is this normal when bonding?

[avyroseee]

I'm currently bonding my adult male guinea pig and my 3 month old male pig. i had them in cages next to eachother for a few weeks and they would sit together against the barrier and talk to eachother. theyre now meeting face to face and the adult keeps chasing the baby and then the baby squeals everytime the adult comes near him. theyve layed together and ate veggies together but every now and then the adult randomly chases the baby. is that normal?

 

[fluffysal]

Yes, it's normal dominance. You will see a lot of this over the next two weeks and it will start over when you transfer them to the freshly cleaned cage they will share. Sometimes the squealing can be VERY loud and dramatic but unless they are fighting it should be fine. Good luck

 

[Hano]

Having 2 teenage boys myself and them going through a hormonal stage, I initially worried as well! They can sound dramatic but it’s just how they establish their pecking order. As long as they’re not fighting/drawing blood then they’re okay

 

[Wiebke]

I'm currently bonding my adult male guinea pig and my 3 month old male pig. i had them in cages next to eachother for a few weeks and they would sit together against the barrier and talk to eachother. theyre now meeting face to face and the adult keeps chasing the baby and then the baby squeals everytime the adult comes near him. theyve layed together and ate veggies together but every now and then the adult randomly chases the baby. is that normal?

Hi

Acceptance has happened and they are now in the group hierarchy establishment phase. The behaviour is perfectly normal and acceptable for this stage. The submission screaming from the baby is part and parcel of it. It translates as 'I am not a contender ' and there is no pain or bullying involved.

You may find our illustrated bonding guide helpful, especially the chapters on boars, baby bonding and the dominance phase.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

A - Z of Guinea Pig Behaviours