Fighting!

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JadeSperrin

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Took my two boys for a check up today at the vets, they always go together in the same carrier.
For some reason they fought on the way and on the way back and for a third time when we got home and I put them back in their enclosure. No blood has been drawn but they've flung themselves at each other.
Lots and lots of teeth chattering and rumble strutting since.
They've been at the vets so pretty sure neither is feeling ill but cant seem to understand why they fought or why they are continuing to do all this dominant behavior again like theyre trying to decide who's boss again.
I start a 12 hour shift at 7pm so really concerned and no idea what to do. Theyre been fine for 2 years.
 
I’m sorry to hear this.
Sometimes a change in environment is all it takes to cause issues.

As they have had actual fights and since they have been back in the enclosure (and not just in the carrier), I would keep a very close eye until you have to leave. If things have not settled by the time you leave, I would separate them for a few days to calm down.

After a couple of days apart you can do a neutral territory reintroduction (it must be neutral) to allow them to decide if they wish to continue their bond.
How they behave on neutral at reintroduction will determine whether they can go back into the enclosure together or whether their separation sadly has to be permanent.

Bonds In Trouble
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

I have moved your thread to our monitored behaviour section (the chat sections are not monitored for posts which require advice)
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m sorry to hear this.
Sometimes a change in environment is all it takes to cause issues.

As they have had actual fights and since they have been back in the enclosure (and not just in the carrier), I would keep a very close eye until you have to leave. If things have not settled by the time you leave, I would separate them for a few days to calm down.

After a couple of days apart you can do a neutral territory reintroduction (it must be neutral) to allow them to decide if they wish to continue their bond.
How they behave on neutral at reintroduction will determine whether they can go back into the enclosure together or whether their separation sadly has to be permanent.

Bonds In Trouble
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

I have moved your thread to our monitored behaviour section (the chat sections are not monitored for posts which require advice)
Click to expand...
They've had two more fights since I wrote this, despite no blood would you recommend separating them?
I'm going to be away for 13 hours, 12 hour shift plus driving.
I really dont know what to do. They get on, fight, get on, fight, get on, fight. I dont want to do the wrong thing
 
I’m sorry to hear this

Yes do separate them. Sadly actual and repeated fighting, even if blood isn’t drawn, means their bond is most likely over.

If it was just an increase in dominance then the few days apart to calm down and neutral reintroduction can be done but if it is actual fighting and repeated fighting then sadly you may need to end their bond now without a reintroduction.
(If the bond is over then reintroduction will just result in immediate fighting again)

Make sure the divider is very secure. They can and will attempt to break bars down so use cable ties.

You may see them following each other between the divider. Or see them laying together at the divider. These are not friendly signs that they want to get back together. Unfortunately they are territory marking behaviours ensuing the other doesn’t come across
 
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