Teenage Boars

[Jo83]

Hi everyone
My boars are coming up to 6 months so we’re well in to the teenage phase & we’ve had plenty of displays of dominance but thankfully nothing extreme as yet Lately they have been going up to each other runblestrutting (very normal for my pair!) then lying on the floor in front of each other and kind of jumping while lying down if that makes any sense! They do this right in front of each other & normally 1 ends up running off which I’m guessing is a good thing!
Just wondering if this is another normal dominance display or playing maybe? Doesn’t seem too aggressive although they are rumbling while they’re doing it & it’s definitely increased recently, anyone else’s pigs do the same?

 

[Jo83]

I’ve also been told the cage is too cluttered? Would it help with the teenage years if I took some stuff out? I was trying to give them as many hideys as poss!

 

[Wiebke]

View attachment 138525
I’ve also been told the cage is too cluttered? Would it help with the teenage years if I took some stuff out? I was trying to give them as many hideys as poss!

Hi!

It sounds in now way critical but you may want to make sure that all hideys have exits on opposite sides. I also find that is easier for youngsters to run around at full speed if you assemble the hideys in a kind of terrace in the middle and they have the outside free for a loop - although your paper sheet bedding may not allow this because of lack of grip. One edible hidey is enough; you don't need more than max. 2-3 hideys at any time (and that includes one tunnel).

Piggies only need 1 tablespoon of pellets per day. Rather than having lots of bowls and toys in the room, turn veg and pellet time in enrichment and provide more hay - it should make up to 80% of the daily food intake for long term health and a longer life span - it can really make a difference of 1-2 years of life. Hay and fresh grass are vital to keep the crucial back teeth ground down that do the chewing and the self-sharpening front teeth that are there for picking up and cutting in perfect order. The hay is also needed to keep the microbiome in the gut healthy and prevent bad bacteria from overgrowing (feeding too many treats, fruit/tomatoes and sugary/fattening veg like carrots).
Pellets and a small mix of fresh vegs are more in the way of a daily treat and not the mainstay of the diet. Also make sure that your boys have two bottles at different ends of the cage.

Here is more detailed information on all food groups and plenty of ideas how you can turn dinner time into play and fun time.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

These guides are all part of our very useful New Owners guide collection, which covers a very wide range of topics and sis worth bookmarking: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Jo83]

Hi!

It sounds in now way critical but you may want to make sure that all hideys have exits on opposite sides. I also find that is easier for youngsters to run around at full speed if you assemble the hideys in a kind of terrace in the middle and they have the outside free for a loop - although your paper sheet bedding may not allow this because of lack of grip. One edible hidey is enough; you don't need more than max. 2-3 hideys at any time (and that includes one tunnel).

Piggies only need 1 tablespoon of pellets per day. Rather than having lots of bowls and toys in the room, turn veg and pellet time in enrichment and provide more hay - it should make up to 80% of the daily food intake for long term health and a longer life span - it can really make a difference of 1-2 years of life. Hay and fresh grass are vital to keep the crucial back teeth ground down that do the chewing and the self-sharpening front teeth that are there for picking up and cutting in perfect order. The hay is also needed to keep the microbiome in the gut healthy and prevent bad bacteria from overgrowing (feeding too many treats, fruit/tomatoes and sugary/fattening veg like carrots).
Pellets and a small mix of fresh vegs are more in the way of a daily treat and not the mainstay of the diet. Also make sure that your boys have two bottles at different ends of the cage.

Here is more detailed information on all food groups and plenty of ideas how you can turn dinner time into play and fun time.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

These guides are all part of our very useful New Owners guide collection, which covers a very wide range of topics and sis worth bookmarking: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Thanks for your reply that photo was taken of a clean cage so rest assured it’s normally covered in hay it just hadn’t gone in yet!
I’ve got 2 of everything in there bottles, food bowls and water bowls- mine dont seem to drink from the bottle yet. I will definitely look to rearrange the cage then & take some things out, thought it would be better to have plenty of places for them to hide but that is easily rectified!
What would you suggest for lining the cage please? The vet advised kitchen towel & they do run laps so doesn’t seem to be a problem there but I have been looking to use something else as there’s so much waste! I’m really not fussed on the idea of using fleece as there’s no way I’d keep up with the washing!

 

[Siikibam]

Kitchen towel will get wet pretty quick and you don’t want them standing in it. You can use disposable bedding or fleece. I’ll look for the bedding thread and link for you to read through.
Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview