Why Is Sylvester Behaving Like This?

[wind1]

I have 2 boys, Chester is 2 and Sylvester just under 2. They have lived together from 7 months old and 4 months, they bonded easily. They live in a cage in the utility room. I have just had them both out to clip their nails and clean out their cage. Whilst cleaning out they were loose in the utility room and Sylvester just kept mounting Chester the whole time. I have now put them back in their cage and he is continuing to do this. Chester is getting fed up with him and shaking him off but Sylvester just keeps coming back for another go. It has been going on for about half an hour now. I'm worried because there is a little bit of teeth chattering between them. He has never done this before so why start now? I would have thought his hormones are settled at this age? I don't want to separate them in case they won't go back together later. Any advice please?

 

[Wiebke]

Adult boars can occasionally suffer from a hormonal spike. If it doesn't settle down, separate overnight so they can cool down and then introduce again on neutral ground after buddy bath which removes the testosterone stink. also clean the cage including furnishings after the hormone laden pee fest that comes with an overexcited boar. They should go back together again; they don't sound like they are anywhere near a fall-out. Just fed up with the antics!
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-introducing-and-re-introducing-guinea-pigs.38562/

 

[wind1]

Thank you, I don't blame poor Chester being fed up, especially as Sylvester is mounting his head or sideways on! They are both now completely zonked out so I will see what happens when Sylvester wakes up again. I will keep a close eye on them. At what point do you think I should separate if it carries on?

 

[Wiebke]

As soon as you feel the tension mounting. Sylvester's behaviour is typical for an overdose of testosterone. From my own experience, it will be hopefully over in a day or so. A short separation won't break the bond.

 

[wind1]

Thank you for your advice, Sylvester had calmed down by yesterday evening and we are now back to normal without the need to separate. Just a quick question. Every time I clean the boys out which is usually every 4th day, Sylvester gets very excited when I put them back in, popcorning and rumble strutting, marking everything. I have always just thought he is happy to be back in a clean cage but I'm now wondering if he is trying to assert his dominance over Chester (Chester is the dominant pig, I think!). Would it be any good leaving some of the soiled bedding in so I'm not taking away all of their scent when I clean out?