Arguing brothers?

[Rachw]

Hi we have three brothers that I think are about 8 months old. We bought from a pet shop (which we now know isn't always best) so the age is a guess based on what they told us. We also ended up with all three because they wouldn't have one left on its own. We've had them for a couple of months and mostly they've been fine apart from some rumbling and slow walks during the first couple of weeks of bringing them home. However over the last couple of days one has been kind of chasing the others, side stepping with its head raised up, lunging at them and both of the other two have been running to get away from him. They seem quite scared of him almost so much so that they don't run to hide from us like they normally would if we walk past. There has also been a lot of teeth chattering which I think all may have done at some point but is mainly coming from the one doing the lunging. We're new to guinea pigs and should probably have done more research but just wondered if we should separate the one that is throwing his weight around? I'm now aware since getting them that ideally males shouldn't be in more than a pair.

Any advice appreciated

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear you’re in this situation. It’s a shame the shop aren’t aware of and didn’t inform you of the issues boar trios face.

Yes sadly, they will need to be separated. Keep the two who get on best together. As you now know, boar trios don’t work (alone, the space required to attempt it is well beyond normal cage sizes) and sadly they are highly unlikely to make it together to adulthood.

The recommended cage size for a boar pair is 180x60cm. The single piggy will need to be kept alongside the pair so they can interact through the bars only. If he is to remain single, then his cage will need to be 120x60cm, but if you intend on finding him a character compatible friend, then his cage will also need to be 180x60cm. If he had a friend, then it would no longer need to be kept alongside and could be stacked/on a table etc to save floor spade
If you do intend on finding him a friend, then via a rescue centre is safest as they can help ensure character compatibility and a successful bond (this is particularly important given bonding teenage boars can be slightly trickier to the hormones).

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[Swissgreys]

You have received excellent advice about.
I just wanted to add that I am sorry you had this bad (although not uncommon) experience with the pet shop, but it's great to have you here as part of the Forum.
I hope you can find a solution for your boys.

 

[Rachw]

I separated Bert from the other two this afternoon. They all seemed very quiet before that, not squeaking at the sound of the fridge opening or anything. Since then, the two that have stayed together seem to have relaxed a lot and seem more comfortable again. Bert is in a temporary enclosure but has chewed nonstop on the bars which he never did before. I feel so sad for him but it was no good for him to be with the other two and causing upset. I really would have loved to keep him too but unfortunately we just don't have space for him to be next to the others and so I've arranged to take him to a rescue centre where he can hopefully be rehomed or do some dating to find a new friend. I feel absolutely gutted about the outcome and the kids are devastated too but I'm hoping it will all work out for the best in the end. Thanks for the advice

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry for the upset, but surrendering him is an act of love. You can be assured he will be bonded with a new friend and will be rehomed

 

[Swissgreys]

As hard as it is you have done the right thing, and passing him over to a rescue gives him the best chance of finding a mate and being rehomed with another piggy.

 

[weepweeps]

Such a hard decision for you to make but it has been made with Berts best interest at the heart of it. He will get paired up with a compatible friend and have a happy life.

 

[Rachw]

Thank you for your support I know he'll be fine and he'll make a lovely pet and companion for someone soon