Bonding 2 males

[Timmy]

We have had a single Guinea pig for some time which we got from a shelter. He was about 6 months old. He had not been able to be re introduced to his group following a bought of ringworm. We have had him 10 months and wanted to get him a friend as we know Guinea pigs do not like living alone. The New Guinea pig (also from a shelter) is persisting in very aggressive behaviour. They have been in the same outside cage for 3 days now, although we bring them in to separate cages at night (as the nighttime cage is smaller). The new piggie stood and swayed his backside today and I don't know what that means. We are having all the expected signs - rumble strutting, teeth chattering, hair on end, chasing, but I am worried as it is persisting. No blood thankfully. Any advice please.
Indoor cage 1 metre by 57cm
Outdoor cage run 160cm by 110cm with hutch as a second storey

 

[Wiebke]

We have had a single Guinea pig for some time which we got from a shelter. He was about 6 months old. He had not been able to be re introduced to his group following a bought of ringworm. We have had him 10 months and wanted to get him a friend as we know Guinea pigs do not like living alone. The New Guinea pig (also from a shelter) is persisting in very aggressive behaviour. They have been in the same outside cage for 3 days now, although we bring them in to separate cages at night (as the nighttime cage is smaller). The new piggie stood and swayed his backside today and I don't know what that means. We are having all the expected signs - rumble strutting, teeth chattering, hair on end, chasing, but I am worried as it is persisting. No blood thankfully. Any advice please.
Indoor cage 1 metre by 57cm
Outdoor cage run 160cm by 110cm with hutch as a second storey

Hi!

Please be aware that once you have committed to a boar bonding, you cannot split the boys, unless they are fighting. You have to sit it out and let them work through the whole dominance. Each time you separate, they have to start from scratch which basically means that they have to work through all the dominance repeatedly and cannot move on. the dominance phase is lasting about 2 weeks after the bonding on average. It very much depends on the personalities involved and what the dynamics are between them. This part is never predictable.

Bum swaying is exaggerated rumblestrutting; often from a position of weakness in my experience.

Please take the time to read our illustrated bonding and boar guides:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[Siikibam]

Can I ask why you don’t leave them outside? Could you join the inside cages to give them more space?

Make sure the space you use for bonding is neutral and clean out the hutch and cage completely before putting them back in. They can stay in the bonding area overnight if needs be.

That should all be in the links given above but just wanted to bring them to your attention as it’s important

 

[Timmy]

Can I ask why you don’t leave them outside? Could you join the inside cages to give them more space?

Make sure the space you use for bonding is neutral and clean out the hutch and cage completely before putting them back in. They can stay in the bonding area overnight if needs be.

That should all be in the links given above but just wanted to bring them to your attention as it’s important

We got the first one in the middle of winter (uk) and didn't want to put him outside at that time of year. As he was on his own we carried on doing that so he was handled and interacted with twice a day. He has become a very sociable piggie who loves his human interaction and we would like to continue with that for both pigs. I have kept piggies before and always housed them in a shed (at least) overnight to protect from foxes, but as ours has been on his own we worried about him getting too cold. Obviously it is warm enough now but the foxes still present a threat.
Is the indoor cage too small for bonding? We have bought new furniture to get rid of smells, and all else has been washed thoroughly.

 

[Siikibam]

Ok that makes sense. A 1m cage is too small for a lone piggy, let alone two. Boys need minimum 10 square feet of space, and two of everything. I wouldn’t advise using that cage at all for housing. Could you set up a/the run indoors and just pile in hay and veg? I THINK you don’t put in any hides, I can’t remember. Or if you do, they have to have two exits.

How old are they by the way? You could always house them outside while it’s still warm and move then indoors when it starts getting cooler. It’s not a good idea to put them in the indoor cage when indoors, even if they go back out in the daytime. Boys don’t do well when it comes to small space, they’re more territorial and it could break their bond.