HI I'm new to this forum but I got my pig a week ago he is a baby boar and I got him with another boar and at first they were fine but then they were teeth chattering a lot and attacked each other and I had to separate them and they still tried to hurt each other threw the cages so after talking to a lot of vets and pet stores I decided to get rid of the more aggressive one and keep the more submissive one (I will get him a friend eventually like I said it's been a week and this has been a lot to handle ) there cage is 9 Sq ft so it's plent big enough for 2 but anyways when I got the pig I kept he had no spots of hair missing at all but I noticed after the fight a spot of hair missing on his but how do I tell if it was for sure from the fight or if it is mites or ringworm it is on his but and I didn't see fur being ripped out when I seperated them but I was half in tears and very overwhelmed so that isn't reliable help!
Please have any new guinea pigs vet checked anyway to make sure that they do not come with any pet shop nasties like ringworm or mange mites. It is advisable to make sure your your little one is well before you get another guinea pig. If the bald spot is growing over the next couple of day, you'll know that it is either ringworm or mites. They require different treatment. It is usually cheaper to go for a proper diagnosis and good quality treatment to get on top of it for once and all.
Can you check whether you have got one of our recommended rescues within your reach? They only rehome fully healthy/quarantined guinea pigs that are properly sexed and will help you find a character compatible boarmate.
Please do not wait for too long after the necessary quarantining period. Company is vital for guinea pigs, especially young ones. An adult rescue boar may be of advantage, as it means that only one boar is going through the teenage months. If you can go rescue, you can also ensure that you have the backing of the rescue if things go wrong and that both piggies are at all times in safe hands. If a boar is really not able to settle down with other boars, he is usually neutered to live with a sow or two and get a happy life with piggy company that way.
Please be aware hat most shop personnel and many general vets are not all that knowledgeable about guinea pig social behaviour in our experience.
You will see a good amount of dominance behaviour in any bond as new piggies establish a working hierarchical group that is at the core of any social behaviour. Please carefully read these guides here. You may find them helpful and informative:
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Importance Of Quarantine
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
Our guide collection also contains links to recommended good standard rescues and vets in several countries:
New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection
Since we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details so we can always tailor eny recommendations to what is available and relevant where you are straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This makes it appear with every post you make. In the same section you can also upload your avatar picture (the one that always appears with your username). Thank you!
