New to pigs and LOTS of questions

[PigNovice]

Our family has 2 new male pigs who we purchased, after failing to find any adoptable pigs in our area (they have been with us since midday on the 1/31). They lived together in the store (and were cuddled up nicely sharing a large pigaloo) but seem to have been experiencing some mild power struggles since moving into their new home (a large cage bought specifically for 2 pigs). There has been occasional altercations (none that lead to harm) which usually happen related to resting spots (even with additional options they are always battling for a position in one pigaloo). I am assuming this is typical but wondering if there is a point in which it's a red flag if it doesn't stop.

Sounds- One seems to be constantly annoyed with the other (he often makes a sound that to me sounds like a cross between a pigeon coo and a bullfrog...it doesn't match up with any of sound samples of common noises) and that other seems to always be complaining (he sounds like a mouse and he makes this noise all day long....unless it's his version of a wheak, neither one of them ). Should I worry that these are mostly the only sounds I hear from them?

Bonding- keep the piggies in my office in an attempt for them to get used to my scent and voice and hopefully make them feel more comfortable in their space...but I am not sure if this is working. I try to associate myself with food and they will at least sometimes take things from my hand now and again so I am counting that as progress.

Floor time- is it normal for them to get super excited about floor time for a few moments and then hide the rest of the time? I didn't do anything different, all of a sudden it's like they came to their senses and took cover and didn't run about.

VItamin C treats- If they are eating greens and vegetables, is this something I should still get? I am paranoid about them not getting enough of what they need. But I am finding they are particular about greens (although they love green pepper).

I have done a lot of reading but am generally unsure if I am making much progress and have lots of questions/appreciate all advice. I want to make sure we have happy pigs that feel like part of the family!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Floor time - sounds normal!

Vit c - if they are eating plenty of hay (which needs to be the main part of their diet) along with vit c rich veg, then they don’t need any extra vitamin c supplements. Too much vit c, while some excess can be excreted, can be just as bad as too little

You bonding with them - you need to take things at their speed. Offering them food from your hand is always the best place to start. They are prey animals and can take a long time for them to come round.

Everything else. Two boys purchased as babies can become tricky when they hit their teens. It’s good that you chose two that were cuddled up, but babies will do this but it doesn’t mean things will stay harmonious when they hit their teens and get their own ideas. This is sometimes where issues hit but more boars make it together through their teens than not - it is essential you know what you are looking for though in terms of their behaviours

A change in environment will almost always result in dominance behaviours.

Young/Teen boys can be tricky and need careful handling, but once they hit their teens (4-14 months of age), all you will see is dominance, even more so when they have a hormone spike!

With boys it is essential to have a larger than average cage - a minimum of 150cm x 60cm cage for teen boys. Anything less will likely cause issues relating to a lack of space.

Multiple items and hideys must have two exits - don’t use anything enclosed where piggies can get cornered. Always have more hideys than piggies. I have six hideys between my two boys. Two food bowls, two water bottles, multiple hay piles etc. Just don’t give them any reason to argue over anything!

Always handle the dominant piggy first. This helps prevent any issues with being over assertive.

What you need is one to be dominant and the other to be submissive. Squealing noises (which sound distressing to us) are usually submission sounds and are a good sign. I can’t quite make out the noise the other (the pigeon cooing noise) but if it is purring accompanied by swinging his hips, then that will be rumblestrutting - a normal dominance behaviour.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information

 

[Siikibam]

You’ve been given great advise above. The one thing I would do is to double check the sex of your boys. Unfortunately pet shops have a reputation of missexing them.
Illustrated Sexing Guide