My boys have fallen out

[janew]

I got my 2 boars about 4 months ago - they're now about 6 months old and are brothers. Until about a week ago they were good buddies, always hanging out together. I've always had 2 of everything in the hutch (food bowls, veg bowls, beds etc). Last week the smaller of the 2 started to sniff around the other one. Over a few days this led to sniffing, mounting, rumbling, chasing etc and eventually ended in some serious fighting. The fighting happened while I was at work, and it was obvious that it was more than just one little scuffle. The bigger one has several bite wounds, and the little one only has a couple, so obviously the smaller one won (he is so sweet and timid normally). I separated them straight away, but I'm worried that the smaller one isn't adjusting to single life very well. He's become very withdrawn and spends all his time in his little house all huddled up. He does come out to eat, but then goes straight back to bed. Before he used to 'potter around' the hutch a lot. We've let them sniff each other a couple of times on neutral ground, but they instantly start teeth chattering and trying to bite each other.

Has anyone had this experience before when 2 brothers suddenly started to hate each other? I'm assuming its a dominance issue as I know guineas are notorious for this, but I would like to try and get them back together at some point so they don't spend their lives along (they're in hutches next to each other, and unfortunately I haven't got any room to get any new pigs as companions for them).

Can anyone offer any advice on how to re-bond them?

Many thanks,

Jane

 

[flips]

I'm sorry your boys have fallen out. Often when blood has been drawn it is unlikely that they will be friends again. Although you may have more luck in a few months once hormones have begun to settle.
I don't have boars so can only advise you on what I've read on the forum. These threads may be of use though.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28949
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

 

[Wiebke]

Unfortunately, your boys are right in the middle of the stroppy months when the hormones run wild and fall outs are most likely. It doesn't matter whether they are brothers or not.

If blood has been drawn and there has been a severe fight with bites etc. I would recommend keeping them separated, but in a way where they can still interact through mesh or bars. There is a slight chance that they may get on with each other again in a few months time when their bodies and tempers have settled.

Neutering just to calm them down doesn't work with guinea pigs; they only lose the ability to make babies, but not their instincts. It is only worth a consideration if you are planning to split them permanently and introduce each to a girl. We have members who have gone down that route successfully. You want to get hold of an experienced vet for that in order to minimise the risks of the op and recovery. Cross gender pairings are the most stable.