what would you do?

[pappy1264]

I am overwintering 6 this year. Four who came to me together (they were older, not little babies), then two singles (Max and lil Peanut...tried intros with them, but lil Peanut was like 'I don't think so'.) Anyway, my issue is with one of the four. It is two of each sex, none of them are related. One is slightly older the the other three, thus more mature, although both boys have had their jewels drop in. So, they all get along well for the most part. They have their typical play fights but its all good. Until today. Seems this one male is 'guarding' one of the females and really going after the other two pretty nastily. He is not trying to climb on or mate with this female, but sticks by her side, making lots of noises, then chases after the other two if they are anywhere near, then runs right back to her side. He even seems to be licking her face (not trying to steal food, actually licking her mouth). Now, generally, I let them work things out themselves, but I am a bit concerned with how aggressive this one boy is getting. They are in a 10 ft cage, have a giant nest box (btw they all sleep together with no issues...at least so far.) The girl he is chasing doesn't seem to care either way (although she does try to run to get away from him. He never attacks her.) There are no leaves left outside, hence the overwintering (and it is cold here!) But I am concerned, we have a LONG way to go until spring and concerned he could hurt one of the others (not to mention it has to be stressing them pretty badly to be constantly chased in this way. Playing is one thing, this is not playing.) Any feedback? Ideas? Suggestions? Do you think I should seperate him or them (although I think she isn't too happy with things like this...again, she is a little younger then the male is.) Have never had an issue with this before. (Yes, we have had to get a pecking order in place, but this one boy....man, he is more aggressive then any squirrel I have ever dealt with!)

[CritterMom]

Can your cage be divided so they can see and interact with each other but not actully get to one another?

[JLM27]

Gotta get him away from the girls. He sounds sexually precocious. Maybe a separate cage with some other bachelors? Out of sight of the girls?

[pappy1264]

So you think putting the two boys in one cage, the girls in the other? They are all in the huge pre-release cage downstairs, not any way to divide it, really. I hate taking away the big cage from any of them......I have seen sexual chasing, but not the aggressiveness this guy seems to display (heck haven't seen one out in the wild this bad!! :shakehead ) It just started today, she is pretty young to be in heat so don't think that is it. Maybe give them a little while and see how they do? Ugh. Don't want anyone to get hurt. Just been an odd duck from day one, I think. The two boys don't love each other.....other boy is not being a problem (at least so far....:crazy ) I have had others suggest getting him out...but no way....nothing left outside for him to set up house....they are hear until spring. But want to make sure everyone is safe and not feeling stressed out.

[iwonka]

I'm very happy you've opened this post. I'm in the same situation, 2 males and 2 femeles for overwintering.. no problems yet, but it will probably come. I also have a 7 weeks old girl..As for now I let her climb on the big cage but I keep her separated.

[pappy1264]

I had four together last year, same thing, 2 and 2 with no issues (yeah, there was some chasing but nothing like this!) From the getgo, this one has been pretty aggressive, first with me, (and he still will try to bite me if I give him the chance, but has stopped lunging after almost 2 mos!) I don't really want to seperate them if at all possible. Just was downstairs and they were all ok, although he still was sticking by 'his' females side. I just think this boy has a big dose of testoterone....they are all still pretty small to me....but that may just be the 'mom' in me...lol Guess I will just watch closely and go from there.

[JLM27]

Then just get the aggressive one out of there. Virgo had to separate Knothead, remember?