Difference Between Hormonal Episodes And Broken Pair?

[bruceandwillis]

I have two brothers that just recently turned a year old. Lately I've noticed a surge in buttheadedness from both parties, mainly the bigger boar (Pooh Bear) instigating fights with the smaller (Fozzie Bear). It seems like it's rather off and on. They can eat hay next to each other for a solid 10 minutes in peace just fine, but then they chatter, rumble strut and chase each other in circles around the cage. I have to take them outside invidually for floor/grazing time, as they will usually get into it bad enough to draw blood (I assume to establish dominance in the new surroundings).

Has anyone had experience with them growing out of this hormone stage, and learning to be more mellow with age? I've had too many broken bonds that my heart can't take any more abuse.

For record, I have a 2x4 c&c with an upstairs so they have the ability to get away from each other. Fighting tends to happen a lot up there though because there is only a single ramp.

 

[Janey]

I'm sorry I don't have any experience with boars, but it sounds like it could be hormonal to me - hopefully someone who has, will be along to offer some advice.

 

[pig in the city]

I have two brothers that just recently turned a year old. Lately I've noticed a surge in buttheadedness from both parties, mainly the bigger boar (Pooh Bear) instigating fights with the smaller (Fozzie Bear). It seems like it's rather off and on. They can eat hay next to each other for a solid 10 minutes in peace just fine, but then they chatter, rumble strut and chase each other in circles around the cage. I have to take them outside invidually for floor/grazing time, as they will usually get into it bad enough to draw blood (I assume to establish dominance in the new surroundings).

Has anyone had experience with them growing out of this hormone stage, and learning to be more mellow with age? I've had too many broken bonds that my heart can't take any more abuse.

For record, I have a 2x4 c&c with an upstairs so they have the ability to get away from each other. Fighting tends to happen a lot up there though because there is only a single ramp.

It sounds to me that they are just about tolerating each other. There is the possibility that it may settle with time but l suspect this is their relationship. As long as there's no full on fighting and the less dominant boar isn't showing signs of distress such as weight loss or cowering, they should be ok. If you could fit in an extra grid or two they would welcome the extra space

 

[sport_billy]

I agree with above, if you can make the cage a little bigger that may help.

We use play sticks as houses this means there is both an entrance and exit so piggies can’t get trapped in there. We find this useful when our girls are in season

 

[Swissgreys]

It does sound like the relationship is still in tact and chances are high if they can get through the hormonal stuff they will settle down eventually.

However in the short term there are a few things you can do to try and increase the chances of success.

I would personally remove the loft if it seems to be a sore point with them.
Levels and narrow entrances/ramps can cause territorial behaviour, and under normal circumstances the less dominant boar would run away if there was a confrontation, however if they are in a tight space this option is removed, and can cause a full on fight (even if not an intentional one).

Make sure they have at least 2 of everything - food bowls, water bottles and hideys.
Place everything at least one guinea pig body length apart, so the dominant piggy can't control the resources.
Avoid hideys that only have 1 entrance - again a cornered piggy may attack if the option to run away is removed.

And the absolute best thing you can do it extend the main floor of the cage.
Sadly a 2 x 4 C&C for 2 hormonal boars is really not enough space.
They will have a better chance if you can use the grids from the loft to increase the main level.

Further info on boars and their relationships can be seen here:
Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides