(More) boar advice 🙈

Chloe.123

Chloe.123

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone,

I need more advice on boars (bloody boys!:hb:)

I've just been out to give my piggies their tea and my eldest boy (3yrs) and his companion (7months) seem a bit tense. They havent had a fight but I'm worried it's on the way. My old boy wont let the younger one into the bedroom compartment, hes got right up into his face and nipped him a few times to get back. He also wont let him anywhere near his space, hes claimed everything. There was some slight teeth chattering and the eldest yawned at him.

I dont know what to do. Leave them and hope nothing happens? Or separate?

Thanks
Chloe
 
Is there a way for you to set up more than two sleep areas? Is there two of everything in their cage? Bowl, bottle, hides, hay piles etc? I assume they’re in a hutch as you say you went out to give them tea. Also be aware that the younger one is in their teens and the first hormone spike occurs at 7 months. He may be testing out the boundaries.
 
Hi thanks for your reply.

I got his age wrong hes 10 months. Yes they have got 2 of everything. I did think it was him pushing the boundaries. Since I posted on here they're absolutely fine, as if nothing has happened... I can't keep up with it :doh:
 
I’ve just had to permanently separate my boars. They didn’t fight but I think they both wanted to be the boss. Mine were the same age though.
It’s hard deciding what to do for the best isn’t it. Hopefully your 7 month will back down if it comes to it.
Good Luck
 
Boars are really interesting because of all their cage politics, however this does make for anxious times! They're worth it though!
 
Hope this is ok to carry on from.. tensions started to rise again last night. As Ive said on a previous post I've got 2 other boys that unfortunately dont get on and currently live alone*. I've been wondering if I should separate the boys currently living together before a fight breaks out and (try) to bond them with the other boys hopefully giving them all company.

What does everyone think? Should I just leave them as they all are and monitor it or, change things around?

*the single boys are living nextdoor to each so do have company through the mesh between them*

Thanks
 
Chloe.123 said:
Hope this is ok to carry on from.. tensions started to rise again last night. As Ive said on a previous post I've got 2 other boys that unfortunately dont get on and currently live alone*. I've been wondering if I should separate the boys currently living together before a fight breaks out and (try) to bond them with the other boys hopefully giving them all company.

What does everyone think? Should I just leave them as they all are and monitor it or, change things around?

*the single boys are living nextdoor to each so do have company through the mesh between them*

Thanks
Click to expand...

It’s absolutely fine to carry on this post - in fact is encouraged to continue the post and not start a new one as it means we have all the information together in one place.

If you feel this is more than teen hormones, and there is a real tension in their relationship, then there is a very good argument for stepping in and separating before a fight breaks out - if things are that bad between them.

Attempting bonding them each with your single boys is a good idea to try, but obviously prepare for it not to work.

Bonds In Trouble
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
 
Thanks, I'll have a look through the links.

I think it might be for the best, although it has settled down now I think its likely to happen again. The older boar was just chasing and chattering his teeth last night. Hopefully it goes well :)
 
Chloe.123 said:
Thanks, I'll have a look through the links.

I think it might be for the best, although it has settled down now I think its likely to happen again. The older boar was just chasing and chattering his teeth last night. Hopefully it goes well :)
Click to expand...

Yes do read the links as they will help you decipher if you are just seeing normal dominance or not. Chasing and mild teeth chattering is dominance and in itself is not concerning but we obviously can’t see what is actually happening and whether it is more tense than it comes across in the written word.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Yes do read the links as they will help you decipher if you are just seeing normal dominance or not. Chasing and mild teeth chattering is dominance and in itself is not concerning but we obviously can’t see what is actually happening and whether it is more tense than it comes across in the written word.
Click to expand...
Yes i understand. It's such a hard decision, the last thing I want to do is separate if it's not needed. I'll keep checking them and read through to try and do the right thing.
Thank you for your help.
 
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