Constant chasing and fighting

[AnnaB]

Mt two little boys (16 weeks) started to constantly chase each other trying to mount to establish who is the boss.

but they are getting worse and worse! I know my cage is way to small (ferplast 100) and i am getting a new one (ferplast 140) on wednesday.

i am worried they wont last that long (and i mean their friendship)

what do i do? i have no place to separate them and i am worried if it gets worse and they totally fall out i will either have to separate them (and i have no room for a second cage) or take one back (REALLY REALLY hope it doesn't come to it)

so worried

 

[gogoguineas]

Hi,
This sort of behaviour is completely normal, boys go through a hormonal stage between 3 and 15 months, it can last the entire duration, come in fits and starts or pass as quickly as it started, its completely down to the individual pig. Behaviour can range from chasing, rumble strutting, nipping, lunging, teeth chattering and humping. I would say only seperate if their is blood shed.

It can look frightening but do remember this is normal to them. If they never take lumps out of each other or do not cause one to lose blood then you need to stay commited to their set up and let them work it out. If you take one out then put them back etc then they have to re establish who's boss every time. You can try bathing them together, this way they go through the experience together and smell the same. I have previously used a tiny dot of vicks vapor rub on both bums, this can work quite well.

Also, do get the bigger cage asap, it really does help, mine were only in a 100 temporarily while i was waiting on a 140 which never came so I went for a c & c set up and their relationship improved immediately. I give my pair two of everything too, two hideys, two bowls and water bottles.

If you can give them a lot of run time in the day that may also help, if you can set up and area or a room where they can have several hours a day until you get the new cage it might help to relieve some tension.
Hope this helps

 

[AnnaB]

It can look frightening but do remember this is normal to them.

Thank you so much. For reassurance and advise.
I read every book possible on guinea pigs and they do say boys will go through this, but its so re-assuring to hear somebody actually say this is normal out loud.

they go through fits of fighting and right now they calm and munching on hay. (Thank God)

once again THANK YOU for putting my mind at peace

 

[Hanwombat]

That is perfectly normal, its only when they have a fight that involves blood being shed that seperation is an option.

Be sure to have two of everything to prevent bickering - i.e. food bowls.

 

[Hanwombat]

That is perfectly normal, its only when they have a fight that involves blood being shed that seperation is an option.

Be sure to have two of everything to prevent bickering - i.e. food bowls.

 

[gogoguineas]

If it's sporadic and not all the time then that's even better, they're probably fine, its just all these hormones stirring up trouble.
If they really hated each other, or decide they hate each other, the fighting will be CONSTANT and blood eventually shed.
They probably like each other more than you know

 

[Dawny]

I found that the 'Medium size' ferplast was too small for my boars (I had 2 at the time).

I brought a medium sized 'Play Pen' from P@H and keep this in doors.
Its excellent for the boars and I now have 3.
Sometimes I even put the ferplast in the middle of the Play pen and this still leaves enough room for the piggies to run all the way around the circumference of the pen and also have somewhere safe and comfortable to sleep. therefore, creating enough room to play and stretch their legs and also a nice sleeping environment :-)