Are my boars fighting or being lads?

[New Owner]

I haven't owned Guinea Pigs for 30 years but bought 2 boars on Saturday after alot of careful consideration. I brought them from an 'enthusiast'/breeder and although the boys are not brothers they lived together and are about the same age (one is 3 months the other is 4 months old).
The one seems very dominant and although hasn't hurt the other it has been chasing it and if it gets close it makes a deep purring noise. This morning it blocked it in its 'den' and ate the fresh parsley put down.
As they are in a new environment I wondered if this is likely to settle down or escalate? I also wondered if there is anything I can do to help...they have a fairly big indoor cage with lots to play and food etc..2 hiding places and I've also put out a run in my dining room so they can go in there for 3 - 5 hours per day..
I've read a few bits on this forum but I'm so hoping they can work it out!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Your boys sound like they are still in the dominance phase, but so far nothing to worry about. They will hit the big hormones over the next few months and things can become a bit touchy for them.
You may find our boar guide with further links helpful: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=76162
Suzy's rescue boar dating thread contains many practical examples and a few videos (and dispenses with quite a few boar myths): http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59233

The key to a successful boar bond is not relationship or being bonded at an early age. It always comes down to whether the boars are and remain character compatible once they hit the hormonal months (4-14 months old) and adulthood. A bigger age gap actually quite often an advantage as it means that only one boar is going through the stroppy months at a time.

 

[Shellza]

Hopefully this thread should help you http://theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28949
At the moment it just sounds like dominance displays and maybe a bit of bullying. Keep an eye on them, make sure they have 2 of everything to prevent bullying. If blood is drawn they will need separating I'm afraid, but hopefully they will be able to sort out whose boss and it won't come to that.

Wiebke beat me to it

 

[nippy_dee]

Hello New Owner,
I too have two boars and they are 5 months old. New to the forum and pleased its back online.

I read through the boar guide with interest - as my two are displaying the same habbits.

Quick question if I may (saves a new thread)... Whilst in play I was tickling Charlie Pig and he wee'd on me! He then kind of wobbled off in a slow crawl wee'ing and purring as he went. Purring not growl/teeth-chatting and was squeaking while tickled - I was tickling his lower back.
Is this as two boar boys get excited alot? One purrs and the other squeaks so happy and excited?

 

[PAMELAKT]

Read up on the signs of bullying & aggression so you kno what to look out for. Sounds like normal Dominance games to me so far try not to worry. The purring sound is fine, it's teeth chattering etc you want to be wary of xx