Thanks everyone, for the support. I am sorry that I haven't posted to you all before now, however we are butt deep in the renovation (gutting) of two rooms and a hallway at the house, and the main puter is down at home.
Update for you, the tail is healing, slowly. He hasn't broken it open again and is apparently unaffected by the bandage, he hasn't touched it. Strider made one attenpt to touch it, and Mer reacted so quickly- and violently- that Strider hid in his cage sulking for an hour and hasn't tried again. Wish I could get the same reaction, LOL.
Tracey, I know exactly what you mean about the reaction to the thumping sound of a tail on the wall.It is almost Pavlovian to grab the offending tail and check it!
Will check back when I can.
Stella