Fighting boys

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jamuk

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Hi

we got Sid and Dave 2 weeks ago. For the past week they have been squabbling with Dave claiming dominance.
Yesterday Dave bit Sid on his back legs and drew blood.
Rightly or wrongly we separated them. :(
Dave is still outside in the hutch and Sid is now inside in a cage that i managed to get last night.

I know they can't go back in together but don't know what to do for the best.
They are both squealing for each other :(

Any advice appreciated x
 
Hi! It sadly looks likely that your two boys are not getting on; it is the right time to separate when there are bloody bites. The key to a stable boar bond is character compatibility.

Can you keep them next to each other for company so they can still interact through the bars or mesh? Youngsters are desperate not to be alone, but on the other hand they won't get on as soon as they are sharing the same space. Give them a cuddly toy for humping and snuggling up to each, making sure that you remove any bits that can be chewed off.

If you wish you can give it another go after a cooling down period under supervision in a neutral space after a bath, but be aware that the likelihood of it working out is not great. Have an oven glove or thick towel ready to separate at any moment.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...FAQ-Introducing-and-reintroducing-guinea-pigs
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?28949-Boars!-Simple-Dominance-Displays-or-Fighting
 
I feel for you, as I had to separate my boys yesterday into adjoining cages and Hamish just sits looking at Dougal. :(

In my case, I think cage size may be an issue and am looking into getting something with more room for them both, when (and if) I decide to re-introduce them.

Good luck with yours. :)
 
thankyou ... it's awful isn't it

Sid seems happy as Larry! He is scooting around the indoor cage and has let George (my son) handle him (usually tries to escape), give him medicine and clean him. He is feeding and drinking ok. He's not very chatty, except when he can hear Dave, but he has never been chatty.
Dave seems fed up though :(

my son would like to keep Sid indoors forever but i'm not sure this would be good for him?
Would Dave get too lonely? Does Sid look happy but isn't?
God.... I feel so stressed lol x
 
If Sid is so obviously happy to be away from Dave, so I would not try to put them back together. Please don't keep Dave alone out outside! If necessary keep them both in the house; we can help you with cheap cage solutions. You will find that you have much more interaction and fun with indoors piggies anyway. Poor Dave doesn't know what he has done wrong; he has just followed his instincts.

Can you please give us your location (general area (UK) or state (US))? You can add it to your details in private messages (green bar at the top)/my settings/edit profile/location. That way, we can discuss options on how to go from there much more easily, as we have more options here in Britain for you to consider; also any links to deals on cages differ for the various countries!
 
After much tooing and frowing I think we are going to have to rehome one. We have contacted a rescue centre.
We just don't have the space for 2 separate hutches and definitely no space for 2 separate indoor cages/runs for winter.
The plan will be to have the remaining one neutered and find him a female friend with help from the sanctuary

Really not an ideal situation but hopefully one that will work
They are both gorgeous and so different in personality
 
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