Males fighting after new addition

[Sophbabe08]

Hello



I have two males that are brothers and have lived happily together for around 6 months now. Recently I introduced a new baby male which seemed to go really well there was only normal behaviour no signs of aggression etc but once they were all left together I noticed that 4 days later one of the adults had a bite mark and was constant teeth chattering around the other adult - why have they suddenly started fighting? Which one should I separate? The new baby or the two adults who have lived happily together up until now? Thanks for any help/advice

 

[artcasper]

I am no expert and someone with more knowledge will be along soon to offer the best advice. Why did you add a baby - just out of interest?

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum and sorry you have had this experience.
However you cannot just add another guinea pig into an established pair - especially boars.
Please read the Bonding guides on the forum which will help you to understand what works and what doesn’t work with bonding guinea pigs.

Be prepared for the fact that your original bonded pair may no longer work.
Separate the baby but watch out for the other 2- you may have to separate them too now.

One of the experts will be able to give more in depth advice

 

[Wiebke]

Hello



I have two males that are brothers and have lived happily together for around 6 months now. Recently I introduced a new baby male which seemed to go really well there was only normal behaviour no signs of aggression etc but once they were all left together I noticed that 4 days later one of the adults had a bite mark and was constant teeth chattering around the other adult - why have they suddenly started fighting? Which one should I separate? The new baby or the two adults who have lived happily together up until now? Thanks for any help/advice

Hi and welcome

Ouch! Unfortunately adding a third piggy to two teenagers right in the thick of the big hormone spikes is the perfect recipe for disaster; this is the time when even a couple is under major stress already. A third boar usually tips the delicate balance.

Please separate all three let them cool down and then work out who is still getting on with who. Please be aware that there is a chance that none of the three will go with any of the others. Don't try to get all three back again; concentrate on saving one stable pair if possible.

Please take the time to carefully read these two guides here. You will find all the detailed advice in them re. separation, re-introduction and what your further options are:
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars