Head humping & crying - help

[Kirsten1505hunter]

Hi, it’s now been one month since I got my boys manny and Uzi, I wrote a post on here about them having dominance battles as a first time owner I was terrified when I saw this behaviour but I’ve seen a lot of improvements although I’m still not sure who is the dominant one, their behaviours have changed although I feel like Uzi doesn’t ever stop rumblestrutting unless he’s asleep and manny still squeals (which makes me feel so sad because it sounds like he’s crying) - they are pretty calm now other than this but the past couple of nights I’ve noticed they have both been tormenting one another Manny moves Uzi about the cage my tapping his back/bum or sides with his nose which sends Uzi off in a massive mood or makes Uzi jump into the air, Uzi has started humping mannys face a lot! Previously he was humping manny from behind while he was drinking water or had his back turned but now he forcefully pounces into his face and humps him manny does little to nothing to get him off but let out the same heart breaking squeal. I always make sure he isn’t hurt after it and try my hardest to separate them when this happens by making a noise that makes them jump. I’ve read through so many other peoples posts in here and can’t express enough that other that these things my guinea pigs get on great they sleep aside one another (usually) they won’t eat from swore at bowls they run around with one another simultaneously when they have free roam time around the house.
Pics because my boys deserve to be shown off

 

[Siikibam]

What you’re describing sounds like normal behaviour. The squeaking is likely seubmission behaviour. His old are they? If you had sows, you’d find that they also jump.

 

[Kirsten1505hunter]

When I got them from the pet shop I wasn’t told exactly how old they are just that they are very young which is very annoying ( I think they may only be so many months old) I’m glad you said that it sounds normal as I find it so hard to sleep or even relax when all I can think about is my boys. They are fast asleep right cuddling one another as they have gradually gotten use to my schedule I go to sleep around 11pm every night ( tonight on the other hand I’m up) but they have been sleeping for a while and normally wake up at about 7am which I find great! thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

Don’t be annoyed by not being told the age. Some pet shops are in it for one reason and that’s what you have to accept when you get them from there. Guinea pigs don’t sleep for that long. They’ll have a short 1min nap then go about their piggy business.

Be aware that when they reach their teens (4-14 months of age), you will see more dominance behaviour on and off. Make sure they have the space they need - minimum 150x60cm (although 180x60cm is better), all hides have two exits and you have two of everything. have a read of the guides below.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Claire W]

I really wouldn’t worry. It sounds like normal dominance behaviour to me. My late Ellen used to be the dominant pig before she died last year and she too would hump and jump in her cage mates faces.

As @Siikibam has mentioned, be prepared for not dominance behaviour to come as they reach their teens and have a read through the guides she has linked in