Males Fighting?

[Maggie-Jo F.]

Hello everyone! I have one male guinea pig that I've had for about a month (Ted) and just got another one last week (Fred). I always watch them when interacting but keep them separate when I'm not there. This is because they seem to be fighting a lot. Often times Fred tries to get on top of and hump Ted and Ted makes a low growling noise. Fred will not stop and you can tell they are both very aggravated. I still have a chance to return Fred if deemed necessary, I just don't want my piggies to be unhappy. Should I give them a chance to work it out or separate as soon as possible? Thanks!

 

[Auster]

Hi there!
I have gone through a few piggie introductions so I may be of some help? The below is the method I have always used and it has always worked for us.
My advice is to follow these guidelines to initial bonding: Have the two (or more) piggies interact on a neutral ground, an area associated with neither piggy's territory. We use our bedroom floor because there's a wide open space we can easily cordon off. Make sure the area is plenty big enough for a lot of running and chasing. Have plenty of hides and fresh food scattered about to keep them occupied. The hides must have more than one entrance so that if one piggie goes into it, it can leave again if another piggie comes without being cornered into the hide which will lead to fights. Humping and a lot of noise is normal at first, especially with boars, and is essential for them to establish a hierarchy. You must leave them in the space, watched constantly by a human, for sometimes up to six hours but usually about three or four. Sometimes the interactions look very distressing to us humans but you must let them work through it, only intervene if blood is drawn or large chunks of fur are being torn out (in which case you must have a towel/oven gloves close by to protect your hands as you separate them). If blood is drawn, it is unlikely a bond will ever happen, but in my experience this scenario is really rare. Despite your worry, try to get involved as little as possible for the time being (I read a book or use my laptop during this period, as long as you can see and hear them). They need to learn how being a pair will work for them, even when you aren't there. Over time, the noise and activity will slow down and by the end they should be capable of interacting without winding each other up. You must not separate them during this time either, because guinea pigs don't start from where they left off, they start all over again each time until a bond is forged (if you keep them in the same room where they can still smell/hear each other this may be tempered). When you feel they are ready to go back into their pen, it is important you keep them together and keep a close eye on them for at least a few days as even though the initial phase will have settled it may still take weeks to really finish establishing a pecking order. Be ready for a lot more noise haha.
Hope this helps!

 

[Swissgreys]

You have had some good advice from @Auster above and there is an excellent thread here that explains the whole process and has lots of photos (I like photos).

Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[Maggie-Jo F.]

Thank you both so much for the advice! I just bought a new large cage, that theyve spent the last two nights in. Is that considered neutral ground or should i create a whole new space?

 

[eileen]

you should try to find a neutral space that neither piggie uses frequently and clean everything to remove scent.it is nerve racking,but you must let them sort this out until it has failed or worked,if they look like a lock on furball fight is too happen,please do not use your hands to seperate your piggies ,use a tea towel.i find if they are going to fight,lots of teeth chattering,raised fur,teeth yawning,then circling each other,if this does not subside...bang!both piggies will be emersed in one big furball ! x

 

[Maggie-Jo F.]

you should try to find a neutral space that neither piggie uses frequntly.and clean evrything to remove scent.it is nerve racking,but you must let them sort this out until it has failed or worked,if they look like a lock on furball fight is too happen,please do not use your hands to seperate your piggies ,use a tea towel.i find if they are going to fight,lots of teeth chattering,raised fur,teeth yawning,then cicling each other,if this does not subside...bang!both piggies will be emersed in one big furball ! x

Thanks again for everything!

 

[Maggie-Jo F.]

Best buds at last!

 

[Reenie]

Awww fantastic result!

 

[Auster]

Such handsome boys! And such a good (and adorable) result!