JenD
Well-Known Member
Hi all - I have four young males (ages 6 mos and 4 mos). Ben, 4 mos old is the least dominant one. He is shy, but sweet. When the four play, he is the one always on his back, taking the punishment from his buddies & brother. Today I was cleaning their cage & put all 4 in the small carrier cage for over an hour. When I went to bring them downstairs, Ben started freaking out. He made this continuous noise which sounded like a low / hoarse monkey-type screech as he ran back and forth, almost lunging at two of the boys who were just standing there, waiting. The cage was closed and in the process of being picked up to be brought downstairs. I immediately opened it and removed him from there, thinking he was frightened, but no one had been doing anything to him, as far as I could tell. I have heard this noise from (what I now assume is Ben) once before when he was inside a crinkle tube with one of the others. I couldn't see what was happening, but removed him promptly just in case.
Does anyone know what that sound means? Is it a sign of fear or a precursor to aggression? When I put them back in the big cage, I put Ben in first and waited a bit before adding the others one at a time. He seemed to be following (on guard) one of the older boys as if he was making his stand, but the older boy had no interest in him. Perhaps Ben's hormones are starting to come down? Will I have to watch him for aggression? He's normally sweet and quiet, but is always the last one out of the cage. Is her perhaps getting picked on by someone? He's shy and we love him dearly. Any thoughts or advice?
Thank you!
Does anyone know what that sound means? Is it a sign of fear or a precursor to aggression? When I put them back in the big cage, I put Ben in first and waited a bit before adding the others one at a time. He seemed to be following (on guard) one of the older boys as if he was making his stand, but the older boy had no interest in him. Perhaps Ben's hormones are starting to come down? Will I have to watch him for aggression? He's normally sweet and quiet, but is always the last one out of the cage. Is her perhaps getting picked on by someone? He's shy and we love him dearly. Any thoughts or advice?
Thank you!