Living Side By Side - Can They Bond?

[JB1979]

Hi,

We have two male piggies both 3-4 years old (they were both rescue so not sure exact age). They live side by side in 3 x 2 C&C cages. In the 4 months they have been next to each other they still rumble strut, nose off, teeth chatter and bite the bars of the cages quite a bit., especially when I put in food or clean the cages. I would like to try and bond them, but does this behaviour suggest its just not worth it? I don't want to put them through it if it just wont work.

Also I would like to give them both floor time at the same time (we have a very large living room) but is putting them together for floor time and then popping them back in separate cages just a stress for them....I assume so from what I have seen on this forum. I was just hoping to give them more time out of the cage so they can stretch their legs for longer.

 

[sport_billy]

Have you tried to bond them together in the past? Sounds like they are trying to get to each other. If you haven't tried to bond them before it would be a good idea to try

Have a good read through of these guides though to help as bonding can be a testing time


Bonding and social behaviours
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Bonds In Trouble


Boars
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.

Popping them together for floor time then putting them back is not really a good idea. Either try to bond or don't would be my advice.

Best of luck!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

We have two male piggies both 3-4 years old (they were both rescue so not sure exact age). They live side by side in 3 x 2 C&C cages. In the 4 months they have been next to each other they still rumble strut, nose off, teeth chatter and bite the bars of the cages quite a bit., especially when I put in food or clean the cages. I would like to try and bond them, but does this behaviour suggest its just not worth it? I don't want to put them through it if it just wont work.

Also I would like to give them both floor time at the same time (we have a very large living room) but is putting them together for floor time and then popping them back in separate cages just a stress for them....I assume so from what I have seen on this forum. I was just hoping to give them more time out of the cage so they can stretch their legs for longer.

Hi!

The only way to find out is by trying. You will need to conduct a full intro on neutral ground. Please be aware that guinea pigs don't do 'play dates'; for them, every meeting is a bonding session. With boars, this means that they have to start each time afresh, which is very frustrating, and in the case of them getting on, very very heart-breaking.

Please follow the detailed tips in our comprehensive bonding guide: Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

All the best! Older boars don't suffer at the hands of testosterone as much as younger boars; but they still have to like each other and complement each other with their personality.