Group Dynamics

[Sara’s Piggies]

I have 4 guineapigs, 2 male and 2 female. They are currently kept in different cages in separate rooms. I recently adopted the 2 males and would eventually like to get them neutered. It would be nice to have all 4 together when this happens. I know there is no way to predict or know for sure herd dynamics would work out but I would like to know what people on here think? Does anyone else have a 2 male 2 female herd? Advice? Suggestions? I'm looking to gather as much advice as possible so I know if it's even worth neutering the boys and trying the 4 together.

 

[Betsy]

I have 3 sows and 2 boars in together and they all get along but this is quite unusual. Dennis and Christian are brothers and had a very strong bond before I put them in with their Mum, sister and Aunty. I only signed up for two sows but I had a surprise shop litter. The boys were neutered before I put them in with the girls. They dare not step out of line cos Velvet (Mum) puts them back in their place. She makes it quite clear she is in charge of everyone. I understand that this it is not normal for a sow to be top piggie of boars but Velvet is.

 

[Swissgreys]

I have to be honest and say that I think @Betsy has achieved a very rare thing indeed!
It is extremely unusual for 2 males to live together with females and not end up fighting.
Neutering only stops them making babies (which is very important of course) but doesn't stop them getting possessive over any females that are around.
The problem you face is that by putting he boys in with the girls you are taking a big risk that they will fight and then never go back together - even just as a male pair - so you might end up with several single piggies.
If they are currently happy in their pairs then I would keep them as they are.

 

[Betsy]

Thanks @Swissgreys! Dennis has paired off with Betsy and they are very rarely apart. Both Dennis and Christian are quite laid back. They have the occasional chin off and the "I'm top boar" "No I'm top boar" hump and nip but as yet (fingers crossed) no fighting. If they do though I'll put Dennis and Betsy together to live as a happy couple and leave Christian with Velvet and Meg.

 

[Sara’s Piggies]

I have to be honest and say that I think @Betsy has achieved a very rare thing indeed!
It is extremely unusual for 2 males to live together with females and not end up fighting.
Neutering only stops them making babies (which is very important of course) but doesn't stop them getting possessive over any females that are around.
The problem you face is that by putting he boys in with the girls you are taking a big risk that they will fight and then never go back together - even just as a male pair - so you might end up with several single piggies.
If they are currently happy in their pairs then I would keep them as they are.

I figured that was the case as that's what I have heard. I've seen people with two male herds but I feel like the ones I've seen were special situations. I will likely just keep them separate then. I don't want to risk it if they are happy now.