Males Seem To Not Be Bonding

SandiC

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I have 2 males and they are constantly "annoying" each other. There have been no real fights but I never see them laying together and they are constantly just picking. However, when I put them in an outdoor setting I have caught them laying together, snuggling, and sleeping together. Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am considering giving one away since they always seemed to be stressed out.
 
I have 2 males and they are constantly "annoying" each other. There have been no real fights but I never see them laying together and they are constantly just picking. However, when I put them in an outdoor setting I have caught them laying together, snuggling, and sleeping together. Any suggestions would be appreciated as I am considering giving one away since they always seemed to be stressed out.

Hi and welcome!

PLEASE do not split them! Companionship is absolutely vital for guinea pigs, even for squabbling teenage boys!
It is a) a total misconception that guinea pigs snuggle up all the time; they don't even when they are closely bonded and b) many people are unaware that guinea pigs go through a rather hormonal teenage phase between 4-14 months of age. During this time squabbling and pushing the limits are absoluately normal. The majority of boars make to adulthood as a bonded pair, but it is usually not a nice time. The testosterone output is starting to settle down as boars reach their adulthood and is fizzling out gradually the old a boar gets once they have passed the peak of their lives.

Please take the time to read these guides here, which you may find helpful in getting your boys through the difficult patch.
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
More information on the teenage months and what you can do during this time to minimise the risk of fall-outs: Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

We have got lots more information for first time owners to help you understand and therefore care better for your pets:
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice
 
I have three boys who all get along really well. The two brothers are always squabbling, but they can't be without each other. I have another new-ish boy who is by himself for now, but loves to get out with the others. I am hoping to getting my little dalmation a companion soon. Here are some tips for bonding your boys.

Buddy Bath! A communal/buddy bath worked so well for bonding my three boars. All you have to do is lay a large towel down in a bath tub and fill it with luke warm water enough to cover their feet. If they look scared I take them out, but since they don't like water, they usually don't fight.

Outside Time! I know you mentioned your boys get along on the grass and that's great! Time on the grass is so great for pigs! They get Vitamin D in the sun and enjoy romping around on a floor of food!

Monitored floor Time! Floor time is always so fun for my boys. I bought a baby pool for $5 that I just lay some blankets or towels down in to create a great play area! I don't have to worry about mess afterwards, since I just hose it out when their done. I will also plop them in my bathroom for some more fun! I have a decent sized bathroom with tile, but I like the baby pool better, since it's more convinient.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Gia xoxo
 
Space is a big factor in boars bonds. The more space the better as it reduces bickering and gives them space to be alone if they want. Having two of everything also reduces bickering over food bowls etc. They will always have a little to and fro as it's important that they maintain their dominance hierarchy so one of them will always be top pig!

Buddy baths like @Gia mentions can work but are a last ditch thing in my opinion as removing their smell by bathing can sometimes have the reverse effect and lead to more arguing as they re-establish their dominance. Mainly they work because they unite piggies against the common enemy - you for putting them in water... And once the stress of a bath wears off (and baths do stress most piggies out a bit as they aren't natural water lovers) then the problems can return but as Gia says, it worked for her guys and it has it's place.

They sound like they do get on in general and @Wiebke has given you some great links to information so hopefully you can keep your boys happy. They sound just like they are working each other out but doesn't sound like anything to worry about.
 
Space is a big factor in boars bonds. The more space the better as it reduces bickering and gives them space to be alone if they want. Having two of everything also reduces bickering over food bowls etc. They will always have a little to and fro as it's important that they maintain their dominance hierarchy so one of them will always be top pig!

Buddy baths like @Gia mentions can work but are a last ditch thing in my opinion as removing their smell by bathing can sometimes have the reverse effect and lead to more arguing as they re-establish their dominance. Mainly they work because they unite piggies against the common enemy - you for putting them in water... And once the stress of a bath wears off (and baths do stress most piggies out a bit as they aren't natural water lovers) then the problems can return but as Gia says, it worked for her guys and it has it's place.

They sound like they do get on in general and @Wiebke has given you some great links to information so hopefully you can keep your boys happy. They sound just like they are working each other out but doesn't sound like anything to worry about.

I fully agree that buddy baths should be used only in those cases where you separate boars dripping in testosterone after a serious confrontation just short of a full-on fight for an overnight cool down and are then re-introducing them on neutral ground on the next day, just to prevent them from getting riled up again immediately.
Otherwise, buddy baths are useless to counterproductive in our long term forum experience. They are one of these online tips that are happily making the rounds as THE surefire insider tip being parroted by everybody but that have actually not stood the test of time. When it comes down to it, your boys either want to stay together or not, and there is no magic trick you can miraculously do to change their minds.
 
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