Guinea Pig Bullying

Cari

Cari

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I have two male guinea pigs they’re both very shy and the more dominant pig is bullying the other one and has bitten bits of the less dominant ones ear in not sure what to do because I have read many things saying single guinea pigs will become lonely and die does anyone have any advice?
 
You could either put them in separate cages or surrender one to the shelter.

Then you could neuter the pig(gies) and get (a) female companion(s) for him/them.

I wouldn’t try introducing them to males, as they could fight even more.
 
When you say they have bitten bits of the others ear - has this left lasting damage? are we talking a lot of biting or the occasional nip? Is it being left bloodied and scabby?

In my experience a bit of ear nipping is generally expected, my own Lily has a tiny little scab on the very outer of one of her ears probably from Daisy but this has stemmed from the death of the dominant piggy and them two trying to sort out who is now going to be boss.
There are a couple of guides on boars that you might find useful. I have never had a boar pair so my first reaction is to read these so that you can notice when the bond might be unsuitable and the boars may need separating:
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
 
Lady Kelly said:
When you say they have bitten bits of the others ear - has this left lasting damage? are we talking a lot of biting or the occasional nip? Is it being left bloodied and scabby?

In my experience a bit of ear nipping is generally expected, my own Lily has a tiny little scab on the very outer of one of her ears probably from Daisy but this has stemmed from the death of the dominant piggy and them two trying to sort out who is now going to be boss.
There are a couple of guides on boars that you might find useful. I have never had a boar pair so my first reaction is to read these so that you can notice when the bond might be unsuitable and the boars may need separating:
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Click to expand...
He
Lady Kelly said:
When you say they have bitten bits of the others ear - has this left lasting damage? are we talking a lot of biting or the occasional nip? Is it being left bloodied and scabby?

In my experience a bit of ear nipping is generally expected, my own Lily has a tiny little scab on the very outer of one of her ears probably from Daisy but this has stemmed from the death of the dominant piggy and them two trying to sort out who is now going to be boss.
There are a couple of guides on boars that you might find useful. I have never had a boar pair so my first reaction is to read these so that you can notice when the bond might be unsuitable and the boars may need separating:
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Click to expand...
He has bits of his ear missing when I got him from the pet shop it was already like it so I feel as if I should’ve been told they’re not compatiable. In the beginning I thought they’re doing it to see who’s the dominant pig but I realise now it’s going too far and they can’t be together and I will definitely be having a read of those thanks!
 
Dog Cow said:
You could either put them in separate cages or surrender one to the shelter.

Then you could neuter the pig(gies) and get (a) female companion(s) for him/them.

I wouldn’t try introducing them to males, as they could fight even more.
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting one into a shelter but I do like the idea of getting one neutered and getting a female companion, would having the dominant pig live alone make him lonely or could he still live happily
 
Cari said:
I wouldn’t feel comfortable putting one into a shelter but I do like the idea of getting one neutered and getting a female companion, would having the dominant pig live alone make him lonely or could he still live happily
Click to expand...
If you end up getting them neutered and having female companions, be sure to stagger the ages. Try to get younger females, they might be more submissive.

Especially get a younger female for the dominant one. If one is dominant and the other submissive, they will get along.
 
Dog Cow said:
If you end up getting them neutered and having female companions, be sure to stagger the ages. Try to get younger females, they might be more submissive.

Especially get a younger female for the dominant one. If one is dominant and the other submissive, they will get along.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your advice this is something that I will definitely doing, i would hate to have one pig living alone
 
Another thing to consider is whether you can give them more space. You might find they are more relaxed in a bigger cage. How big is their cage now?
 
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