My guinea pig

[MaddiN]

Hi everyone,

I got my guinea pig about 8 days ago and about 4 days ago found what I thought was a bite mark. My two boys have been fighting and it has gotten to the point where I have now separates them as one just chases and bites the other (which I have witnessed myself).

Over the last few days I have noticed more and more scabs and marks come up on his body however am unsure what it could be.

Any ideas or suggestions on what I should do? As I think he might be poorly, but I am new to owning Guinea pigs and don’t want to take an unneeded visit to the vets. Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,

I got my guinea pig about 8 days ago and about 4 days ago found what I thought was a bite mark. My two boys have been fighting and it has gotten to the point where I have now separates them as one just chases and bites the other (which I have witnessed myself).

Over the last few days I have noticed more and more scabs and marks come up on his body however am unsure what it could be.

Any ideas or suggestions on what I should do? As I think he might be poorly, but I am new to owning Guinea pigs and don’t want to take an unneeded visit to the vets. Thank you

Hi!

I am very sorry that your boys are not working out as a pair. How long have you had them and how big is their cage?

Please have your boy vet checked to see whether these are bite marks from repeating bullying/attacking or a potential symptom of mange mites (which can be a result of the stress). We cannot replace a hands-on examination.

Here is our information on skin problems and your options for fallen-out boars. You may find it helpful:
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[MaddiN]

Thank you! I will have him Vet checked. I brought him from a guy and he was with 4 other Male guineapigs however did not notice them marks on him till a couple days ago and I handle them everyday and checked him.
I have only had them since the 3rd July so about 15/16 days, I got the date wrong in my first message.
I can’t remember The exact size of the cage however I brought it from Pets at home and it said on the side it was suitable for two guinea pigs and I checked with a staff member.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! I will have him Vet checked. I brought him from a guy and he was with 4 other Male guineapigs however did not notice them marks on him till a couple days ago and I handle them everyday and checked him.
I have only had them since the 3rd July so about 15/16 days, I got the date wrong in my first message.
I can’t remember The exact size of the cage however I brought it from Pets at home and it said on the side it was suitable for two guinea pigs and I checked with a staff member.

Here is our cage size guide. Pet shops are sadly not compelled to stop selling cages that do not comply with minimal welfare regulations and many of their staff are not even aware that there are welfare recommendations, or what they are - and what the specific species needs of any of the animals they are selling actually are. We see this all the time on here.
There are also cheaper places to get larger cages than pet shops.
Cage Size Guide