Suddenly pacing 2 year old foxer, not aggressive

[Rexie]

Past few days he has been pacing pretty much non stop during the day. Testicles are enlarged, urine is strong. Still acting sweet to me, just that I can see his frustrated look on his face. It's not breeding season so I am puzzled. I hurt for him, and no releasing is not a option. I suspect it may be the recent invasion of rats in my attic, possibly females breeding that has triggerd his over active behavior. I feel he will calm down, just want input on the rat idea? I feel sad for him right now. I am spending more time with him and he is still very affectionate just looks like he is high on too much caffeine, hyperactivity like. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

[Rhapsody]

Does he get any time out of the cage to play?
if not this could be part of his irritation.

[Rexie]

Oh yes every day I spent 2 to 4 hours with him depending on how much time I have that day. He is a huge top priority to me and I don't not feel there is any neglect on my part.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Since he is inside....I don't think mating season for the outdoor wild's pertains to him:dono he could be following his own internal clock....or something else could have set him off....animals are so sensitive to subtle changes....changes in lighting....sounds....here where I live...the lighting is different as the sun is moving farther away...crickets are replacing frogs in the song department....geese and migrating birds are heard overhead. Maybe your gentleman is reacting to the seasonal changes....and if there is rustling in the attic...you can be certain that he hears....probably smells their presence...that could make him nervous...someone is in his territory :dono just some brainstorming...my Baby sometimes gets antsy....we don't know why...she doesn't get mean with us...never has :bowdown but she will be short...and not as affectionate...maybe preoccupied:thinking this may just be a mood your boy is going through :great

[Rexie]

Thank you, my other thought after your reply is maybe he is feeling the need to gather and stock up food the the comming winter. I noticed now he is digging and scratching his beds, blankets stuff like that. Yes the lighting has changed and now the windows are open too. He is has also lost weight in the past week from his pacing. Like I said. No aggressive which I am extremely greatfull for. I hope this phase will phase itself out soon. I love him with all my being and it's killing me to see his frustrated look and actions because he can't help it.

[cava]

May be some enrichment things would help him blow off steam?

A dig box, you hiding treats all around, paper towels to shred, toilet paper rolls (or rolls of toilet paper) with stuff hidden inside and the ends pinched shut, new chew sticks/shells/things in general, add a new thing for him to explore, extra blankets to burrow under and "dig" in, fresh cut twigs with leaves or branches, extra mommy time for reassurance and you playing with him to redirect his energy.

Just some ideas. Or may be this is a thing they go through and you'll have to wait it out.

Good luck!

[Rexie]

Thank you for your ideas. I pretty much do all of the things you have mentioned. I have not tried a dig box because I am so paranoid about the dirt and what things might be in it. I will try the whole toilet paper idea and get him some new things to chew on. He has antlers to chew on. Once a week he gets a whole coconut to shred. He gets 3 whole black walnuts a week. Pear, pecan, Hackberry, oak. Hibiscus rose of sharon, Apple. Rose, branches, bark, leaves etc. Henrys blocks. And a daily veggie buffet , one fruit item a day . When out of his cage his whole entire room is a play gym with wood, tree branches. Cat trees and ropes. I have done many hours of research on this board and have invested so much into his well being it borders on obsession. It's extremely important to me for him to content with his unnatural life being a kept squirrel. Thank you for all your input and ideas. We are grateful.

[Snicker Bar]

I completely sympathize with you and your baby! I have posted similar scenarios with questions, wondering if this behavior was an OCD issue or boredom/neglect problem. I have three non-releasable (one blind eye, two recovering neurons) grey females; all in a large, outdoor porch. I spend hours as well; rearranging limbs, logs, perches etc. for these girls - but my first ( and most affectionate) baby does this behavior every Spring and Fall. I agree with the others; it has to be a seasonal instinct. Ours are primarily outdoors full time; (for the purpose of having a large room vs cages). Snickers especially, seems hypersensitive to the seasonal changes. This is the second year in a row this exact same worrisome change has kvertaken her :( She runs routes through her room in the branches- over and over. And sometimes just runs in circles. She also becomes quite thin in spite of every imaginable thing a squirrel could want to eat, plus her HHB's. I even added a bunny to her room lol; thinking the presence of another living animal would be comforting to her. Now, she has two foster sisters plus the bun, and still running her weight off; so that must not be the solution . I actually brought her inside for a few weeks- but in the house she doesn't have the freedom and accessories she has in this porch. It breaks my heart too- but as others here suggested; just add, rearrange, cuddle, and wait it out. It's got to be their natural instincts, driving them to get ready for Winter. Last year was my first Fall with her as an adult, and it seems as though she settled down and fattened right back up after the leaves were gone from the trees. She got back to her old self; normal and content . So hang it there; me and the girls are both stressing with you, but hopefully it won't last :) Snicker's mom; and Doodles, Dandy, and The Hunny Bun

[Rexie]

Thank you so much for your information and reply. I agree it seems to be a instinct issue. It hurts us humans to see them going thru this. I think we should just be greatfull that it plays itself out in a few weeks. Also no aggression, no cage biting, still eating , still affectionate. I guess hyperactivity and weight loss can be easily delt with considering the other negatives that can happen. Only squirrel parent's could possibly understand. Here's hoping all calms down with everyone's baby's having seasonal issues right now

[Rexie]

Well he is still pacing during the day. Not worse but not better either. He is still sweet and loving to me, no signs of aggression so again , very happy for that. His testicles are still enlarged and he pees on everything when he is out with me. I still feel it's a instinct issue. Hope it's not gona progress to him being utterly miserable as a kept squirrel.

[Rexie]

Update on my boy. Still pacing about the same during the day. He is drinking alot more water from his increased activity. No aggression, no cage biting. Sweet to me
Now in the past few days he has been scratching like crazy. He has fur loss in between his inner thighs at the folds of his legs . Fur is thin elsewhere, no missing patches. When he is out with me he is grooming my hands alot, more than usual. My guess it's anxiety. Would appreciate any feedback .thanks Rexies mom