Sodapops
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi guys, i wondering if i could pick your brains re. a problem i have with two of my boys.
Over the last couple of weeks i've had to closely monitor the behavior of two of my boys (they are father and son), there has been a lot of nose raising and head butting from the two and Homer (my eldest pig) is always pushing his son out of the way when it comes to the water bowl, food bowl and veggies (in other words if Homer wants to get to the veggies first he will do so by pushing LB out of the way - but LB don't give up and will eat regardless)
The other day when giving them their little treat ball filled with pepper and carrot - Homer actually raised his nose up to LB and nipped his ear (LB let out a little squeak and i promptly checked him over)
I fear this could be the start of them falling out - LB is coming up to 8months old and this behavior has only started within the last 2wks. Being father and son they both act alike and i'm wondering whether their strong willed personalities are not allowing for LB to be the submissive one?
Planning for all eventualities ive been looking at my options. I currently have two bonded boars that are now around 10months old (never been any problems) and i also have JJ and her daughter living together - as i couldn't financially afford to take on another two piggies should a fallout occur i would have to look in to re-homing 1 of them and getting the other neutered and placing them in with my two girls - question is:
would a 1 boar and 2 female paring work? Or would one of the females create a bond with the male and the other be left out?
Just the very thought of re-homing one of my boys is heart breaking - but ultimately i would have to do what's best all round. I'm probably worrying un-necessarily - but i need to be prepared - all fingers and toes crossed the situation doesn't escalate - just need some advice if it does
Thanks in advance
Over the last couple of weeks i've had to closely monitor the behavior of two of my boys (they are father and son), there has been a lot of nose raising and head butting from the two and Homer (my eldest pig) is always pushing his son out of the way when it comes to the water bowl, food bowl and veggies (in other words if Homer wants to get to the veggies first he will do so by pushing LB out of the way - but LB don't give up and will eat regardless)
The other day when giving them their little treat ball filled with pepper and carrot - Homer actually raised his nose up to LB and nipped his ear (LB let out a little squeak and i promptly checked him over)
I fear this could be the start of them falling out - LB is coming up to 8months old and this behavior has only started within the last 2wks. Being father and son they both act alike and i'm wondering whether their strong willed personalities are not allowing for LB to be the submissive one?
Planning for all eventualities ive been looking at my options. I currently have two bonded boars that are now around 10months old (never been any problems) and i also have JJ and her daughter living together - as i couldn't financially afford to take on another two piggies should a fallout occur i would have to look in to re-homing 1 of them and getting the other neutered and placing them in with my two girls - question is:
would a 1 boar and 2 female paring work? Or would one of the females create a bond with the male and the other be left out?
Just the very thought of re-homing one of my boys is heart breaking - but ultimately i would have to do what's best all round. I'm probably worrying un-necessarily - but i need to be prepared - all fingers and toes crossed the situation doesn't escalate - just need some advice if it does
Thanks in advance
