dominant behaviour

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barnyard

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I have adopted to 1yr old boys Alan n pebbles. I think thet got on well art the rescue centre but since they have been in their new home (4 days) Alan always does this vibrating like noise and his fur stands ip on its back when he's around pebbles and so looks like the boss but when veg treats are offered pebbles dominantly pushes alan out they way. Are they now not getting on in their new home, will it get better, should I worry. There is pushing and shooving but no bitting as yet??
 
That sounds a lot like my two boys. They came from rescue as a bonded pair about a month ago and are 2 years old. They don't snuggle up or sleep together, they have separate cosies and they often face off with chins up and make that vibrating noise. However they don't fight, and they eat from the same bowl without problems. I have read that you should give boar pairs two of everything (food bowls, water bottles, beds etc.) as well as plenty of space to avoid conflicts, maybe that would help?
 
Make sure that you have two bowls, two hideys and two water bottles, well separated at each end of the cage. Plenty of space.

Dominance rumbling and shoving is normal behaviour; and a renewal of dominance in new territory is also normal.
 
thanks for the advice, have done all of the above! I know this sounds daft but as I'm not an over confident animal handler its making me feel a little apprehensive, as though its us they dont like, silly I know! they havent been over agressive with each other and they do eat side by side sometimes :) will see how they go
 
It shouls hopefully settle down a bit more after a couple of weeks.
 
we have this quite a bit when new male piggy pairs come into the rescue but it does normally settle down quite quickly. again for a while we just put 2 of every thing in so they have the chance to get away from each other if they want to.

i hope they settle soon for you as it can be worrying.
 
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