Two baby male pigs not getting along?

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

n.davidhilton

New Born Pup
Joined
May 25, 2012
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Points
85
Hi!

I've just got two male guinea pigs - about nine weeks old - I've had them for about a week now.

At first the slightly bigger piggy, Ricco, was really shy and timid, he didn't eat much on the first day and also hid in a corner of the cage a lot.

Bruce, the smaller piggy, was really quite brave, he was exploring and eating loads and seemed like the alpha.

But now Ricco is becoming a lot braver and sort of nips bruce a little on the side if he comes near his corner, which leaves Bruce looking a little frightened - though he has no wounds, I think it's very gentle.

And if Bruce is eating Ricco has started to push him out of the way a little or tries to take his food from him.

But other times they play and eat together happily and chase each other round!

Is this normal or is it a type of bullying that we need to do something about?

I don't know if it's just us worrying 'cause we want them to be friends!

Sorry for the small essay! And thanks for any advice you can offer

x Natasha


P.S Sorry for posting twice I think I posted in the wrong place before and couldn't delete it!
 
First of all, can you tell us a little big about where it is they live? :) Because you have two boys, space is a big issue.
 
Hi,

Yes of course, it's a fairly big cage, about a metre or so long.

It has a little hideaway that's completely covered over and a log cubby too.

Bruce sleeps under the log cubby but he did this even when Ricco was timid on the first day - so it might just be that he prefers to be able to see out... ?

Ricco has made the completely covered bit his and won't let bruce near the furthest away bit.

And when Ricco was being cuddled the other day Bruce went in that corner, dug it up and pooed in it!

When Ricco came back he just recovered it in saw dust and didn't seem bothered though..

The lady at the shop said the cage should be big enough for them even as adults, so I think it is sufficient..

Thanks,

Natasha x
 
space for 2 boys should ideally be 5ft by 2ft, any smaller may cause fights, a metre cage is not big enough it needs to be 140 or even better 150.

its not your fault pet shops are very bad at giving out correct information!
 
Awh no, really?

Perhaps I'll get a bigger one this weekend then, thank you so much I didn't realise!

Do you think their behaviour is a problem or it is just because they are so young and new?


Thanks,

Natasha x
 
If you can get a bigger cage or open yours up to extend into a playpen maybe. Any extra space is good.

as long as both piggies are eating and drinking i think they will be ok. you'll no if they dot like each other there would be lots of teeth chattering and fighting.

the odd nip or headbutt looks a lot worse to us, but is there equivilant (or i like to think) of a smack on the wrist.

golden rule is if blood is drawn seperate, and if its obvious one piggy isnt being allowed to eat seperate.

sounds like yours are just finding there feet.

xx
 
Hello to your and your boars! Boys are known for having hierarchy issues in their teenage stage which normally is a bit later than 9 weeks but I have had 2 boys that were grumpy at that stage.

As mentioned, size of housing is v important but there are other things you can try to help as well. Boys seem to be better with hideys with an entrance and an exit that you can run through without getting boxed in. Or you can peg up a towel or fleece hidey area rather than having a boxy type hidey?
If they are arguing over food, then have 2 food bowls and two water bottles and I try to hand feed veggies so that I know both boys get some and they get to know you better too!

There have been quite a lot of threads like this recently so have a look in the Behaviour section and you may see some more tips in those threads. I will try to post links to a couple in a minute:)

Keep watching them and let us know what is happening
 
Last edited:
Hi,

I think maybe they're just adjusting then!

They both eat happily together at other times - each chewing away at the same sprout! They don't stop each other eating...

So maybe this weekend we'll get a bigger cage and teddy and see how they go :)

Thank you for putting my mind at rest!


Natasha x
 
Hi! Please have a look at our boar guide (one of the links you have been given) and you will get many tips for making your boys' life better. We also have lots of tips and informations on here.

Piggies are herd animals and always need to establish a hierarchy. What you are perceiving as bullying is what we call dominance behaviour. The top piggy will make clear that he has first choice of everything (that is why lots of sapce and two of everything work for the more territorial boars). The bottom piggy will squeal loudly, not in pain but in submission. Guinea pigs have to spell everything out in bold letters where we humans can get by with a hint. It can be a somewhat unnerving experience for a newbie!

Boars will go through a hormonal phase between 4-14 months old and things can get very touchy with a fall out possible between not character compatible boars. Again, having space and their own things at each end can help minimise the chances of fights happening.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top