What does this mean?

mitt

mitt

New Born Pup
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Hello! Below I've attached a video via YouTube to ask about my male guinea pigs behavior. It seems everytime I pet him, he begins to purr and sway his butt, occasionally flicking his head away, and yet always coming back nor trying to run.

He also does this sometimes when he sees my female guinea pig. (That I make sure is separated in a different cage and whenever they roam together.)

I've had another male guinea pig in the past, and he's never done this.

I'm not sure if this has to do with anything mating related? Or if he's still young and in heat? But whatever it may be, negative behavior or not, please do enlighten me and tell me if I'm doing anything wrong! If any questions need be answered, I'll be sure to occasionally check the site and do my best at answering them.

Video of his behavior: https://youtube.com/shorts/Dd1kFaI1pw4?si=kIa1mtyFTyd86-Dv
 
This behaviour is called rumble strutting. It is an entirely normal dominance behaviour and nothing to worry about. He is just trying to show you he is a big strong man!
I’ve added some guides below.

As you have a female as well but you mention ‘when they roam together’ - please do not ever let them roam or be physically together while the male is not neutered.

Do note that male guinea pigs do not go into heat. Only females go into heat/in season - it is the time that shows they are fertile.


Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
 
Piggies&buns said:
This behaviour is called rumble strutting. It is an entirely normal dominance behaviour and nothing to worry about. He is just trying to show you he is a big strong man!
I’ve added some guides below.

As you have a female as well but you mention ‘when they roam together’ - please do not ever let them roam or be physically together while the male is not neutered.

Do note that male guinea pigs do not go into heat. Only females go into heat/in season - it is the time that shows they are fertile.


Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Click to expand...
That's great info to know! I'll have to note not to allow them to roam together then. Thanks!
 
mitt said:
That's great info to know! I'll have to note not to allow them to roam together then. Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you have been allowing them to have physical time together then you will unfortunately need to now put the female on 10 weeks pregnancy watch.
A mating would take just seconds and you may have not witnessed it happen
 
I haven't let them roam together for a good while now, and it's usually I and a fellow family member that keep watch of one when we do. I will however keep an eye out if it means to avoid such catastrophe! Since that just sounds like a stressful day waiting to happen...
 
Do you have any plans to neuter him so they can be bonded?
I know neutering is more expensive in the US than here in the UK
 
I don't believe so if I can just keep them separated. That, and as you mentioned, the prices here in the US.. 😵 I think for now on I'll just allow them to meet each other through their own cages.
 
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