Fighting

[JadeSperrin]

I have 2 sets of boys, they live next to eachother. Never had a problem.
But the last maybe 4 days one pair has been rumbling and teeth chattering at eachother and act like theyre going to pounce one another.
The other 2 have been bickering with the dominant one chasing ALOT.
It only ever seems to happen in the evening with them. Goes on for a few hours then stops.
What could be causing this as I'm getting so frustrated, I'm getting so stressed out.
Worried one might end up hurt. It's just randomly started happening and I cant figure out why. Theyre all been for mots recently at the vets aswell so not overly convinced any of them are poorly

 

[Truffolo]

I'm sorry to hear of this How old are your boys?

 

[JadeSperrin]

I'm sorry to hear of this How old are your boys?

One pair both 2 and the other paid is 3.5 and 1.5 with the older one chasing

 

[Truffolo]

Have you changed the bedding all at once lately? That can upset them if their scent markings all disappear at once. Are there plenty of hides to choose from so they don't compete over hides? Also plenty of food to avoid food guarding

 

[JadeSperrin]

Have you changed the bedding all at once lately? That can upset them if their scent markings all disappear at once. Are there plenty of hides to choose from so they don't compete over hides? Also plenty of food to avoid food guarding

They had a full clean out today but did nothing different to what I would normally do. I dont throw away hay which isnt wet. Plenty of hides, 2 water bottles, bowls, food different ends of enclosure.

 

[Truffolo]

Sounds good. Leaving scent markings can help to reassure a dominant pig. Some people clean half the cage at a time. Taking a piggy to the vet sometimes puts the bond under pressure when he comes home smelling different

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry to hear this.

You would need to monitor where the dominance is on the scale in the guide below.

The guide also outlines several possible reasons for behaviours like this to start occurring; change in territory, hierarchy and bond challenges, possible illness etc

If there is a chance one may be becoming unwell or is in some pain somewhere. Symptoms may not necessarily be obvious. Weigh more frequently so you can ensure all are definitely still eating enough hay and maintaining their weight.

Rumbling and chasing are generally mild behaviours but teeth chattering can range in intensity and mean one is annoyed. If behaviours are ramping up into the orange section of dominance and becoming more frequent, then you would need to watch very closely and possibly prepare for trial separations.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Bonds In Trouble
Reacting to group or territorial changes: Dominance and group establishment/re-establishment