At an absolute loose end!

[Gingerninja]

Hi, so I rescued my two little pride and joy piggies last month. And from the get go A was humping B. B never fought back and I left them to establish dominance for themselves taking into account the new environment etc. Tonight B was so distressed and the humping as progressively got worse from A. A is literally humping him every minute of the day. All day. Not even exaggerating. I took a video and sent it to the rescue for advice. I was told to try vicks vapour rub on the back of piggy B as they don't like the smell of it. I left it an hour to see if I could leave them for the night in the same cage. It soon proved that I couldn't. Piggy A was literally obsessive and I feel bullying piggy B. B was weighed today as I was worried and has lost 30g in just over a week. Anyway piggy B had finally had enough. 3 warning bites and I had concluded it was trial seperation time as the bites were fast becoming more dangerous. Took piggy B out of the cage and sent my partner out to get another cage. Piggy A threw a hissy fit and I literally heard my first chirp!!! Whilst holding piggy B he was very lethargic, wet himself 3 times and made jerking movements which weren't hiccups as I've experienced that before. He settled with me and when the new cage came I put them side by side. Both piggies stood up at the bars longing for each other so against my instinct I thought one last try for the night. Instinct was right and I quickly moved piggy B again. The next time piggy B was moved he was very happy with the situation and seemed less subdued and just perked up. Meanwhile piggy A is still pining for B and I can hear the squeaking from upstairs. I really am heartbroken. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm still deciding whether it's even worth trying the vicks vapour rub tomorrow or just letting piggy B have the peace he is clearly enjoying. But then I'm heartbroken hearing the bully piggie cry out. Any advice for a piggy mummy at a loose end would be totally and utterly appreciated. I'm very saddened x

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, so I rescued my two little pride and joy piggies last month. And from the get go A was humping B. B never fought back and I left them to establish dominance for themselves taking into account the new environment etc. Tonight B was so distressed and the humping as progressively got worse from A. A is literally humping him every minute of the day. All day. Not even exaggerating. I took a video and sent it to the rescue for advice. I was told to try vicks vapour rub on the back of piggy B as they don't like the smell of it. I left it an hour to see if I could leave them for the night in the same cage. It soon proved that I couldn't. Piggy A was literally obsessive and I feel bullying piggy B. B was weighed today as I was worried and has lost 30g in just over a week. Anyway piggy B had finally had enough. 3 warning bites and I had concluded it was trial seperation time as the bites were fast becoming more dangerous. Took piggy B out of the cage and sent my partner out to get another cage. Piggy A threw a hissy fit and I literally heard my first chirp! Whilst holding piggy B he was very lethargic, wet himself 3 times and made jerking movements which weren't hiccups as I've experienced that before. He settled with me and when the new cage came I put them side by side. Both piggies stood up at the bars longing for each other so against my instinct I thought one last try for the night. Instinct was right and I quickly moved piggy B again. The next time piggy B was moved he was very happy with the situation and seemed less subdued and just perked up. Meanwhile piggy A is still pining for B and I can hear the squeaking from upstairs. I really am heartbroken. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm still deciding whether it's even worth trying the vicks vapour rub tomorrow or just letting piggy B have the peace he is clearly enjoying. But then I'm heartbroken hearing the bully piggie cry out. Any advice for a piggy mummy at a loose end would be totally and utterly appreciated. I'm very saddened x

Hi!

Please keep your boys next to each other, but in separate cages so they can continue to interact. They still need the stimulation and the company. A humping piggy doesn't understand what they are doing wrong, but if the bullied piggy is perking up the moment he is away rom the other piggy, then the bond is not working. The two boys will settle down in 2-3 days when they realise that they are now neighbours and not longer cage mates.

You can find more information on bullying and information on options for fallen out boars in this guide here.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Please NEVER use vicks - it is harmful to guinea pigs and at the best only delays any bonding, but it is certainly not going to help. It is one of these long debunked olden days breeder tips that have sadly got online and still make the rounds.
You can find our extensive bonding information at the top of this section if you wish to.

 

[Gingerninja]

I have just read this article above whilst waiting for a reply. It is very useful. I'm wondering if I should try again with them both? Or leave them as the submissive piggy has really perked up and seems relieved. If I do decide to keep them separate will I need to find another buddy for either of them? I know they're social and are recommended in pairs. But I'd like some advice on this. They are currently next to each other- with the cage walls meeting. Dominant piggy is up at the bars squeaking and looking over but submissive is not giving him any attention.

 

[Wiebke]

I have just read this article above whilst waiting for a reply. It is very useful. I'm wondering if I should try again with them both? Or leave them as the submissive piggy has really perked up and seems relieved. If I do decide to keep them separate will I need to find another buddy for either of them? I know they're social and are recommended in pairs. But I'd like some advice on this. They are currently next to each other- with the cage walls meeting. Dominant piggy is up at the bars squeaking and looking over but submissive is not giving him any attention.

If your submissive piggy is clearly happier away from his companion, then please laeve be and do not try again. The bond is not working.
It is always a gutting realisation.

 

[denverguineas]

I just recently had the same situation with my boys, just slightly worse. Piggy A was excessively humping piggy B for hours on end. I saw the warning signs but ignored them until a massive fight broke out and ended with blood. It really does look like a cartoon fight! I separated the two and Piggy B perked up and is so much more brave and exploratory when on his own. Piggy A was pacing and chewing the bars for so long but he has settled down (sort of). I am going to a rescue fairly soon to start boar dating with Piggy B, but piggy A is going to have to wait a little while for his testosterone to calm down before he's ready for a partner. I may even neuter him and get him a girlfriend.
You absolutely did the right thing by separating them.

Best of luck!

 

[Gingerninja]

Hi guys, just to let you know I absolutely made the right decision. Piggy B lives with another boar and is super happy to not be bothered all the time. And piggy A is awaiting neutering for a wife. Because they needed to be bonded with new pals I had to give them up for the rescue to do so but we ended up fostering another two piggies short term until space could be found. Well the inevitable happened and we fell in love and adopted them. I've now committed to them and show them they are loved in the form of a super large c and c run, houses, tunnels and fleece blankets. They love life haha!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys, just to let you know I absolutely made the right decision. Piggy B lives with another boar and is super happy to not be bothered all the time. And piggy A is awaiting neutering for a wife. Because they needed to be bonded with new pals I had to give them up for the rescue to do so but we ended up fostering another two piggies short term until space could be found. Well the inevitable happened and we fell in love and adopted them. I've now committed to them and show them they are loved in the form of a super large c and c run, houses, tunnels and fleece blankets. They love life haha!

Glad that your piggy saga has a happy ending and that your previous piggies are bound to find their own as well in due time!

I hope hat you can post some pictures of your new adoptees!