Dominance and behaviour

[Sharon mcallan]

Looking for advice please. 2 male guineas, one is 2 the other 9 months been together for 7 months. The eldest immediately claimed dominance. Recently been to pet minder in different cage. Couple of days after they returned youngest started to chase and lunge at eldest pulling out fur quite aggressively. This continued for couple of days and eldest was getting really subdued so we split them up for few days then tried together again - no change. Have left them for a week. Yesterday disinfected cage (5x2) and gave them both a bath. Put them back in and youngest did chase eldest round but not as aggressively and no fur pulling. Have put distractions in cage and 2 of everything but now youngest won't let the eldest move - if he does he chases him round. Eldest is now just sitting in a corner scared and won't move. Don't want to separate them again as it's not fair keep going through this for them but am just worried about the eldest not being able to move and he looks so scared. Will this wear off ? Anyone any advice please ?

 

[Wiebke]

Looking for advice please. 2 male guineas, one is 2 the other 9 months been together for 7 months. The eldest immediately claimed dominance. Recently been to pet minder in different cage. Couple of days after they returned youngest started to chase and lunge at eldest pulling out fur quite aggressively. This continued for couple of days and eldest was getting really subdued so we split them up for few days then tried together again - no change. Have left them for a week. Yesterday disinfected cage (5x2) and gave them both a bath. Put them back in and youngest did chase eldest round but not as aggressively and no fur pulling. Have put distractions in cage and 2 of everything but now youngest won't let the eldest move - if he does he chases him round. Eldest is now just sitting in a corner scared and won't move. Don't want to separate them again as it's not fair keep going through this for them but am just worried about the eldest not being able to move and he looks so scared. Will this wear off ? Anyone any advice please ?

Hi and welcome!

The teenage months are tough, and your two boys are right in the thick of it. Change of surroundings that require a renewal of the hierarchy can additionally trigger a new round of dominance and cause fighting.

Please take the time to carefully read this guide here that deals in detail with all aspects of the teenage months, including temporary separations and re-introductions.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics