First, let me say these are my first fosters, and I know I have to strike a delicate balance between giving them the socialization they need and getting so attached that I can't give them up. And they are a bonded pair. I do not know how old they are, nor if they are siblings or just married.
But I am having a hard time. I've had them a week and they are still terrified of me. I know I shouldn't give them treats every day, so I haven't been, but the only time they will even come out around me is food time.
They are the messiest little things I've ever had. They've got two medium-sized litter boxes, and I'm still picking up cocopuffs EVERYWHERE multiple times a day. I've gone through 2/3 of a 40lb bag of wood litter pellets in just a week, which seems extreme.
I know some humping is normal in a bonded pair, but every other day or so, the female will start humping the male's head repeatedly. I always push her off, because I know biting is a risk. The male never reacts, doesn't run, just sits and takes it, but should I be concerned that it is happening regularly?
I just don't know what to do. I've been sitting in their space ignoring them, just like every piece of advice I've ever read has suggested. I feel like they're bored, despite their tunnels, baby toys, castle, mobiles, hay mat, hay tunnel, etc., And I don't know how to entertain them. Should I even be trying to entertain them? Or are they happy enough just having each other?
by LiminyWrenn