Is This Normal?

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helloitsbecca

helloitsbecca

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One of my boys (both 8 mo. old) keeps nipping at the others bum and pulling out hair. My piggy who keeps getting his hair pulled out is still eating, drinking and behaving normally and has no bald spots, nor does the other piggy leave any wounds. They 'face off', start rumblestrutting, then my nipping piggy usually chases the other and pulls the hair out while chasing and then they go their separate ways for a while before it all happens again.

Is this normal in 'teenage' boars?
 
It is a sure sign that they are in their hormonal teenage stages. I would keep an eye on them for a while just in case they get too aggressive. What size cage are they in? sometimes they might need a bit more space. I'm tagging @Wiebke as she is our expert on piggies behaviour issues. Paws crossed things settle down for you :)
 
Tim said:
It is a sure sign that they are in their hormonal teenage stages. I would keep an eye on them for a while just in case they get too aggressive. What size cage are they in? sometimes they might need a bit more space. I'm tagging @Wiebke as she is our expert on piggies behaviour issues. Paws crossed things settle down for you :)
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Here's hoping that's all it is and that they calm down because I don't want to have to separate again or rehome the aggressive pig. That's not fun for anyone. They are in a 2x6 C&C, no hideys at the moment, just some fleece items and tunnels (and two of everything lol) so plenty or room to run. The hair puller just does it randomly, there's no reason because his brother usually isn't anywhere near him and isn't bothering him in any way.

Next time I'll be getting sows haha.
 
helloitsbecca said:
Here's hoping that's all it is and that they calm down because I don't want to have to separate again or rehome the aggressive pig. That's not fun for anyone. They are in a 2x6 C&C, no hideys at the moment, just some fleece items and tunnels (and two of everything lol) so plenty or room to run. The hair puller just does it randomly, there's no reason because his brother usually isn't anywhere near him and isn't bothering him in any way.

Next time I'll be getting sows haha.
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Believe me - sows can be just as tricky :lol!:
 
helloitsbecca said:
One of my boys (both 8 mo. old) keeps nipping at the others bum and pulling out hair. My piggy who keeps getting his hair pulled out is still eating, drinking and behaving normally and has no bald spots, nor does the other piggy leave any wounds. They 'face off', start rumblestrutting, then my nipping piggy usually chases the other and pulls the hair out while chasing and then they go their separate ways for a while before it all happens again.

Is this normal in 'teenage' boars?
Click to expand...

Barbering is not uncommon in guinea pigs. You may want check the area for fur/hay mites; they tend to stick their tiny egg cases to hairs at the bum end.
Barbering ( Eating Hair)
 
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