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...
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...