Keeping boys and girls next to each other

[Etta]

Hi All, wonder if someone could advise me as I am stuck on what to do and the internet gives conflicting information.

I currently have 2 un-neutered boys and 2 un-neutered girls who live in hutches at seperate ends of the garden. We have a shed which we want to convert into a guinea pig house so they have more room to play. The shed will have the indoor bit and then an outdoor run attached on the side so during the day they can come and go as they please and then at night be locked in safe and sound.

At the moment, the two boys (who are a year old) get on really well and never fight. I have heard that if they scent a female this may trigger fighting and I am really worried about affecting the happy balance.

We were going to seperate the shed and run into two with a thick wooden divider and have boys on one side and girls on the other, so they can not see each other but they would be able to hear and smell each other. Does anyone think this is a bad idea? As I said, I do not want to upset the status quo of the boys as they are so good together at the moment, your help would be appreciated Rebecca

 

[Romily]

I have never had any problems keeping boys and girls in close proximity.

 

[CiaraPatricia]

Well I know people advise not letting them see or smell each other. I don't think it's set in stone, but it just makes it more risky.

I have three boys who live next door to two girls, and there are no problems.

When the girls come out into the run the boys will sometimes rumblestrut, but usually just go over and squeak at the girls, and don't act aggressive to each other. I usually keep the runs about 6" to 1' apart from each other so they can't go right up and smell the girls' bums or anything! That might drive them a bit crazy.

I've always been one to see what works for me, rather than follow advice exactly. You could always try putting them near each other, and if they act aggressively then take them away. My pigs definitely benefit from being able to see each other, it's interesting for them to have "neighbours" and I think enriches their lives.

I would try it and see what happens.

 

[Suzygpr]

You should be ok having them in the same shed - mine are. But the boys never use a run/cage that the girls have been in, that would cause an eruption!

As long as you always keep them in their own areas/cages it should be ok - but all pigs are different and sometimes you have to try it out before you know for sure.

Suzy

 

[Etta]

Thanks for your help, once we have finished the shed we will give it a go and see what happens. I will put a gap between the outside runs just to help a little. Thanks again for your help