Chasing

[chris]

I have just been reading some previous posts about chipmunks chasing and fighting.
I've been watching Scrat & Chip closely since we got them and chip even though the shyer of the 2 seems the most dominant.
Chip will often chase Scrat away if they get too close to each other with Scrat squealing as he runs. However sometimes its Scrat that will instigate the chase. I'm assuming that this is just a hierarchy thing going off to decide who's top chip. It doesn't appear that either of them are damaged so maybe its just play chasing. Scrat and chip aren't related they came from different places and I got Scrat the day before Chip arrived but they are both about 16 weeks old. I'm going to keep a close eye on them for the time being but hopefully this phase is going to pass off shortly.
Any comments would be gratefully accepted

[sheilajcutler]

Hi Chris

I had this with sprite and Timmy before Sprite escaped. Sprite was the dominant one always out and a bout and chasing Timmy away every time he surfaced although they never seemed to fight as Timmy always hid. my concern was that Sprite was eating all the food especially the fresh stuff as Timmy was half the size. once I knew where Timmy's nest was I put food in and around it hoping he would eat it. since he has been on his own he has really filled out.

Sheila

[chris]

I'm the "chipmunk whisperer" lol

Both Scrat and chip came out the pen today they loved it they let me stroke them they sat on me they showed no fear at all. I did it all again when my wife came in from work what wonderful friendly creatures they are, though I do think we should have called Scrat "Forrest Gump" as he loves running lol. He just loves running.

[Wilsy]

Hi Chris,

I love the names of your chippies I have 6 now but unfortunately I'm looking for a new home for 2 of them as they are 2 females and 4 males.

Mine are always chasing each other about, especially when food is involved! They did go through a stage of biting ears but im convinced it was only 1 chipmunk doing the bullying. That has completely stopped now and they seem to be getting on much better. The key is to put in plently of things for them to do and to hide in.

There is nothing I enjoy more than just sitting in the aviary and watching them scamper about and try to find seeds and nuts and they will always find the bag of seeds in my pocket lol. I got into work this morning and found several pieces of sweetcorn hidden in the hood of my jacket 

Sarah

[Nate]

I'm the "chipmunk whisperer" lol

Both Scrat and chip came out the pen today they loved it they let me stroke them they sat on me they showed no fear at all.

It's great when chipmunks are almost born like that. I've found that about one from each litter has been super tame and ready to go so to speak.

It's hard not to have favorites, as the bold ones tend to commander me, going for rides on me when they can.

[juliusanewyork]

question: are chipmunks wild in the uk? thanks...a dumb new yorker juli

[Doghouse135]

No they're not unfortunately. 

And our government can fine us up to £5000 if they are released into the wild 

[juliusanewyork]

i find that so interesting doghouse...i wonder why....do they pose some threat to another species>? here they are wild everywhere....and no one has them as pets! i think the conservation department would take her away from me if they knew i had her. mine was a dying baby last october..she was stiff and her eyes were glazed..i brought her  home and tried half and half in a straw and she hasnt stopped eating everything in sight since! she is very happy living her little solitary life...she has me of course and my hubby but she really doesnt like to get out of her cage,,perhaps she is smart as we have six cats and seven dogs!  juli

[Nate]

We have had problems with non indigenous species becoming established in the wild here in the UK. This has caused problems for our native wildlife. Three I can think of are: American Grey Squirrels, Mink and surprisingly Wallabies. With the American Grey squirrels which were released in the 1800's, there is hot debate whether they are the main cause of the decline of our native red squirrel. I think it was Lord Brockenhurst who first imported grey squirrels to add to his estate. Our government class the grey squirrel as vermin. With many people having been surprised when taking an injured grey squirrel to vet, only to have it euthanised without their consent.  Mink were released from fur farms by animal rights activist, but mink are partly to blame for the rarity of our water voles. 

There has been at least one case where there has been a mass escape of chipmunks (over 40) and the relevant ministry had to be informed. They will either try to capture or kill escaped chipmunks, for fear of them becoming established. In truth there are now wild chipmunks in the UK, all of which have escaped from captivity.

The only species of chipmunks we are likely to have as a pet in the UK is the Eastern European  also known as the Siberian chipmunk. But in the USA you have many more species which are native, and you are not alone in having one as a pet in the US.  Our chipmunks were first imported to be used in animal vivisection experiments over thirty years ago. Chipmunks are still imported to the UK but I think this is now to keep up with the increasing demand for pet chipmunks. I don't believe wild chipmunks in the UK are out there in enough numbers to become established but the mostly likely reason our Government don't want them established is a threat to bird life. It's reported that chipmunks like most squirrels like to raid birds nests for eggs.

You may have heard the myth the we are a nation of animal lovers here in the UK, sadly I believe we are no better or worse than any other country. Our Government would rather cull any species it fears could be an economic threat, rather than research things properly.

[juliusanewyork]

oh..thanks nate..i assumed  it had to do with other species....chipmunks are pretty harmless critters...yah i can see how they could get eggs..its funny that it is thought that grey squirrels might diminish or harm red squirrels..here, it is quite the opposite,people shoot red squirrels with the argument that they are very destructive to wiring in houses...etc and they also say that they are more aggressive and hurt the grey squirrels...i think many times people make up these ridiculous notions to satsify and sense of guilt they feel in killing  the animals. i live on 1500 acres of farm land,lake front,river front,forest, and private homes. in my opinion if we leave the animals alone...and let them be..they get along quite well! it seems crazy that forty little chipmunks,many of whom have been neutered and given great care, could harm in any way..the eco structure of great britain...arent there any feral cats? oh well...im not sure if we have wild mink here or not...fishers,weasels,foxes,black bear,hawks and eagles, we have. to be sure it's not a fun place for a wild chipmunk to live,they are strictly prey animals,so maybe..now that i have tossed it around,chipmunks are far better off in the uk for staying pets! carry on!    juli