Thank You And An Update

[Katiedid]

Hi

I posted a while ago about Dozy and Jet who were supplied as a bonded male pair but as soon as they got home they began to fight.

I'm not sure whethe we had separated them last time I posted but after Jet sustaining several bites one day we divided the cage then bought a second cage. Due to me being ill they remained in separate cages unable to see each other until today. This week I was finally well enough to buy and put together a huuugggee C&C cage with a divider down the middle so they are now side by side.

They have both been happy whilst separated. In fact Dozy has gone from being anxty with us and nipping the kids to being soft (however last week both were on laps on the sofa for the first time since separated and he went for my daughter). Jet has gone from a very skinny 780g to a nice healthy 950g.

I took the both to the vet (one who specialises in exotics esp guinea pigs and rabbits) to check that there was no medical reason for the fighting and both are healthy (some may recall Dozy has a lump, the veg thinks it is just a cyst and we just need to keep an eye on it as it is too small to do a needle biopsy of and he thinks it's nothing to worry about).


Both piggies are now very vocal and friendly.

The intention was always to reintroduce but I'm not sure whether I will do that now. If they are happy side by side and safe then why upset that? Any thoughts on that.


I'm happy as I considered taking Dozy back as he was nippy with the kids but I adore them both.


Katie

 

[Katiedid]

Ps how long will they try to chew through the pars to reach the other for? And it's not nice reach each other it's heckles up reach each other!

 

[Lilly]

As they seem happier living side by side I'd leave them that way.

 

[MyGuineaPigPals]

i had the same problem with my boys except they weren't nippy but sometimes are now but only to me on rare occassions. I separated them by divide in their c&c and they still chew bars to get at each other just less frequently. When i block their view of each other they destroy the board, they are miserable alone but cant live together they like it best being neighbours, they may wind each other up but its still a form of company. I have recently started using beaphor cage fresh granules and have found putting some along the divide has reduced their need to scent mark as much at each other as the granules have a strong neutral smell. Its not their intended use just something i discovered when using them. If they have enough space and toys etc not to get bored then hopefully the bar chewing will get a bit less but it is unlikely you will stop it altogether just give them loads of time and try not to let it drive you barmy!

 

[Katiedid]

The thing I love is although they have tried to chew through and dig under the divider they are still squeaking to each other as they potter around. It's a constant conversation. They were happy in the separate cages where they could hear but not see each other but I'm hoping this will be better.

 

[Wiebke]

They are perfectly happy as they are, each with his own territory, but still able to annoy the other... They will settle down a bit more once they reach adulthood and the insult hurling will get a bit less, but it will probably stay as cherished part of their daily interaction!

Even my neutered boars with a harem do the winding up and biting through the bars... it is a boar thing!