tips for stopping excessive chewing on self?

[slynx]

Peppercorn has started barbering her wrist, but to my distress is going deep enough to break the skin.  It isn't a serious wound yet, but I'd like to do what I can to redirect the behavior.

It started the same day Parsley died.  We think Parsley was Peppercorn's mom, and Pepper was certainly closely bonded to her.  I was watching her for signs of grief, but she's been eating and playing well.  Because Peppercorn developed a URI while Parsley was ill, she's in the middle of a course of baytrill (and responding well).

The day Parsley died, I noticed a shiny bald patch on Peppercorn's wrist.  I checked it out and there wasn't any sign of pain, so I put it down as a mystery.  The next day, I noticed a thin cut on the wrist.  Since then, it has deepened and widened, and this morning there is another little cut next to it.  I've observed Pepper gnawing on her wrist, so I am assuming the injuries are self-inflicted.  I am willing to consider other explanations, but having trouble coming up with one that fits.  The injuries have no sign of infection and look as though they'd heal fine if she'd just leave them alone.

I'm heading out to find some really interesting things to chew on, in hopes of distracting Peppercorn.  I also plan to deep-clean the cage tonight and see if some new surroundings will help her stop the habit.  I am considering putting something sticky in her fur, so that she can spend more time grooming herself instead, but haven't come up with the right substance yet (olive oil maybe?).  Does anyone have any other ideas?

[mamarat2]

Redirecting is the best thought I can come up with at the moment.  Nylabones could be a good option, gotta get her interested in them though.

Are you just down to two with Peppercorn and Miss Pee Rag?  I'm not sure how old Pepper is but maybe finding another pair to intro to the two of them could ease the barbering/self inflicted bite wounds.  Of course thats very much your decision, I was just thinking I know Pee Rag is older than her is she not?  Younger girlie playmates could very well redirect her energies too.

[slynx]

Mmm, she loves greenies and corn cobs, both of which are highly chewable.  She loves them a little too much, however, and clobbers Pee Rag pretty hard in an effort not to share.  Losing a cagemate always makes everyone edgy, so I've been trying to keep the high-value treats out of reach for a few weeks.  Maybe I will try a greenie cut up into lots and lots and lots of pieces.  Or some treats inside plastic easter eggs...those take at least a few seconds to bust open!

I imagine Peppercorn would love a couple of babies to boss around, and I wish we could give them to her.  But, as much as we love them, we aren't going to get any more rats for a long while.  And although Pee Rag is technically old, she is actually at least as active as Peppercorn (wakes up earlier, runs in the wheel more, and spend far more time galloping around outside of the cage).  Now that Pepper has hit middle age (she's at least 1 1/2) she's more interested in cage redecoration than in wrestling.

I am in the process of rat-proofing the kitchen, and when I finish the two girls will be able to have full run of the house.  That, I think, will help wear them out a lot!  Plus, a change of scenery will probably help.

[mamarat2]

Sounds like a plan!   

[slynx]

No earth shattering updates, but Pepper is definitely doing better.  I rearranged the cage, messed with all her stashes (heh heh), and got her a couple of brand new things to chew.  She, in turn, is spending a lot more time out of the cage.  Losing her mom clearly hurt, and I am awfully touched that Pepper has opted to seek some solace in human companionship (she's never been as shy as Parsley was, but isn't really big on cuddling).  She has taken to curling up on my nightstand and self-soothing with some soft bruxing...a sort of social nap, though I don't presume to do more than keep her company.  And she loves hanging out under my knees (failure to cover them with a blanket leads to all kinds of angry shoving) and giving me lots of toe kisses.  So we are helping each other quite a bit.

With all these changes, she's stopped being as rough on her wrist.  The scratches are still there, and healing slowly because she sometimes picks at them.  But the severe chewing has mostly stopped, and her spirits seem much higher.  I am not as alarmed as I was when I first noticed them, though I wish she'd let them heal faster.  Rats sure do keep you on your toes!