increased tensions?

[ricear]

Is it normal for increased tensions to form when one pigg is going through the "Teenage months"? Al is at the age (according to my research) where he is having an increased about of testosterone. Winston is about a year old, and I notice them grinding their teeth at each other more. Al is also trying to mount Winston (who was the first pigg). They are not all out fighting, no blood, or anything. There is two of everything (hay pile, water bottles, salad bowls, houses, etc.) so Al has somewhere to retreat to, so no physical conflict. They are not always upset with each other, but it just seems to happen randomly. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?

 

[Wiebke]

Is it normal for increased tensions to form when one pigg is going through the "Teenage months"? Al is at the age (according to my research) where he is having an increased about of testosterone. Winston is about a year old, and I notice them grinding their teeth at each other more. Al is also trying to mount Winston (who was the first pigg). They are not all out fighting, no blood, or anything. There is two of everything (hay pile, water bottles, salad bowls, houses, etc.) so Al has somewhere to retreat to, so no physical conflict. They are not always upset with each other, but it just seems to happen randomly. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do?

Yes, your experience is normal for teenage piggies. You are already doing all that should be done. What I would strongly recommend is to only use hideys with two exits during the teenage months so if there are any chases or wilder moments, no boar can end up cornered.

Also make sure that you have a divider at hand (extra grids come in helpful during that time), so you can split up your boys whenever things get very touchy for a 2 day separation to allow the hormone spike to die down; this has to be followed by a re-intro outside the cage.
More information on what short separations can and cannot do in the boar links below.

You may find our boar guide and our teenage guides helpful; the first contains information on how the teenage months typically run as well as a list of boar dos and dont's (chapters II and III), which are generally most crucial during the teenage months. The second guide is a comprehensive guide around all the issues that come with teenage hormones.
The third guide is a list of dominance behaviours in ascending order.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[ricear]

Yes, your experience is normal for teenage piggies. You are already doing all that should be done. What I would strongly recommend is to only use hideys with two exits during the teenage months so if there are any chases or wilder moments, no boar can end up cornered.

Also make sure that you have a divider at hand (extra grids come in helpful during that time), so you can split up your boys whenever things get very touchy for a 2 day separation to allow the hormone spike to die down; this has to be followed by a re-intro outside the cage.
More information on what short separations can and cannot do in the boar links below.

You may find our boar guide and our teenage guides helpful; the first contains information on how the teenage months typically run as well as a list of boar dos and dont's (chapters II and III), which are generally most crucial during the teenage months. The second guide is a comprehensive guide around all the issues that come with teenage hormones.
The third guide is a list of dominance behaviours in ascending order.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Thank you! I am watching them currently, and it seems to happen the most when Al decides he wants the exact piece of hay or whatever that Winston is getting. this teeth chattering moment is usually over rather quickly and they're back to playing again. Thankfully nothing gets physical. Al usually separates himself if things get "messy". Also can happen when Al wants to play, but Winston doesn't, I think that it annoys him to literally having Al asking a lot. Now they're wheeking and popcorning!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! I am watching them currently, and it seems to happen the most when Al decides he wants the exact piece of hay or whatever that Winston is getting. this teeth chattering moment is usually over rather quickly and they're back to playing again. Thankfully nothing gets physical. Al usually separates himself if things get "messy". Also can happen when Al wants to play, but Winston doesn't, I think that it annoys him to literally having Al asking a lot. Now they're wheeking and popcorning!

It sounds rather par for the course but still in the mild range of things.
You generally get a feeling whether piggies are willing to go right up to but not to cross the line intto fighting when they have their spats.
It is very much a matter of experience and not something you can easily describe as it is mostly based on some very subtle body language and enchange of signals.

 

[ricear]

It sounds rather par for the course but still in the mild range of things.
You generally get a feeling whether piggies are willing to go right up to but not to cross the line intto fighting when they have their spats.
It is very much a matter of experience and not something you can easily describe as it is mostly based on some very subtle body language and enchange of signals.

They still sleep right next to each other, so I'd say things are going to be fine <3