One of my guys just started biting!!!!

[pitonia]

Hi everyone. I finally named my two babies. Dufus (the one I can not release due to lets say his mental slowness) and Dweeb, the little monster.
Anyway. A few days ago they made an attempt at the big escape pushed the bottom of a loose screen out on the pool deck and got out. Dufus paniced once out and was running up and down the screen trying to find a way back in. Dweeb on the other hand took off in to the trees. I brought the cage out and Dufus hopped in. Long story some what short. Dweeb spent two days running wild. I kept the cage out each day in case he wanted to come in. Monday morning I hear a lot of noise. Went out and there had to have been 15 squirrels (normally we have one in our yard) chasing Dweeb. He saw me and tried to get to me, only to be dragged back up by another squirrel. I ried for 1/2 an hour. I couldn't help him and could not stand the screaming. About an hour later I saw Dweeb in the cage eating like crazy. I went out and brought him in. No bite marks thank goodnes.
My problem now is he has always liked to jump on my shoulder and sit, but now he jumps on me and hangs down my arm and bites me. So far not enough to draw blood. And he will not let Dufus near me for pets. There has been no attemot to escape again and if he sees a squirrel in the yard he seems to hide. So I don't think it's that he wants out.
I can't figuare it out. when I yell at him it scares Dufus. Who is so sweet. Dufus really missed him. He would just sit up in their corner and stare out in to the trees.
Any suggestions would really help.
Thanks, Becky

[Scooterzmom]

I think poor little Dweeb had a bad experience with other quirrels and now, he is afraid of - or angry at - Dufus too. As far as he's concerned, in Dweeb's little mind Dufus can be as mean as the others... He's only trying to make his territory ALL his. Now, as for biting you, he is confused and still very stressed, and I don't think I blame him after what he has been through. Have you tried giving him some Rescue Remedy? It helps relieving the stress. You may have to give him some regularly for the next day or so.

My best advice in a situation like this is maybe to separate them and make sure Dweeb has time to destress... being kept calm, even in a dark room if necessary. Go slowly with him, talk to him gently and move slowly around him. And DON'T yell at him or around him - it will only make it worse and make you less trustworthy to him. Instead, try making a sound that he will begin to associate with you being displeased... like a squirrel mom might make (i.e. if you can, try to imitate an angry squirrel's sound) or make up your own angry sound (accompanied by an angry face) but just don't yell. They're smart, they do know when we show anger in our faces. Show anger when he bites but don't look like you stay angry. I know, easier said than done. Also, to be on the safe side, wear 2 shirts - preferably thick one on top - two thin ones is better than a single thick one because it's harder for the claws to catch properly in 2 thickness of cloth.

Make sure you protect your eyes too.. since he is afraid he may lash out and it's bet tp protect yourself.

Finallly, patience, patience, and patience is the key. Maybe offer him food he likes while he's in the cage, talking to him gently... in other words, try to get him to accept you without being out of the cage for a day or two.

Sounds like the poor little fellow had a horrific experience. He's bound to be very skittish for at least a couple of days, maybe longer because he may not ever forget that experience. But, with patience and tender care he will at least learn to trust you again.

[stepnstone]

Even though it was his escape the person he trusted didn't/couldn't save him from the experience. I think he will come around again with you but it's just going to take some time, it sounds like Dweeb was traumatized by his outing and is now experiencing some trust issues. Not knowing any better from his relationship with Dufus he wasn't expecting the other squirrels to turn on him, I think his relationship with Dufus will mend itself in time also when he realizes Dufus is not going to turn on him. Poor baby, just give him some time to re-adjust and see how it goes...

[stepnstone]

Scooterzmom, your post beat me to the punch but I see we are on the same page. :thumbsup

[pitonia]

Thanks everyone. I have been trying to spend a lot of time over the past few days with Dweeb and he is getting better. He sat in my lap today. He has been really nice to Dufus. He hasn't made him squeak as he use to. He was actually grooming him today. But he still does not want Dufus near me.
I did notice that when ever I move the cage on the deck he freaks out and runs over and jumps in. It's like he fears being left. There has been not even an attempt to test the screens to escape.
He has not bitten me today on my arm, but he does like to go after my feet. Never a dull moment.

[Scooterzmom]

Scooterzmom, your post beat me to the punch but I see we are on the same page. :thumbsup
:thumbsup :D



Thanks everyone. I have been trying to spend a lot of time over the past few days with Dweeb and he is getting better. He sat in my lap today. He has been really nice to Dufus. He hasn't made him squeak as he use to. He was actually grooming him today. But he still does not want Dufus near me.
I did notice that when ever I move the cage on the deck he freaks out and runs over and jumps in. It's like he fears being left. There has been not even an attempt to test the screens to escape.
He has not bitten me today on my arm, but he does like to go after my feet. Never a dull moment.

Dweeb might be possessive of you - which is different than being jealous of Dufus. I mean... He probably feels/thinks he needs your protection and if your attention is on Dufus he may feel you won't protect him. :) But he'll come around, I'm sure :) ... One suggestion: when you pet Dufus, try to look at Dweeb and talk to him at the same time - to make him realize that even if you pet Dufus you're not forgetting him - and then always pet Dweeb afterwards. As for feet biting... I think he's testing... trying to make sure that this entire you is alright and trustworthy.

They are so much like toddlers at time, it's just amazing, isn't it? :D