Bonding

Nadsgirl75

Nadsgirl75

Junior Guinea Pig
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Ryton, Tyne & Wear
Hi

Mickey and Donald have been with us for 6 weeks and will be approaching 14 weeks old. I’ve been really apprehensive about them bonding as they are boars and having never had guinea pigs before I was worried m. However, so far so good. Lots of normal dominance behaviour, some barbering! 🤣 but no fights and they do genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company... happy to share food and water despite the fact there is 2 of everything in the cage. Is this too good to be true or have they not reached the stage where they fights would occur?
 
Nadsgirl75 said:
Hi

Mickey and Donald have been with us for 6 weeks and will be approaching 14 weeks old. I’ve been really apprehensive about them bonding as they are boars and having never had guinea pigs before I was worried m. However, so far so good. Lots of normal dominance behaviour, some barbering! 🤣 but no fights and they do genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company... happy to share food and water despite the fact there is 2 of everything in the cage. Is this too good to be true or have they not reached the stage where they fights would occur?
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They are still just below the age where the teenage months occur (they start when the testicles begin to descend arounf 4 months of age). However, if you introduce at this age, the more dominant and hormonal boys will usually wake up and start their teenage straight away.

It augurs very well for your bond being one of the majority that makes it through to adulthood that this has not happened and that you boys seem to genuinely love each other! :tu:

Information on the teenage months in this guide here: Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
 
Thanks. There have been odd moments of head rearing and I can definitely see that Donald is more dominant but Mickey is no push over but is happy to be barbered and allow Donald to push his head/chin up. Also, during these moments of ‘dominance’ they also popcorn lots.... crazy zoomies all over. But when scared or I sure seek reassurance from each other so I am hoping that a bond is developing. 🤞
 
Nadsgirl75 said:
Thanks. There have been odd moments of head rearing and I can definitely see that Donald is more dominant but Mickey is no push over but is happy to be barbered and allow Donald to push his head/chin up. Also, during these moments of ‘dominance’ they also popcorn lots.... crazy zoomies all over. But when scared or I sure seek reassurance from each other so I am hoping that a bond is developing. 🤞
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That sounds like VERY good bond! The dominance phase lasts about for 2 weeks after the actual bonding until the group is fully and firmly established. In your case, dominance is as mild as can be and both boys are genuinely happy to have found each other!
 
Wonderful... so pleased. I never thought I would get so attached to these 2 but they are such great company. Both completely different personalities but so funny. The only down side is, on my days off, I get nothing done! They take over my life! They are getting a nice new outdoor run tomorrow ( for when it cools down) but they will staying indoors permanently. Seriously considering getting another 2 but if I did I think I would go rescue as opposed to pet shop.
 
Nadsgirl75 said:
Wonderful... so pleased. I never thought I would get so attached to these 2 but they are such great company. Both completely different personalities but so funny. The only down side is, on my days off, I get nothing done! They take over my life! They are getting a nice new outdoor run tomorrow ( for when it cools down) but they will staying indoors permanently. Seriously considering getting another 2 but if I did I think I would go rescue as opposed to pet shop.
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Please get a separate pair of bonded boys; boars are best in pairs. Perhaps you might want to opt for an older pair past their teenage hormones so you get a very different experience. ;)
You will be in very safe and experienced hands with North East Guinea Pig Rescue in South Shields. My now 6 years old neutered boar Carwyn is from there; he was 3 years old when he came into rescue. Just stick it out; response to your emails can be slow, but it is worth it! They are on our list of recommended rescues.
NEGPR Home Page

Just be warned - piggies can be VERY addictive. I started with 2 again after growing up with them; by now my piggies have taken over the biggest room in the house! :D
 
This is about as physical as they get with each other..... I have interpreted this as happiness ... Donald ( the light haired guinea pig) occasionally nips mickey’s bum but they simply chase each other, never any aggression.
 
Thanks! We just adore them and they have just about taken over our lives! We are going on holiday very soon for a week (Disneyland) so obviously they can’t come!) and I’m worrying about leaving them but luckily we have a fellow guinea pig lover moving in for the week while we are away. I want them to have their daily time in the run and have lots of cuddles etc..... crazy how pigs can have this effect on you isn’t it!
 
Wiebke said:
Please get a separate pair of bonded boys; boars are best in pairs. Perhaps you might want to opt for an older pair past their teenage hormones so you get a very different experience. ;)
You will be in very safe and experienced hands with North East Guinea Pig Rescue in South Shields. My now 6 years old neutered boar Carwyn is from there; he was 3 years old when he came into rescue. Just stick it out; response to your emails can be slow, but it is worth it! They are on our list of recommended rescues.
NEGPR Home Page

Just be warned - piggies can be VERY addictive. I started with 2 again after growing up with them; by now my piggies have taken over the biggest room in the house! :D
Click to expand...
I have tried to find this page but the website is no longer working.... I have tried a north east Guinea a pig rescue charity called Gerties... wondering if you or anyone else on here has heard of it...https://www.gerties.org.uk/rescue-updates

They have some wonderful bonded boys in and I am so tempted.

Some advice though, if I were to be keeping 4 male piggies, obviously housed as 2 pairs, can they be in close proximity to each other or would this cause problems? Could they live in a cage next to Donald and Mickey?
 
Nadsgirl75 said:
I have tried to find this page but the website is no longer working.... I have tried a north east Guinea a pig rescue charity called Gerties... wondering if you or anyone else on here has heard of it...https://www.gerties.org.uk/rescue-updates

They have some wonderful bonded boys in and I am so tempted.

Some advice though, if I were to be keeping 4 male piggies, obviously housed as 2 pairs, can they be in close proximity to each other or would this cause problems? Could they live in a cage next to Donald and Mickey?
Click to expand...

Try the facebook page of North East Guinea Pig Rescue or try Tees Valley Rescue in Middlesborough; they are also on the list of rescues that we know you are in safe hands.
North East Guinea Pig Rescue
Tees Valley Guinea Pig Rescue

Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

Boar pairs can live next to each other; it is just sows living next to bonded boar pairs that can cause problems, especially if the sows are added later on.
 
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