GliderCENTRAL

Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really?

Posted By: Ladymagyver

Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really? - 01/02/20 02:51 PM

But I'm thinking a strong second in command... Or beta.

Currently, Fiona and Stewie are cagemates, and Dot is still a single.

Everyone seems content for now with that arrangement.

Fiona, my very first glider weighs about 97gr. Stewie is a hefty 157gr+. He is all muscle with 6pack abs that include man boobs...Or "moobs"...

Last night while feeding a few mealies to Fiona and Stewie, Stewie decided to steal a mealie from Fiona. That never goes well... Last night I witnessed an all out fight over it. Mealie was dropped to the cage floor, and forgotten. And Stewie got chastised big time. She really hurt his feelings and he went to a corner of the cage and cried... I tried to give each of them a mealie and they wouldn't take it. Fiona was intent on scolding Stewie and he made small chirp's of forgiveness. When this happens, the one who is mad watches or stares at the offender and makes a chatter and crab sound while the other turns their back and makes a slow chirp/ chatter sounds.

Hubby interveins by opening the cage door and chasing them out for a change of scenery. Kind of like a reset. They both climb out and Fiona begins to chase Stewie off the cage. Stewie complies and runs all over our bed. After a few minutes, Fiona will join him... They each take turns and mark the cover I use just for this purpose. It gets washed regularly...

After about 15 minutes of outside play, we herd them back in the cage, they get a drink and final treat, all is well, and they cuddle up in their pouch for a nap...

I didn't hear any more squabbling the rest of the night...

Now, is this an alpha or beta behavior I just witnessed from Fiona?

Anyone else observe this type of behavior?

And before I'm asked, no animal was physically injured during this ordeal. Just hurt feelings... But I will physically check them over as soon as I'm sure they are in bed for the day...
Posted By: Feather

Re: Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really? - 01/02/20 10:40 PM

What??????? No video of Stewie!??!

Poor guy, I know my females will take food right out of the males hands when they have joeys and my boys just go get another piece.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really? - 01/03/20 12:53 AM

I knew you were going to ask Feather!!! I did think about it but I would have had to go get my phone. And I would have missed it. I was very surprised. An incident worth recording usually only happens about 1 in 10 times maybe. And they all hate my phone. I wish I had my wyse camera on. It could have caught it.

According to Fiona, she can steal anyone's food. Even Dot's when they were together. Dot would take it back...

For Stewie acting all big and brave, he has a soft spot for Fiona.
Posted By: Paani

Re: Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really? - 01/13/20 12:44 AM

Judah has always been the smallest in my cage. I think he has the glider equivalent of "small man syndrome" and the rest of the gliders just go along with what he wants to shut up his crabbing.
Posted By: Ladymagyver

Re: Is the Smallest the Alpha? Really? - 01/13/20 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Paani
Judah has always been the smallest in my cage. I think he has the glider equivalent of "small man syndrome" and the rest of the gliders just go along with what he wants to shut up his crabbing.


I think you hit the nail on the head!!! Lol!!! rofl

She's always been a "little whipper snapper"! ( That's an very old saying my grandpa used to call me when I was a little out of control).
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