If my guinea pigs don't get along, is a divider the way to go?

[saba]

Hi, I'm a guinea pig owner of six years, since I was twelve. I had three guinea pigs for a while, but due to one sadly passing away last night I'm writing this.
My two remaining guinea pigs don't get along. Blood was shed in their last encounter years ago and I've kept them separated since. The one that passed was friendly with both of them, so he ended up getting passed along between the cages every so often to keep them all happy. Now that he's not here, should I just divide one cage so the guinea pigs can be near each other but not worry about territory? Or will the mere presence of each other cause stress for the both of them? I want them to have social interaction with their own kind, without buying a new guinea pig.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DM030819]

@GerritTheGP If you definitely can't get two more pigs, and you can't try to bond them again then a divider will work.

You just need to keep an eye on either/both chewing the bars as it can cause broken teeth. I tend to put a piece of perspex over the bars so they can still see each other but not hurt themselves.

 

[saba]

@Jaycey Okay, thanks!

 

[fanniephina]

Hi, I have two guinea pigs the very same. Blood was shed the last time we tried too; mine lol. Have a few stitches for battle scars. Is one more dominant than the other and what are the ages? For certain, have a divider for these two but you may have a few more options as well. In the Uk, I know they have many places through rescue that have piggy dating to make certain you have a good match with males. Where I live, even though a few hours from NY city, we are really limited with this but maybe where you are in Kansas, you can have a humane society or rescue that will allow that, if it's within a reasonable distance. It can take a few tries as well but it's something to check into.

Another option is to neuter one or both and try to bond a female (sometimes they can be much more receptive) if you feel they could be a bit lonely, especially losing a shared friend. My daughter's two boars are separated but the cages are together and they are slowly getting to not chattering teeth but definitely I won't try them together again after the last try. Neutering here runs around $500 with the pre-checkup and operation and I found only one vet that could be trusted with it in the area so there are some drawbacks. I don't know how your vet is there but mine is pretty reasonable per check-up and any normal antibiotics, etc for emergencies so I think the costs can be pretty similar for your area if it's available. This is personal to you and how you think your babies can do best with their ages and personalities but you do have some options and choices.

Again, I am very sorry to hear of your recent loss. I know how sad you can be. The Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful place for tributes to loved ones whom have passed away and there is so much support from many that can really understand this type of loss.

 

[saba]

@fanniephina One is three while the other is five. The one that's five is definitely the aggressor, as he is the one that chases, but the three-year-old holds his ground. I've never heard of piggy dating, but I'll definitely call to check it out! I don't think I'll go the neutering route as that is a little out of my budget. In college currently so I have enough to handle piggy expenses and any unexpected vet need, but not much beyond that.

Thanks for your suggestions and concern!