2 Males Fighting

[RachelS]

Hey everyone!
So I have two males guinea pig, one 7months and the other is around 5months. About two days ago they started fighting (no blood drawn) with chattering everything. They used to sleep, eat and well do everything together and now when they are near each other they start making all sorts of sounds. I know makes tend to fight once they mature but should I be super concerned about it? My vet recommended neutering them to see if it helps but I know it can be risky to do that. (At this moment I can't separate them well due to living in a dorm) what do y'all recommend? I know with horses we a have a supplement that helps lower testosterone. Is there something like that for guinea pigs?

 

[RachelS]

Also I forgot to add my 5month old has been sick for a while and he is just now almost completely healthy. (He's on his last day of meds)

 

[amy104]

Neutering will not make any difference to them behaviourally like it does with other animals like rabbits.

How much space do they have? Boars can be particularly troublesome if in too small a space.

Ordinarily I would try to increase space, make sure there is two of everything so that they are less inclined to squable etc. However I'm wondering what your piggy was sick with and whether despite no blood a more long term bullying problem has been going on?

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone!
So I have two males guinea pig, one 7months and the other is around 5months. About two days ago they started fighting (no blood drawn) with chattering everything. They used to sleep, eat and well do everything together and now when they are near each other they start making all sorts of sounds. I know makes tend to fight once they mature but should I be super concerned about it? My vet recommended neutering them to see if it helps but I know it can be risky to do that. (At this moment I can't separate them well due to living in a dorm) what do y'all recommend? I know with horses we a have a supplement that helps lower testosterone. Is there something like that for guinea pigs?

Hi and welcome

You have unfortunately two teenagers at the all time high of testosterone output. As of now, your boys are not yet in the critical stage.

Please take the time to carefully read our comprehensive teenage guide, which takes you through all aspects from what you can do from to remove potential flashpoints to when and how to conduct temporary short-term separations to dealing with any fall-outs.
It is a constant evaluation and re-evaluation of the bond. the teenage months have several tricky periods along the line from 4-14 months so there is no one easy and quick rule that fits all situations.
Here is the link: Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Please be extremely careful when changing the habitat during the very touchy times. Boars need all the space they can get (ideally 2x6 ft or more), but any new terrority or extensions require a hierarchy sort-out so you have to do things VERY carefully to mask any changes.
Tips are in here in chaper 3: A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Boar neutering unfortunately only takes away the ability to make babies; it doesn't change social behaviour and personal outlook. It doesn't even curb the testosterone all that much. Even neutered boars can still create an amazing amount of boar stink (especially when they meet sows) and they can also still suffer from hormone spikes into adulthood.
Here is some very comprehensive information on neutering and neutering operations. any vet who recommends neutering as a potential measure for calming down boars, is not exactly experienced with guinea pigs...
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care