Constant Humping🥲

[presleylisner]

So I just adopted 2 boars. They did not know each other before, one is about 1 Y/O the other is roughly 3 mos old. The older of the two is chasing the younger around the cage and humping him. They've known each other roughly 4 hours, and they don't seem to be hurting one another, but it's absolutely stressing the younger guy out. How much time do I give these two before I separate them? Barring anyone hurting the other, do I give it days? Hours? Just not sure. They have 2 hidies (which they both seem to enjoy being in together, they have 2 hay troths and two water bottles, plenty of space.... Just looking for some advice! TIA!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Humping and chasing is a normal part of getting to know each other. As this is their first time meeting each other they will be in a period of deciding whether they like each other and forming a relationship and hierarchy. This will continue for around two weeks. The younger piggy will likely be squealing - this is submission squealing and is him accepting his position as submissive piggy. This is absolutely fine. You will continue to see dominance behaviours throughout their lives though, particularly as the youngest is yet to start his teens.

Please don’t separate them for normal dominance behaviours. You only separate them if they have a full on, rolling around fight. if such a fight occurs, then they don’t like each other, will not bond and won’t be able to stay together.

Its best not to have any hides when they are in a bonding pen though. Only add hides once after a few hours once they have established a rough hierarchy and are comfortable with each other.

The guides below offer further information

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars