What does it mean if my Moon model is being overly affectionate? Like not in a bad way, but it's been giving a lot of unprompted hugs and cuddles whenever I'm in its enclosure. Is it a sign of sickness?
This could, as all behaviors with DCA, be a lot of things. If your Moon model is a solo inhabitant, it could just be feeling a little lonely, especially if you have a strong bond with it. But since they are usually solitary creatures, I’d imagine it might be a marking behavior.
If you tend to linger in a strong smelling environment, such as restaurants, construction, gym or school settings, etc, Moons tend to notice. Their eyesight is very fragile, and so their hearing and sense of smell has to make up for it. So, if they smell something weird on you that makes you less recognizable, they’ll try and replace it with their own scent.
Depending on the model and various other factors, Moons can smell like a lot of things, usually slightly minty or lavender scents (but I did meet a Moon that smelled weirdly like pizza? I have no idea what was going on with that one). They have scent glands located under their chins and on their wrists, which would explain any “cuddling” you might be seeing.
TLDR, Your moon thinks you smell bad and is trying to give you a shower.
