So I just recently got 2 male guinea pigs, about three days ago actually and they was fine when they was first in the cage just very scared. Anyway later in the night I notticed that there was a lot of chasing and everything and a couple of squabbles ( only lasting 2 ish seconds) until the less dominant one ran away. This has been happening for about 3 nights now, whenever the less dominant one goes too close to the dominant one or when he enters his hidey. There’s no blood so that’s why I haven’t separated them, they both sleep at oposite ends of the cage (5x2 c and c cage) and only use the same hideout when something scares them. I just want to know if this is normal? I know they’re meant to chase each other to find out who’s more dominant etc, I just don’t know if they’re meant to be having little disagreements, not exactly fights usually the dominant one warning off the other by chasing him out of his personal space. There’s been no biting to my knowledge but yeah I hope this stage passes and they’ll be able to get along. (Forgot to mention but all hideouts have 2 openings and I have 2 of everything in the cage)
New boys not getting along.
- Thread starter Megan1827
- Start date
Stewart Holman
New Born Pup
Have you got any "furniture" in their cage ie houses, tubes, hideys etc. I would take everything out & give them extra hay and see how that works.
I feel like that won’t do much as they’re still really nervous and spend most time hiding since they’ve only been here 3 days
Hi!
How big is the cage? Plenty of space is a must for boars, the more the better; ideally a 2x5 ft C&C cage.
Cage Size Guide
I would strongly recommend to remove any hideys during the dominance phase in which your boys establish a working hierarchy. Chasing out of hideys, food bowls etc. is part and parcel for that stage now that your boys have got over the shock of the move and are settling in.
Please remove any hideys with just one opening (prevents fights due to one boy being caught/locked in), make sure that you have everything in twos (hideys, bowls, water bottle, access to unlimited hay).
Take the time to carefully read the helpful information links below so you understand what is going and why:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (see last chapter about post-bonding dominance phase)
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars (how boars work, what they need and the challenges and rewards at different ages)
All these guides are part of our New Owners information collection, which addresses all the most often encountered issues and concerns in a practical and helpful way: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
David Piggie Lover
Senior Guinea Pig
Sorry to hear about you piggies not getting on.
Seems your boys are in the middle of yes or no getting on.
This bonding issues are well covered on the home pages and every read improved ones knowledge on things. Pls have a look and i wish you all the best.
Seems your boys are in the middle of yes or no getting on.
This bonding issues are well covered on the home pages and every read improved ones knowledge on things. Pls have a look and i wish you all the best.
Thank you, hopefully they’ll end up getting on eventually