Can Unneutered Males Freeroam Together

[gill0001]

Hi folks, hope this is the correct room for the question.

I have recently adopted a couple of intact 8 month old hob brothers, coming into their first season and are now two big old bags of hormones.

I currently have them housed separately as was necessary however whenever I let them freeroam it's still just non stop fighting. At the moment I have two rooms where they can roam one each.

They have been booked in for castration two weeks from now but until then (and while the hormones fade) I was just wondering if separating them during play time is the right thing to do. Seems like more damage could be done leaving them together as they both get pretty vicious (dragging,rolling etc)

Thanks in advance for any advice

[Corvidophile]

It’s probably safest to keep them apart for the time being. The general rule is that if there’s no blood being drawn or pee or poop being left, it’s ok to let them work out their differences, but that generally applies to one neutered/one not or both neutered. These spry young lads have the capacity and attitude to do a lot of damage to each other pretty quickly. Also, I’m not sure how long it takes for the hormones to die down after castration, but it’s not immediate, so don’t assume that things will be smooth from day zero. Good luck and keep us posted.

[gill0001]

Thanks corvid, yeah didnt want to deprive either of some ferret on ferret bonding but cant see a way around it. I'd rather be the pin cushion for their hormones than the other brother for now.

And yes I've read that the hormones take a while to dissipate.. about 2-4 weeks right? Wont be ideal but manageable.


One quick one about nip training. Is it worth starting now with the hormones all over the place or should I be waiting until later? I have no issue taking a bite or two but just wondering if training would override hormones or if no matter what they'd be going for dominance.

[Corvidophile]

Start nip training now, it sets them up for what to expect in the future even if they don’t listen very well at the moment, haha. And I’m not sure how long exactly it takes the hormones to die down, but you’ll see it in their behaviour.

[gill0001]

Both went in for castration today, all went well.

Just a quick one about post op care. The vets recommended caging them until their checkup 4 days from now, is that standard?

I'm assuming it's to avoid climbing/running about and damaging the stitching etc but to me that seems more likely to happen if they're bored in their cages for days.

[Corvidophile]

It is a standard recommendation, but it’s up to you whether to listen or not, they’re your pets and you know them best. I would definitely watch them the whole time while they’re free though, so you can make sure they don’t get into trouble with the stitches.

[gill0001]

Thanks, I have decided to corner off a safe area of a room and have them out one at a time while supervised.

Even with a big cage setup, with shelves removed I can see them raging after that long in there.

Will let you know how it goes

[unclejoe]

Im glad they're doing well. Your plan should be fine