Humping - separation- Castration?

[Smy1]

Hi all.

I have 2 male Guinea pigs around 16mths old. Brothers that have lived together since birth. We have had them for about 3 weeks. Roko is the dominant one over Cinnamon but won’t stump humping him. My concern is Cinnamon now has scratches all over his back. I am assuming this is from the humping although they both have a scratch on their mouth too. I haven’t seen a proper ‘Fight’ but they are out in the hutch. I have cleaned the wounds etc and am keeping a close eye. I am hoping it’s where they have been moved, dominance etc but should I separate them to give him a chance to heal? I don’t want to harm their bond either? Would castration stop the humping? Thank you for any advice.

 

[Sophie B]

Neutering doesn’t stop dominance behaviours, only prevents babies, which isn’t a worry in your case

Not sure about the scratches though x

 

[Claire W]

As above, neutering doesn’t stop humping and dominance behaviour. Your boars are currently going through their teenage phase where they could fall out. Are the scratches deep? If not, I would keep a very close eye on them and separate immediately if blood is drawn

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all.

I have 2 male Guinea pigs around 16mths old. Brothers that have lived together since birth. We have had them for about 3 weeks. Roko is the dominant one over Cinnamon but won’t stump humping him. My concern is Cinnamon now has scratches all over his back. I am assuming this is from the humping although they both have a scratch on their mouth too. I haven’t seen a proper ‘Fight’ but they are out in the hutch. I have cleaned the wounds etc and am keeping a close eye. I am hoping it’s where they have been moved, dominance etc but should I separate them to give him a chance to heal? I don’t want to harm their bond either? Would castration stop the humping? Thank you for any advice.

Hi!

Please have your boys vet checked for mange mites. Do not home treat on spec with a too low dosed cheap pet shop product; that won't solve the problem and will only prolong any suffering for your guinea pigs and mean that ultimately you spend a lot more money.
You can find more information about them in this link here: What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Be aware that humping is normal mild dominance behaviour that is practised by both genders but very common in boars. Neutering will not remove any social interactive behaviours; it only takes away the ability to make babies. In English speaking countries, neutering is also only practised when the testicles have started their descent/have fully descended (i.e. from 4-6 months onwards).
Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find them both interesting and very informative:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts

All these guides are part of our very useful new owners guide collection that sepcifically addresses all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about and to help to as smooth start and problem-free ownership in the long run as possible: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides