Fudge does seem to be happier, although he still seems a little on edge. Had some trouble with picking him up lately because I think he was quite scared it was Snickers coming up behind him (fudge used to love getting picked up before he stopped getting a long from fudge). Fudge is still enjoying his veggies, and does seem to enjoy floortime. He also does a lot of rumbling and chattering when he's out on the floor if he goes near to Snickers cage or if I try and approach him.

I just feel very sorry for snickers and have been trying to give him lots of extra attention and handling.

 

[Wiebke]

You can try them back together, but I think that Fudge won't be too happyand any peace will only be a matter of time. Stand by with a towel, in case you need to separate.

Is it worth thinking about having Snickers (and Fudge) neutered by a
good vet and living with a girl? It would take away the worries in the long run.

 

[kimberlie]

You can try them back together, but I think that Fudge won't be too happyand any peace will only be a matter of time. Stand by with a towel, in case you need to separate.

Is it worth thinking about having Snickers (and Fudge) neutered by a
good vet and living with a girl? It would take away the worries in the long run.

I would love to be able to pair both Snickers and Fudge with girls, but unfortunately, i already have another 2 boys (who luckily get on great) and I do not have the space for 2 more girls

I'm just going to have to play it by ear, and hopefully when snickers comes out of his hormonal teenage stage I will try them together again!

 

[Wiebke]

Best of luck - I know that it is frustrating!

But there is a chance that they may be able to at least share run time later on if they didn't have a really bad fight and fall out.