Individual sexes of the herd members are apparent at this time. The male is seen to attempt to persuade the females of the herd to produce papers for him. This behavior results in the female showing her dominance and predatory instincts to the male. He then returns to his territory to perform his ritual alone. At this time the unusual eating practices occur in most of the animals in question.
Many writers seem to consume a large quantity of liquid and solid substances.
Most consumed food is not of nutritional value to the animal. Food particles are sometimes held for long periods of time without consumption. Suddenly, an idea appears and the writer will consume the food and begin to scratch with a writing instrument. Writing instruments themselves sometimes appear to be eaten. Actually the animal is attempting to release primitive ideas stuck inside the pencil or pen.