Behaviours and bonding

[Natalie H]

Our two boars, peanut and Oreo are 2 years old and they don’t seem to be getting along. We have only had them a few months. One (Oreo) used to be the dominant one and always jumping and chasing the other one (which I didn’t like but researched a lot) and seemed ok as that was the way they were but now the other one (peanut) is doing the same back so it’s fairly constant chasing/jumping/blocking etc. Should I be worried? What can we do? Also despite having them for nearly 3 months they still seem scared of us, don’t like being stroked - just dash off and don’t like being held unless we are feeding them. They have lots of hideys with multiple exits, bowl and bottle each, lots of hay and sleep pods/heat pads each. Their hutch is currently in the shed, we have recently started to let them have some time running around the shed with hideys, hay and option to go back in the hutch. This is only when we can be there as the shed doesn’t allow for the space to do all the time. Could that be it? All advice very welcome.

 

[Piggies&buns]

How big is their hutch?
Not wanting to be touched is entirely normal, most piggies don’t like it.

What is concerning is if the submissive is contesting his position in the hierarchy.
you say blocking is constant - do you mean blocking the other from eating and sleeping?

read the guide below for further information on signs of a dysfunctional relationship
Bonds In Trouble

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

You will find this guide about cavy prey animal instincts and how to work around them interesting and helpful: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Space is important, and so is having everything in twos (two huts with two exits, water bottles, access to hay that cannot be blocked plus food bowls at least a body length apart and removed between meals to encourage eating as much hay as possible, which is crucial for long term health, preventing dental overgrowth of the grinding back teeth and longevity; it should make around 80% of the daily food intake).
Cage Size Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

Please take the time to read the guides. You will find them both informative and helpful. We cannot give you all the information and tips in just one post.

 

[Natalie H]

How big is their hutch?
Not wanting to be touched is entirely normal, most piggies don’t like it.

What is concerning is if the submissive is contesting his position in the hierarchy.
you say blocking is constant - do you mean blocking the other from eating and sleeping?

read the guide below for further information on signs of a dysfunctional relationship
Bonds In Trouble

Hiya, thanks ill take a look at the guide. It is a 4x2 double hutch. Occasionally Oreo will get in the way of peanut coming up the ramp or into the sleeping area. He doesn't tend to block him getting to his food. It is only occasionally rather than regularly but still.

 

[Natalie H]

Hi!

You will find this guide about cavy prey animal instincts and how to work around them interesting and helpful: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Space is important, and so is having everything in twos (two huts with two exits, water bottles, access to hay that cannot be blocked plus food bowls at least a body length apart and removed between meals to encourage eating as much hay as possible, which is crucial for long term health, preventing dental overgrowth of the grinding back teeth and longevity; it should make around 80% of the daily food intake).
Cage Size Guide
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

Please take the time to read the guides. You will find them both informative and helpful. We cannot give you all the information and tips in just one post.

Thank you we have two of everything but perhaps their food bowls are a bit close together. Ill move them further apart. Thanks and ill check out the guides too.

 

[Piggies&buns]

A 4ft x 2ft hutch is generally too small for boars. Boars need much more room and a 6ft x 2ft hutch is recommended for them. Being double storey doesn’t double the space - their space needs to be big enough on a single level (upper levels don’t count). Ramps can sometimes be a problem for some boars if one claims it as their own and prevents the other from accessing it.

 

[Natalie H]

A 4ft x 2ft hutch is generally too small for boars. Boars need much more room and a 6ft x 2ft hutch is recommended for them. Being double storey doesn’t double the space - their space needs to be big enough on a single level (upper levels don’t count). Ramps can sometimes be a problem for some boars if one claims it as their own and prevents the other from accessing it.

Ok thanks. Sadly we don't have room in our shed for a bigger hutch.

 

[Natalie H]

A 4ft x 2ft hutch is generally too small for boars. Boars need much more room and a 6ft x 2ft hutch is recommended for them. Being double storey doesn’t double the space - their space needs to be big enough on a single level (upper levels don’t count). Ramps can sometimes be a problem for some boars if one claims it as their own and prevents the other from accessing it.

Apologies my husband has just corrected me - it is a 5ft x 2.5ft hutch so a bit bigger than I said at least.

 

[Piggies&buns]

That’s good, they should have enough space but it does mean that there could be an issue between them other than space.
do read the guides and see if they need a trial separation (bonds in trouble guide) as a test of whether their bond is working