Bullying Guinea Pig

[Emily15]

I have wrote a similar post but didn't really get a answer.I got two guinea pigs from a chain pet store adoption centre and ever since they have fighting.They are males and I know males are territorial but one of the pigs is a bully and is very territorial.The other one seems scared all the time and is even to scared to come out of his house in fear of the other guinea pig.I am worried the stress of being bullied will make him ill.I have had them in a 5x2 c and c cage for three days and it is not getting any better.At every opportunity the bully pig will chase and try to fight the other pig.Even if the scared guinea pig comes out of his house for food or water the bully pig will chase him round the cage until he is forced back to his house.I don't think they are good for each other.The only option I can think to do is keep the scared guinea pig and take the bully pig back to be rehomed.I really don't want to have to do that but even smelling the bully pig makes the other pig really scared.I don't want to make the wrong decision.I just want what's best for both of them.I don't think he would miss the bully pig.I can't keep them both because I couldn't get both of them a friend.I wouldn't be allowed to have four guinea pigs.If I just kept one I could try and find him a different more compatible friend.I am really stuck on what to do and would appreciate advice or some opinions.

 

[eileen]

i would weight the piggies daily this will alert you to any weight loss,so if the piggie that is being bullied is getting sufficient food.you could put two c and c grids down the middle of the cage ,see if the under piggie seems happier away from the boss piggie.most of the behaviours that you are describing are normal.have two of everything and no hides with one entrance,so each piggie can escape.Have either piggie drawn blood.my definition of a fight between boars is when two boars lock on together in one mass of furball,going round and round,i will only seperate if bloody bites have happened,i mean long term separation.obviously if you see them fighting then get a towel and throw it at them.never put your hands in as they can give nasty bites,and ive experienced this.i would also look at the detailed links on boar behaviour,they are a step by step guide.ultimately you are the one that needs to decide what is best for your piggies.good luck/x

 

[Wiebke]

I have wrote a similar post but didn't really get a answer.I got two guinea pigs from a chain pet store adoption centre and ever since they have fighting.They are males and I know males are territorial but one of the pigs is a bully and is very territorial.The other one seems scared all the time and is even to scared to come out of his house in fear of the other guinea pig.I am worried the stress of being bullied will make him ill.I have had them in a 5x2 c and c cage for three days and it is not getting any better.At every opportunity the bully pig will chase and try to fight the other pig.Even if the scared guinea pig comes out of his house for food or water the bully pig will chase him round the cage until he is forced back to his house.I don't think they are good for each other.The only option I can think to do is keep the scared guinea pig and take the bully pig back to be rehomed.I really don't want to have to do that but even smelling the bully pig makes the other pig really scared.I don't want to make the wrong decision.I just want what's best for both of them.I don't think he would miss the bully pig.I can't keep them both because I couldn't get both of them a friend.I wouldn't be allowed to have four guinea pigs.If I just kept one I could try and find him a different more compatible friend.I am really stuck on what to do and would appreciate advice or some opinions.

Please try a trial separation and see whether the bullied boy is perking up noticeably when he is apart to evaulate whether the bond is still viable or not. If not, please consider keeping the boys in adjoining cages for mutual stimulation and interaction.

Please be aware that pet store adoption centres do not provide the kind of services that a good rescue does and that they don't have the knowledge and time to evaluate a bond and check whether the boys are still fine with each other as long as there aren't any biting wounds. It is likely that the bullying once they entered the teenage months has been the reason why the boys have been bumped back to the store in the first place.

You can find more details in this guide here; you will hopefully find it very hopeful as we have made it as detailed and informative as possible trying to consider every aspect. Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?