Help, Robos fighting

Kiri · 09-28-2016, 11:54 PM

Hi all, I am new and in desperation last night, turned to the internet for advice and came across your forum, which was very helpful. So this morning, I have decided to join to ask some more questions, specific to my situation.

I have been given two Robos by a little boy who I taught last year as he was moving flats and couldn't take them. He hadn't had them for long before he had to bring them into the classroom to live fore a few months (originally the situation was thought to be temporary). I now have them permanently, at home.

I have only ever had lone Syrians and a pair is new for me. When they first came to the classroom, one had a scab where they had been fighting (aged about 3 months - I think) but we kept a good eye on them and thought nothing more of it as the fighting was more scrapping.

Last night there was horrendous squeaking from the cage and one has drawn blood from the other and bitten from the tail and leg area. I took them from their cage and put them both in the travel cage whist I looked at the injury and what to do next. Cue finding you guys.

My conclusion was to split them for the night and review the situation the next day. I believe their cage is far too small and as they are now mine, I will look to create an alternative.

How do I go about re-introducing them? And what can I do to alleviate the stress? What do I do about creating dual facilities in the cage - wheels etc? I think they are about 7 months now, female and identical so very had to distinguish (when one isn't bleeding!).

Thank you in advance,

Kiri

**Bec** · 09-29-2016, 07:48 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I really think separating them is for the best. The really high pitched squeaky screaming is a warning that something is not right. They are starting to mature and settle and obviously want their own territory so no point in risking a disaster.

They will be just fine and much happier alone.

People think they need company but in reality they don't. It is not a natural situation for two same sex to live together at maturity. Groups in the wild would be mixed sex and ages.

cypher · 09-29-2016, 07:55 AM

I agree that it would be best to keep them apart now, some pairs do live together for their whole lives but it is quite unusual, it's a lot more common for them to fall out as they mature & want their own space.
They'll be happier apart & the less dominant one which has been bitten will have a chance to really thrive & enjoy life.
It will be a lot less stressful for you too!

Kiri · 09-29-2016, 02:39 PM

Thank you both, you have confirmed my thought. I must say that I wouldn't have kept two together had I chosen to acquire them. they have two of the largest Ikea bin cages and are as happy as the proverbial Larry.

You have put my mind at rest as I have integrated many rabbits and into groups (though not the same :P ) and thought maybe I was being a cheapskate with my time for not trying to reintegrate these two.

Kiri

flowerfairy · 09-30-2016, 02:20 AM

Glad they now have nice cages. I had to separate Flower and Fairy (roborovski sisters) after a couple of weeks due to falling out.

Hope they settle in their new set ups.

cypher · 09-30-2016, 05:00 AM

Good to hear they're both happy in their lovely bin cages.
It is a bit of a misconception that they're social animals, it's really not natural for them to live in same sex pairs like that unlike some other animals, you've definitely done the best thing for them, now sit back & enjoy

Geewhiz · 09-30-2016, 05:27 AM

You definitely made the right choice in separating them. If you get a pair of robos that are compatible it can work out well, if they have a big enough cage and two of everything. If you intend to handle them, be very careful with the one who's been bullied, one of mine was bitten twice by her sister and had been very tame before, but she was really nervous for about a week after being seperated.

Kiri · 09-30-2016, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geewhiz

If you intend to handle them, be very careful with the one who's been bullied, one of mine was bitten twice by her sister and had been very tame before, but she was really nervous for about a week after being seperated.

Thank you for this advice. Yes, she (Fredi) was incredibly jumpy yesterday. I tend to let them come to me and my hand with nice nummy things but she was having none of it. Georgie on the other hand was fairly indifferent and loves her new wheel instead! Cheeky minx!

I can't say how much you have put my mind at ease, thank you all who replied.