How much is too much?

Holly · 04-20-2007, 02:00 AM

I just wondered how much fighting between WW brothers is normal and acceptable and how to know when it's time to call it a day.

Sparrow and Turner are now 13 weeks old and have lived together since they were born. They have a Gabber Rex cage with two of everything and I scatter their food rather than putting it in a dish and always get them out together (and switch exercise balls halfway through if they use them - I'm very aware of how much "group scent" matters).

Anyway, though I often hear squeaking they usually seem fine together and I haven't witnessed any fighting at all - up until Wednesday night that is

I heard an awful squealing noise coming from the cage (very, very different to their usual squeaking) and I saw that Turner had Sparrow pinned down in the sand bath. Sparrow was on his back screaming and this lasted for about 10 seconds - before Turner released him (or he got away). Turner then chased him all over the cage for a few seconds - then they stopped.

I watched them both carefully for the rest of the evening and things seemed back to normal - they were both ferreting about and playing in the cage - when they got near each other they acted normally. I also had a good look at Sparrow for signs of wounds/blood but there's nothing.

I suspect that I know what pre-empted this: I had cleaned out their cage that morning and, whilst I usually try to maintain the group scent by putting about a third of their old carefresh back plus the less smelly bits of loo-paper bedding, this week the cage seemed to really stink and I couldn't find as much old bedding that didn't smell awful (possibly due to the hot weather?) so I put less back in. They both seemed unsettled at the time amd stayed up all morning which is unusual - then the big fight that night happened.

So:

- Is it normal for fights to result in one hamster being pinned down on his back? Is that ok, as there's no bloodshed and they seem ok now, or should I be separating (I do have spare cages)? Is it likely that I pre-empted it by not giving them enough smelly bedding back? Or is it their age?

- They are booked into the Other Species section of the show at Brockholes on Saturday - is it a bad idea to take them now? If they go they will be shown in the same pen together and will be transprted in a home made carrier with their own carefresh/bedding from their own cage in it - but obviously they are going to be spending much of the day together in a tiny, unfamilliar smelling show pen - eek, what should I do?

Any advice appreciated

flogging_molly · 04-20-2007, 05:50 AM

Hi Holly,

Yes it's normal for them to have their squabbles, as long as there is no injuries or severe bleeding then they are fine, every day they play out who is dominant over what which results in one being pinned down and squeaking.

Don't worry too much about the show, it wouldn't be the first time i've went to a hamster show and heard the faint squeaking of winter whites or campbells. If anything, being in unfamiliar territory will bring them closer as they'll curl up together to hide from the leering public who want to see how cute they are

Hope this helps, any more q's PM me

Holly · 04-20-2007, 06:30 AM

Thanks for that - I really appreciate the advice

When I first got them their constant squeaking (like the Sooty and Sweep show!) used to have me running constantly to see what they were up to. The other night was the first time I'd heard screams and it did worry me a lot - thanks for the reassurance.

I guess we are still taking them tomorrow

souffle · 04-20-2007, 01:53 PM

I think that maybe if you put some of their grubby bedding in with the show pen bedding that will help with the scent issue. Don't worry about them yet as long as they are not hurting each other. Have a word with the breeder tomorrow if you are worried. Is they sand bath enclosed? Maybe a bit of 'who owns the sand' fight going on there. Remember your fruit & veg for the show pens holly.

Holly · 04-20-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by souffle

I think that maybe if you put some of their grubby bedding in with the show pen bedding that will help with the scent issue.

Unfortunately we use carefresh - I don't think I'm allowed to put that in

...I'm putting their cage bedding into their carrier though - can't think what else I'll do with the show pen. I can't even stuff it full of their smelly bedding tonight and leave it overnight - it's a hire pen!

I need to pick up half a cucumber from the corner shop in the morning - should they have fruit as well? I've got the plain dog biscuits and the wood shavings for the show pens.