Sudden aggresion towards each other

[Vikx993]

hey all

I have 2 male pigs, I had one to start off with as his pal died. So I got a baby months ago and they were getting on fine it was great.

Now gizmo (the baby) is growing up fast! In fact he is nearly bigger than the first piggy!

My BF and I noticed this weekend that they have suddenly become very grumpy towards each other. Teeth chattering and yawning. Only once have I see them jump at each other. No blood was drawn and they soon got over it and were munching on hay together.

Could this be down to gizmo (baby) now being bigger than the first pig? Or maybe his hormones? (older pig has always been top dog)

Just worried that if blood is drawn I'm going to have to re home gizmo. We have no room for another cage in our house.

 

[Wiebke]

It sounds like Gizmp has hit the teenage months. The hormonal age lasts from 4-12 months with occasional spikes. As he is now bigger than your older boar, he is obviously trying for top spot, and that is not going down well.

Please provide as much space as possible, ideally so that both boys can get away from each other. Have everything in twos, from hideys to bowls, water bottles hay etc. each item spaced well away from the other same item, so they can't go possessive.

Best of luck - it is the most difficult period for boars.

 

[Vikx993]

It sounds like Gizmp has hit the teenage months. The hormonal age lasts from 4-12 months with occasional spikes. As he is now bigger than your older boar, he is obviously trying for top spot, and that is not going down well.

Please provide as much space as possible, ideally so that both boys can get away from each other. Have everything in twos, from hideys to bowls, water bottles hay etc. each item spaced well away from the other same item, so they can't go possessive.

Best of luck - it is the most difficult period for boars.

Already have 2 of everything and they have a 2 story cage to run around. But they prefer the same corner. Typical. I did think that it was the teen age years.
Gimzo was a log haired piggy which also made him look massive as well as a walking mop. SO last night we gave him a much needed trim.

really hoping no blood is drawn. Its so stressfull >>>

 

[Sharon.Mackay]

Hi, we are having exactly the same scenario. The baby is being a real cocky thing and annoying his older cage mate. They were having proper fights last week and both had little cuts. However it has settled down now. I think the baby was trying to be boss and Jasper was putting him in his place. We left them to it with a watchful eye. I reckon it's normal even though it looks bad to us, Jasper got so cross with him! They are actually having a little bicker now as i type, but in between spats they love each other so i dont worry anymore

 

[Vikx993]

Well everything seemed to of settled down today....until I had them out on my bed with me with a big pile of veggies. All was going well then Bert the eldest popcorned and landed on the babies back....

Massive fight broke out, I grabbed the blanket and threw it over them, it stopped but the eldest has a cut to his lip and a cut to his nose. Not pouring blood or anything just cuts...

So now I don't know what to do. We have no room for 2 c & c cages. As we live in a 2 bed apartment (bed room 2 already has our office/futon and the other c & c cage in here.

I really don't want any more fights. :0

Yet the thought of using pets at home to re home my little one tears me apart.

I live in Peterborough.

Any advice would be welcome.

From a very upset Vikx

 

[Wiebke]

Can you leave them to cool down separately overnight; sometimes that helps when there hasn't been a fight with bites. Then see how they are tomorrow; if necessary on neutral ground. It is a nerve racking period for anybody who has to go through! And it is certainly not wrong to think about what to do if you have to separate permanently.

Here are more tips for reintroductions: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

 

[Vikx993]

Can you leave them to cool down separately overnight; sometimes that helps when there hasn't been a fight with bites. Then see how they are tomorrow; if necessary on neutral ground. It is a nerve racking period for anybody who has to go through! And it is certainly not wrong to think about what to do if you have to separate permanently.

Here are more tips for reintroductions: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

I dont have another cage for them to stay in over night

I have put them back in together and they seem fine again. There are to massive piles of hay and bits at each of of the cage and hides galore!

Will see how they get on.

I would be lying if I said I'm not gutted and close to tears.

 

[Vikx993]

Well, I went to bed last night and something told me to check on the pigs (we had only left them for 10 minutes) All hell had broken loose and now my eldest is minus a tooth.....

So the cage is split at the moment but its not far on the little piggy. I'm seeing if a friend of mind would like to look after him as her son adores him. Hard and sad desion to make but I feel its better for the pair of them....

Also before any one thinks any less of me for having to rehome. If i could have 2 cages in this house I would. I spent most of last night awake worrying about this all. :...

 

[Wiebke]

I am sorry for your problems! Could you arrange for two cages on top of each other?

If you decide to give away the youngster, please make sure that his new owners will go and find him company (preferable by boar dating in a reputable rescue - that makes for a much more stable bond).

Perhaps you may consider having your remaining boy neutered and living with a sow? Cross gender bondings are the most stable of all possible bondings once a boar has initially been accepted by a sow; but you have to face the risk of mainly post op complications and the cost of the op (which varies from vet to vet - it is around £50 generally).

 

[Vikx993]

I think I may be able to but the problem for us is when we go away, it would mean we would have to take 2 cages over to my parents instead of the one.

I will look in to it.

Dont worry I am working on a piggy care pack at the moment. Maybe fingers crossed we find a way to have them both still...