2 New Rumbling Boars.....

[Quackaz]

So about 2 days ago I got my first 2 guinea pigs and they are both boys. One is slightly smaller than the other and I have the feeling the bigger of the 2 is trying to claim dominance. He is always first out, first to the bowl and just first in general lol. Sometimes when they are in there house they are rumbling and sometimes even chattering teeth so I hope they dont start fighting. They like to however be together and they will follow each other out etc. Today I managed to hold one for the first time, he seemed to be still and let me pick him up quite easily but the other just runs all the time and you can never get him (I reckon this is the bigger boy). I want to check that this behavior and the rumbling and teeth chattering is okay? They seem to have little disbutes.

Also when they came the water bottle was not being touched it was over 24 hours and they had not gone near it and still have not touched it. I put a bowl of water out and the water is going down but I wantd them to be able to drink from the bottle... what do you suggest I do?

Also, what veggies are okay to give daily? Thank you. I give Kale, cucumber, baby tomato and broccoli.

Thank you.

 

[LizGuineaGurl]

I can't answer all your queries, however I do know about the rumbling! We call it rumblestrutting and it is a way of the males kinda showing who is boss and showing off a bit! Teeth chattering can show agitation and annoyance, bit like a back off signal. They are nothing to worry about, I'd worry if the boys get in a fight but I thinks this is a case of boys being boys especially if they have just met. As long as they are happy together it should be fine. They can take a while to get used to you, hugs little and often will ease them in and talking at food time etc. will make them familiar with your voice. Make sure they have easy access to both water bowl and bottle but if they prefer the bowl that's fine! I would leave the bottle as you never know!

Hope you enjoy being on the forum and I cant wait to see some pigtures! Guinea health x

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

The rumbling etc is just dominance, they're trying to sort this out, don't worry it is normal. Just be concerned if there is constant teeth chatter, nips and so on.

Some piggies generally don't drink water very often, I wouldn't be too worried about this, as long as you are making your vegetables watery (washed just before presented) you know they will be getting a bit of water from that
They should figure out where the bottle is eventually, you may even find keeping bowl and bottle may benefit you so they have the option to choose where to drink, incase they don't like one of them.

You may find this useful for a balanced diet:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...or-a-balanced-general-guinea-pig-diet.116460/

 

[Wiebke]

So about 2 days ago I got my first 2 guinea pigs and they are both boys. One is slightly smaller than the other and I have the feeling the bigger of the 2 is trying to claim dominance. He is always first out, first to the bowl and just first in general lol. Sometimes when they are in there house they are rumbling and sometimes even chattering teeth so I hope they dont start fighting. They like to however be together and they will follow each other out etc. Today I managed to hold one for the first time, he seemed to be still and let me pick him up quite easily but the other just runs all the time and you can never get him (I reckon this is the bigger boy). I want to check that this behavior and the rumbling and teeth chattering is okay? They seem to have little disbutes.

Also when they came the water bottle was not being touched it was over 24 hours and they had not gone near it and still have not touched it. I put a bowl of water out and the water is going down but I wantd them to be able to drink from the bottle... what do you suggest I do?

Also, what veggies are okay to give daily? Thank you. I give Kale, cucumber, baby tomato and broccoli.

Thank you.

Hi and welcome!

New guinea pigs always need to establish a hierarchy, so what you are currently seeing is the usual dominance behaviour connected with that. I assume that your boys are the usual shop youngsters?

Drinking from a bottle is something that babies learn from their elders. it is not instinctive. Place a water filled drip dish underneath to lure them, but be prepared to change it twice daily. With vegetables in the diet, they won't dehydrate in the meantime. The individual water intake can vary widely from hardly drinking to drinking lots. It can also vary depending on the weather/heating etc.

You may find these guides here helpful in settling in your two boys:
Behaviour:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-a-guide-to-successful-companionship.76162/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/dominance-behaviours-in-guinea-pigs.28949/
Diet:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...or-a-balanced-general-guinea-pig-diet.116460/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...-preparing-your-piggies-for-lawn-time.111794/
Settling new guinea pigs:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-pick-up-your-guinea-pig.126359/
Learning what is normal:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/guinea-pig-body-quirks.58854/

As we have got members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county, so we can tailor any advice to your climate and what is available/possible for you straight away. As you can imagine, our advice can vary quite a bit accordingly! Click on your username, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!