Young Boars Fighting!

[Elna0613]

Hello, as a new Guinea pig owner I'm looking for some advice regarding my two boars Charlie and Jake. We have had them for 4months and think they are somewhere around 5-6 months old. We got them from pets at home so unsure whether they are from the same litter. For the past couple of months we have witnessed the boys "teeth chattering" at each other which often results in them launching at each other, but in serious cases this has turned into a full on fight usually ending with ripped out hair in each other's mouths
As far as we have seen they haven't drawn blood from each other, yet!
Just last weekend we upgraded to a bigger two story hutch however their disagreements have continued. They always get a couple hours floor time in the evening and during this time are mostly playful but again still have the occasional disagreement!
Does anybody have any tips or advice on helping them to bond? Or should we consider separating them?
Our vet suggested neutering however having done some research it does not change the behaviour so would not want to put our boys through that for no reason!
Has anybody had similar experiences with young boars? Is it something they will grow out of or will it only get worse?!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

What your boys are currently going through is the teenages hormones. These come in spikes, usually one at around 3-4 months at the onset, then often a bad one at 6 months (which is what your boys are going through) and that is often the end for the pairs that are not character compatible in their adult identities. Another tricky period often follows around 8-10 months of age. Some previously peaceful pairs can get into trouble at around 1 year old. Boars reach their hormonally much more settled adulthood at around 15 months of age.

You are right - unlike with rabbits, neutering will only remove the ability to make babies, it doesn;t change their personality or the dominance behaviour. It is a breeder myth that boars need to be brothers; they clash and fall out just the same if both are on the dominant side.

Here are tips on what you can do. However, you have to be aware that ultimately it is down to how your boys' personalities mesh whether they can make it through together or not. Changes in territory will trigger a new dominance sort-out (and in some cases that can even include a cage clean! ). When you try re-introductions, always make sure that you have got a plan B at the ready in case things don't go to plan.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/introducing-and-re-introducing-guinea-pigs.38562/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/dominance-behaviours-in-guinea-pigs.28949/

PS: With members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county, so we can tailor any advice and recommendations to what is available/possible where you are. In your case, it will especially influence your options in case of a permanent fall-out. Please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!

 

[Elna0613]

Thanks so much for all the info
will have a good read of those links!
Have updated my location too (UK)
Thanks again x