Bond broken?

[SMarls83]

Hi everyone

I'm looking for some advice I bought two guinea pigs recently both are boars. The breeder who I bought them from put them in a pair a few weeks before I purchased them and they were fine. I understand that there would be a power struggle for who was the dominant one given they were moving to a new home. I opted for a hutch so that I could move this outside in the summer months. However the dominant one now guards the upstairs there has been a lot of chasing and the long haired lots a small piece of fur but no blood shed. When I get them out for cuddles the dominant one seems to look to the submissive for comfort and snuggles up and tries to hide underneath him. Things seem to have settled down slightly the dominant obviously wanting his floor upstairs and the best bits downstairs aswell! However I have now again seen the rumble strutting and teeth chatting begin again now and the long haired squeals at a high pitch. I have tried to some research myself and now realise that although the hutch is plenty big enough a one way upstairs entrance is not a good option. I have therefore decided to get a c and c cage just one level at this stage and minimum of 5x2. Do you think this will resolve this or will I have to spilt them. I just want the boys to be happy

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone

I'm looking for some advice I bought two guinea pigs recently both are boars. The breeder who I bought them from put them in a pair a few weeks before I purchased them and they were fine. I understand that there would be a power struggle for who was the dominant one given they were moving to a new home. I opted for a hutch so that I could move this outside in the summer months. However the dominant one now guards the upstairs there has been a lot of chasing and the long haired lots a small piece of fur but no blood shed. When I get them out for cuddles the dominant one seems to look to the submissive for comfort and snuggles up and tries to hide underneath him. Things seem to have settled down slightly the dominant obviously wanting his floor upstairs and the best bits downstairs aswell! However I have now again seen the rumble strutting and teeth chatting begin again now and the long haired squeals at a high pitch. I have tried to some research myself and now realise that although the hutch is plenty big enough a one way upstairs entrance is not a good option. I have therefore decided to get a c and c cage just one level at this stage and minimum of 5x2. Do you think this will resolve this or will I have to spilt them. I just want the boys to be happy

Hi!

How long have you had your boys and how old are they now?

Piggies always have to establish or re-establish their bond in any new territory. I know that there are caring breeders out there but most for-sale breeders aren't in that category and are not exactly known for pairing up babies for character compatilibility first and foremost or for having relaxed piggies...

The high pitched squealing is submission squealing.
Here is the full list of dominance behaviours: Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

If you want to learn more about social interactive behaviours and dynamics between piggies, including information on the post-intr- dominance phase (which also applies for a move to new territory), then our very comprehensive bonding guide is the best place to learn about the various key behaviours: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Our boar guide also contains tips re. moving boars to new territory and how you can minimise yet another hierarchy upset: A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Here is what coming into a home looks for piggies: Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs

You may also find the information in our New Owners collection very helpful. It addresses specifically all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about. Unlike a book we keep it updated and add to it at need. It makes a useful resource and is worth bookmarking. The guides have been specifically written for owners without experience and are as practical and precise as we can make them in an effort to NOT gloss over the tricky bits like so many booklets.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

I hope that this helps you. It is always a bit of a steep learning curve at the beginning as many new owners greatly underestimate just how complex guinea pig interaction actually is; they are a lot more than animated cuddly toys!

 

[SMarls83]

Hi
Thank you so much for the advice I have had a look at the guides which are very useful and think this maybe the usual guinea pig behaviour. The boys are between 6-12 months old the lady I got them from got them from a friend who was moving to a smaller property. Anyways I think I will buy a new cage anyhow as I'm sure they will be much more happier then

thanks again :-)

 

[Wiebke]

Hi
Thank you so much for the advice I have had a look at the guides which are very useful and think this maybe the usual guinea pig behaviour. The boys are between 6-12 months old the lady I got them from got them from a friend who was moving to a smaller property. Anyways I think I will buy a new cage anyhow as I'm sure they will be much more happier then

thanks again :-)

Hi!

Please be extra careful with any changes - teenage boars (4-14 months of age) are the trickiest time; especially the time around 6-12 months.

Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?