Bonded boars fighting (new owner)

[Diniiiipoooh]

Hello everyone!
I’ve recently adopted two previously bonded boars, they have a large cage and two of everything in the cage. It is clear who is the submissive one (mushroom) and the dominant one (marshmallow).
My problem is marshmallow is constantly purring at mushroom and chattering his teeth, mushroom is always submissive and either runs away or squeaks but marshmallow doesn’t leave him alone, and has lunged on him once.
I was wondering if this was normal as I am a New Guinea pig owner but the adoption center had said they had been bonded and together since they were around 3 months old, they’re both 1 and half now.
Thanks!

 

[Piggies&buns]

A change in environment can set off dominance and territorial behaviours and they need to re establish their relationship. That is very normal and usually settles down once they have reestablished and feel more secure. However, bonds do break from time to time so It’s always something to keep an eye on if it goes on for a long time and the submissive piggy becomes withdrawn and the dominant piggy becomes overdominant.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone!
I’ve recently adopted two previously bonded boars, they have a large cage and two of everything in the cage. It is clear who is the submissive one (mushroom) and the dominant one (marshmallow).
My problem is marshmallow is constantly purring at mushroom and chattering his teeth, mushroom is always submissive and either runs away or squeaks but marshmallow doesn’t leave him alone, and has lunged on him once.
I was wondering if this was normal as I am a New Guinea pig owner but the adoption center had said they had been bonded and together since they were around 3 months old, they’re both 1 and half now.
Thanks!

Hi and welcome!

Any new/change of territory requires the piggies to re-establish their group with its hierarchy. If there have been underlying tensions, these can resurface and at the worst lead to a fall-out even in bonded adults.

Please take the time to read these two guides here; they can tell you to judge whether your boy bond has become dysfunctional or not (temporary separation with a divider and re-intro on neutral ground after a couple of days), how you can mitigate any chances of their surroundings and more about the dominance phase. Keep in mind that lunging is a very strongly worded 'Keep out of my space' in most cases.
Bonds In Trouble
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

All the best!