Problem bun.

[RetroSquid]

Hi, we’ve had a bit of a rough ol’ time with our buns over the past half a year or so…

But at the moment, we have a behavioural issue I’m looking for a little advice with.

Link and Navi, our buns, were inseparable until Navi ended up having to get a lump removed from her back. 
We separated them as she has a number of stitches on show, but have tried letting them have some supervised play time, but Link, for lack of a better term, is being an arse.
Navi is instantly submissive to her old cage buddy, but his first reaction is aggression… He lunges and snaps at her, he actually managed to pull a lump of fur from her nose the other day, too.
Before this hospitalisation focussed separation, Navi was the boss and they were both happy, but Link just seems miserable now.
When away, their cages are side by side and when one is out, they always seem to want into the others cage.

Is this normal behaviour for when a bun couple have had to have a night or two apart, and does anyone think Link’s behaviour might improve over time?…

[LBJ10]

Did they go to the vet together? Sometimes if one comes back smelling like “vet”, then the other will freak out and not recognized them.

[RetroSquid]

They didn’t as we pretty much rushed Navi in, then she was in overnight for surgery first thing the following morning.

[jerseygirl]

Is this normal behaviour for when a bun couple have had to have a night or two apart, and does anyone think Link’s behaviour might improve over time?…

Yes, it’s common for that to happen. One thing to do is rub a toy/towel/blanket that they shared before over Navi. To transfer familiar smell onto her.

Also, a car ride together in a box or basket could help them get past this. In the hopes they’ll look to each other for comfort during the motion. Actually, even placing them in something and carrying it around for a bit will do.

[LittlePuffyTail]

How long since the surgery?

[RetroSquid]

I’ve decided to basically start again with the bonding, so, back into the bathroom we go this afternoon.

Also, it has been about a week since the surgery, she gets her stitches out on Thursday, if memory serves (my wife keeps all our dates and appointments )
And we’re currently looiing for aclittle jacket of some sort to cover her bald patch to protect from any potential nipping.

[RetroSquid]

Right, I’ve just been handling Navi and noticed a little something strange.
On her thigh, there was a patch of uneven fur, so, I investigated, and she has a patch, a littoe bit smaller than a £1 coin, that is a single, unbroken, very yellowcscab.
I noticed the same the bun we lost, Zelda, albeit in a different place… just wondering off hand if anyone might knowvwhat this is?

P.s. apologies for any typos and the likes, I’m in the bun room on the tablet.

[jerseygirl]

Is it on inside in her leg?
Just wondering if its possibly the site where she was anaesthetized.

[RetroSquid]

No, it’s almost near her knee area. When she’s sitting, it’s more on her back… I don’t know if that makes sense or not… :S

[RetroSquid]

Well, just had the buns in the bathroom, with them behind the door to limit their space. I ran the fairly loud taps and flushed the toilet a couple of times just to cause a little commotion, and Link immediately went into a submissive pose, with Navi standing over him. She straight away started grooming his ears and face. When she had finished, she sat back looking very relaxed… at that point, Link immediately grunted and lunged at her, biting at her face… she looked so terrified of him…
I’m now back in the bun room and Navi is chasing one of the cats while Link is sitting in the corner in a right huff… ears flat, just looking miserable.

I love the little thing, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to actually like him.

[jerseygirl]

Lol. It’s a funny mix of emotions you have when they’re being little brats. Remember though, he’s just doing what comes natural. I’d personally keep up the sessions in neutral space and you’ll get there eventually.

With that odd spot on Navi, maybe book her in for a follow up appointment? Most places do a reduced fee for follow-ups which is always a relief.

[RetroSquid]

She’s at the vets on Thursday for her stitches out anyway, and she copes less than any animal I’ve known when it comes to being placed into a pet carrier,  so doing it all in one trip.

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