03/22/2025
Let me revisit the Ralph situation. It is sometimes hard to fully explain yourself and be understood but I try to be a transparent person. So, if you don't understand some thing, please ask your question.
Ralph has been with me 3 years. Male breeders are primarily solitary. They have to be bc intact males spray, especially if a girl is in heat. Both yell back and forth when in the same area. They will fight with another male. They can't be let out bc they will breed anything that moves in many cases. It's kinda sad but I spend time with them. They have exercise wheels, trees, toys, tv and visits. If they aren't too rambunctious, I even let the girls stay with them for awhile after breeding.
After some time, you have offspring from him that you must breed elsewhere. Circumstance left me only 2 females who could breed him. One suddenly refused not long after the other had been bred to a new male. Because of this, Ralph hadn't bred in 6 months. He couldn't have anyone with him at all bc he'd breed her. Therefore, he'd been 6 months with no other company than our visits with him.
At some of this is my speculation from observation bc I haven't really encountered this before. I'm guessing that his hormones play a factor and being solitary and make them regress to more feral behavior over time. IDK for sure. I ran short on space for litters and moved Ralph to a camper outside that I'd build a room in, with heat and comfort. It meant he was not getting as much noise around him or interaction.
On 3 occasions, he got startled and either bit or tried to bite me. He has been neutered for 2 weeks now. It takes a little time for his hormones to settle. My belief from other people I've known with issues over the years is that a treatment of gabapentin (anxiety med for cats, different for humans) would stop this behavior until he acclimates to more sounds and startling things.
Because of what has happened so far. I don't want him placed with kids and dogs. he's never been around a dog and it would be unsettling. I really believe this is a close to normal transition for a breeder.
My reasoning for preference of medical personnel of some sort is I want to know he will have compassion, patience and the proper meds until he calms. I would be crushed if someone inexperienced with how to handle this get bitten and think euthanization is their answer.
I am willing to consider someone outside of medical personnel, if they can show me that they've got vet records showing they have been responsible with animals they've had. I can teach the signs and safety of dealing with potential startle/aggressive moments. I would keep him myself but I can't keep all retirees. I have a small house and must continue the business. I do try to retire young so that my animals can have a good long life of pampering and bonding to their forever family.
Ralph is the sweetest, cuddliest boy I've had. He's done his time in solitary and deserves to be let free into the house and be treated the the king he is.
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