Introducing Male Pigs

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Squeaking and rumbling is good. Yawning is actually more a defensive gesture that translates as "stay away from me". it is often used when you are a afraid of the other piggy/piggies. I hope that they will get to settle down together eventually. if you decide to separate, I would leave them so that they can interact through the bars and can get to know each other better in the meantime.

What is your other boy called? I like Dapple though; it is a new name for the forum!
 
Okay, so it's sounding better? What I don't understand is how come they were so friendly when we got them but now they've become so much more suspicious of each other! Will they go back to how they were? Unless anything gets considerably worse I'm going to leave them together overnight.

Ah thank you! The other one's called Parsnip.

Also, was considering taking one of them out for a bit for an evening petting, but would you recommend not disturbing them while they bond?
 
I would not disturb them!

By the sound of it, they are mostly rather wary of each other. If you are very worried, you can put a divider in between if you have some mesh so they can still interact but not fight? Hopefully, giving them time to get to know each other and settle down will do the trick. Piggies snuggle up together when they are out of their depth, so that is what you saw at first.

What about Teasel or Damson?
 
I hope I'm not speaking too soon, but they seem to have settled down a lot more now. I think I'll leave them unseparated and hope for the best.

Teasel is brilliant, that's exactly what he looks like! Now I have a dilemma between Teasel and Dapple...
 
Fingers firmly crossed for your two boys. Make sure that you feed them in two separate bowls. I would leave out any hideys yet until the have settled down. If necessary, throw a towel over the top to give them a feeling of protection.
 
Well I'm at school at the moment, but when I left this morning they seemed to be doing much better. The were no signs of any fight over night and they were sleeping next to each other. They even chirped at each other when they began to move about. It seems a towel over the top of the cage makes them much more comfortable. Should I expect them to stop showing any signs of aggression now or might they go back to it ?

The only trouble is that I have barely seem the new one eat. I haven't been watching them constantly and he seems to be eating some hay, but even though they have two food bowls he seems to stay away from them. I may just be used to my other guinea pig, who eats almost endlessly, but is this something to watch out for? Tonight I'll try to feed him a bit by hand to be safe.

Thank you so much for your help!
 
That is excellent news! it sounds like they have made friends now. I wouldn't expect a return of any major problems. it was most likely the fact that you had put them in the cage together straight away instead of letting them sort each other out on neutral space first that meant that they started out on the wrong foot.

Leave the towel over the cage and make sure that they have plenty of hay. Your new boy is obviously a previous hutch boy and is still settling in. he wil start to eat as soon as he has got his bearings!
You may find the tips in these two threads helpful in settling in your new boy. With the help of Parsnip he should come round much more quickly than otherwise:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/
 
Great! Yeah, I thought cleaning the cage out would be enough, but I was evidently wrong!

I've just got home and I heard a bit a tooth chattering when I approached the cage, so it seems the problems aren't fully gone. But they are still cuddled up next to each other so I'm not too worried. Parsnip is always the chattering one, is he just reinforcing that he's the boss?

Thanks for the threads, it's good to know I shouldn't worry about him not eating!

Also, on the shy pigs thread, you mentioned that I shouldn't pick him up. The rescue lady said that he had come from a 'hoarder situation', where his previous owner had about twenty pigs and couldn't look after them all. As a result he is incredibly difficult to pick up, but generally seems quite happy once being held. But would you recommend that I leave him alone for a few days to settle in? And what about Parsnip, is it alright for me to take him out to cuddle at the moment?
 
I would hold off with floor time until the boys have settled down together and Teasel/Dapple is eating well. At the moment, it can trigger yet another round of dominance behaviour. The fact that the two are sitting together is a good sign. Parsnip may be a bit torn between feeling crowded but needing the company, but mild teeth chattering is a pretty low level complaint and nothing for you to worry about.

I would also try to make friends with your newbie first and hold of cuddling him for the time being. Take it slowly. You can train your new boy to come into a hay filled cardboard box with a door opening for ferrying him around. That works neatly past the issue of having to hunt him down, which cuts very close to their prey animal instincts.
 
Ah okay, thanks for that, I'll keep them in their cage for now. Talking of cages, the cage they're in now is actually quite small, and we've only really used it in the past when one of the pigs had been ill. I'm aware that this may be a cause of some stress, but how much of a problem is it at the moment? The trouble is, it's freezing cold at the moment so I'm reluctant to put them in the hutch outside, especially as the previous one died in there and cold could have been a factor.

That cardboard box trick is very clever, I'll try it later on. I've just been trying to tempt Dapple (I think I've decided on that name, but I still call him Teasel sometimes!) with some lettuce while talking to him and kneeling down, but just moving my hand in his direction sends him running
other side of the cage! Is it just a matter of patience?

Also, having watched them for a bit there is still a fair amount of rumbling (from Dapple) and tooth chattering (from Parsnip). Is this what you'd expect and should I not worry about it? I know I'm repeating myself and you must be getting really sick of answering me, I'm just so worried about this whole business!
 
Please be patient with Dapple! I would leave the cardboard box out until the boys have settled a bit better and let them have fun with it for a day before you use it as a shuttle service. Best cut out two doors on opposite sides so no boy can get "locked in" ad start a fight. You can always cover one side up for transport.

From what you are saying I would think that Dapple has come out on top between the two as he is dominance rumbling and that Parsnip is not quite happy about that.

I would leave them in the smaller cage. it is not ideal but at their age, they are no longer so driven by hormones that space is as crucial. perhaps you can consider saving up for a bigger indoors cage for the winter months? Zooplus often have got bargains on their website throughout the year, like right now: http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/rabbit_cage/120_cm_cages/83034
 
Alright, so for the next few days I just leave them alone as much as possible? Should I not take Parsnip out either, even though he doesn't mind?

Ah, really, i'd assumed (for some reason) that Parsnip was on top! I suppose it's because he's much less wary, and Dapple keeps walking really slowly as he rumbles, which makes it look like he's afraid. Parsnip tends to squeak when he approaches. Also, of course, Parsnip was previously the dominant one.

Ah I see! That's really good to know about the cage, I was concerned it might make them fight each other a lot more! Also, thanks for that link, that's not too expensive at all, I'll try to save up!

Finally (and then I really must do some homework!), oddly enough tensions seem to flare up whenever I enter the room. Turning on the light for a start, but also just sitting next to the cage sets them going. Is this normal?
 
My boys have been together for about a month, maybe more, and there's still occasional rumbling and "bickering". Let them be as much as you can! :)
 
Just let them get on with it, and you will reap the benefits later. Your boys are doing fine; the dominance you are seeing is very low level "daily" stuff! ;)

It is hard to stay so hands off when you care about Parsnip so much and have itchy hands for getting to know Dapple better.
 
Good good good! Thank you so much for all your advice! This forum is now my absolute favourite place on the Internet, everyone's so friendly and helpful! I really can't thank you enough. Is there anything I can do in return?

I'll keep you updated on the piggies' progress, if I may, but in feeling so much more confident! Thank you!
 
Merithimas said:
Good good good! Thank you so much for all your advice! This forum is now my absolute favourite place on the Internet, everyone's so friendly and helpful! I really can't thank you enough. Is there anything I can do in return?

I'll keep you updated on the piggies' progress, if I may, but in feeling so much more confident! Thank you!
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Just enjoy exploring the forum and become part of the community... Glad that we have been able to help you Parsnip.
 
No problems with the boys today! They're sharing a hidey and seem are eating. There is still tooth chattering from time to time though. Is this likely to go on forever? Does it mean they're unhappy? I really hate it!

Also, I've been reading lots about taming and getting to know a new pig. I'd just like to know how I should space things out. So, for the moment should I just sit outside the cage and talk to them? When do I move on to tempting him with food? And how long should I wait before trying to pick him up or pet him? Finally, when can I consider floor time? I know you must hear this a lot, but it's really hard just leaving him in the cage all the time, it feels like I'm ignoring him and I want to make him like me!
 
Give your boys time - they are doing really great for adult boars sharing a house so soon; many piggies won't ever! Parsnip must be quite happy to have a snuggle buddy even if he is not quite happy with Dapple taking over.

It is down to Dapple - follow his lead. I would start handling him once he comes out for a treat and is no longer frightened by your presence. he has already settled in to his new surroundings and has got his bearings if he is normally; that is also quicker than it would be for many skittish piggies that have not had much in the way of human contact. Once he is confident and the boars are a bit more comfy together, you can also start with roaming time. The dominance phase lasts around 2 weeks on average; it can vary from just a few days to even longer. I would give it another couple of days before to put their new bond under further pressure and then reassess.

I know that it is hard for you to sit back, but things are actually going very well for you! Just entice Parsnip to come for tiny treats like slithers of his favourite veg or pellets or a pinch of dry forage and let him teach Dapple how to beg for treats and not be afraid of you. You have the huge advantage of having Parsnip who can show Dapple the ropes and integrate far more quickly than otherwise!
 
Ah that's great to hear! It's really strange though, they're content to share a house but as soon as I come close one of them runs out and after that each pig isn't very happy being approached by the other one! There's been less tooth chattering this evening but Dapple has stated mounting Parsnip a bit - is this good? But when they meet face to face, they rear up a tiny bit and then one of them backs off.

Also, earlier Dapple was charging around the cage in circles, squealing really loudly but stopping for a few seconds whenever he approached Parsnip, who was sitting in the corner - is this just because he wants some exercise?

Okay thanks, that's really helpful, so I'll carry on just watching them for a few days. And getting Parsnip to show an example by taking food shouldn't be too hard, he's always willing to eat anything!
 
Dapple just took some grass from my fingers - twice! It took about an hour of tempting and Parsnip the fatty had about a hundred times as much, but Dapple finally got brave enough! He very clearly follows Parsnip's example, which makes it a lot easier.
 
Wonderful! Just be patient a bit longer and you will make much greater strides as Dapple is following Parsnips lead. I would wait another day or two and then you can start handling and roaming. Could you use a hayfille walk-in cardboard box for lifting them out together? That will be most reassuring for Dapple - he can pick up his cues from Parsnip as long as he is with him.
 
Thanks to you, it's a all going very well! Dapple now happily eats food from my hand and doesn't run away when I approach. There's also a lot less chattering. I've given them a paper bag to play with and Dapple's loving it. But if Parsnip had finished his food and Dapple hasn't, he tends to go and steal Dapple's - normal?

As Dapple is now happy to take food, I thought I'd ask about the next steps. Should I try to handle him tomorrow, and if so, how? I'll use your hay filled box idea to collect him, but after that do I just put him on my lap and stroke him?

Also, now I've seen Dapple Parsnip seems so much less active in comparison! He just likes to sit in his hidey all day, shambling out to eat, whereas Dapple's always running around and exploring. Should I be concerned about this, or is he just less active by nature?

Thank yoooouuu
 
Merithimas said:
Thanks to you, it's a all going very well! Dapple now happily eats food from my hand and doesn't run away when I approach. There's also a lot less chattering. I've given them a paper bag to play with and Dapple's loving it. But if Parsnip had finished his food and Dapple hasn't, he tends to go and steal Dapple's - normal?

As Dapple is now happy to take food, I thought I'd ask about the next steps. Should I try to handle him tomorrow, and if so, how? I'll use your hay filled box idea to collect him, but after that do I just put him on my lap and stroke him?

Also, now I've seen Dapple Parsnip seems so much less active in comparison! He just likes to sit in his hidey all day, shambling out to eat, whereas Dapple's always running around and exploring. Should I be concerned about this, or is he just less active by nature?

Thank yoooouuu
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Stealing food is an international guinea pig sport!

It is great that Dapple has settled in so well and is ready for the next steps anytime you like. Older piggies are often a lot less active compared to younger ones; that is normal.
 
Haha the international sport made me chuckle! I would definitely watch that on television!

Bad news though (I think) - after two fairly quiet days, Parsnip had suddenly decided to try to mount Dapple. He's been chasing him round the cage for about twenty minutes, climbing on him then being shaken off. There seems to be no attempt to bite but they do occasionally state at each other face to face before one backs off. There's less chattering than when they first met (but still some) but loads of rumbling and really loud squealing. What on earth has set this of? I thought they were doing really well! Is it a sign their bond is failing?
 
Merithimas said:
Haha the international sport made me chuckle! I would definitely watch that on television!

Bad news though (I think) - after two fairly quiet days, Parsnip had suddenly decided to try to mount Dapple. He's been chasing him round the cage for about twenty minutes, climbing on him then being shaken off. There seems to be no attempt to bite but they do occasionally state at each other face to face before one backs off. There's less chattering than when they first met (but still some) but loads of rumbling and really loud squealing. What on earth has set this of? I thought they were doing really well! Is it a sign their bond is failing?
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It is a sign that Parsnip is obviously trying to renegotiate the dominance, but it is all still very much in the mild to medium range, so I would not worry.
 
Thank you thank you, I'm glad it's not too serious! The squeals are just so loud it frightens me, it sounds like they're in pain!
 
Merithimas said:
Thank you thank you, I'm glad it's not too serious! The squeals are just so loud it frightens me, it sounds like they're in pain!
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it is sumbission, not pain - and actually a very effective deterrent! They translate as "Don't be nasty to me, I'm no rival for you!"
 
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