Not Sure What To Do For Best

Reenie

Reenie

Adult Guinea Pig
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Kirkintilloch, Glasgow
As some of you know, I have a trio of boars - Groucho, Chicco and Little Dude, they're now about 9 and 10 months old. I've always expected a fall out, but it hasn't happened yet. I have noticed though, that Groucho is kind of on his own most of the time, while the other two never leave each other's side. Chicco often chases him, and they have a wee nip at each other, occasionally there is a bit of teeth chattering and squaring up when the cage has been cleaned, or they are out for floor time, but it has never got serious. They all eat from the same bowl at the same time, without any issues (there are other bowls, but the three of them eat from one then move to another). I've also noticed that Groucho spends a lot of time in the loft area away from the other two. Groucho is the biggest, and is usually the one with the biggest weight gain each week, so I've no concerns that he's being bullied out of his food. They all seem fairly happy apart from Groucho being on his own a lot, and Little Dude is fine with him - even nibbles his ear very occasionally.
I just wonder if I should continue to wait and see what happens, or if I should split Groucho from the other two and get him another pal. My worry is that, if I do that, it might upset the balance with Chicco and Little Dude, and I could end up having to split them up, or I might not be able to find Groucho a pal he gets on with, and he ends up on his own.
At the moment there is no rush, but I just want to make sure that they're all happy. I think I'm just spilling out my thoughts here, but I would be interested to see what you guys think.
 
It is always difficult wondering if all the piggies in a group are happy.
Of my 3 youngsters Gracie is on her own a lot while Katie B and Poppy are usually wherever their Husboar is.
I often sit and watch them running about or eating their veg etc and although she eats with them as yours do there never seems to be any interaction. But, she appears happy in her own way and as I’ve heard from others not all guinea pigs seem to need others close company or another cuddling up with them.
Quite a convoluted way of saying that Groucho is probably fine and content to do his own thing!
 
Janice C said:
It is always difficult wondering if all the piggies in a group are happy.
Of my 3 youngsters Gracie is on her own a lot while Katie B and Poppy are usually wherever their Husboar is.
I often sit and watch them running about or eating their veg etc and although she eats with them as yours do there never seems to be any interaction. But, she appears happy in her own way and as I’ve heard from others not all guinea pigs seem to need others close company or another cuddling up with them.
Quite a convoluted way of saying that Groucho is probably fine and content to do his own thing!
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Thanks @Janice C . That's really what I want to do, but I've just been a wee bit concerned that Groucho may not be happy. It's reassuring to know that sow's do it too, as I was beginning to think it was the just the lead up to an inevitable fall out, and was wondering if I could avoid them having that upset.
 
I think in your shoes I'd leave them as they are, Groucho is maintaining his weight and not showing signs of being unhappy, he has space to get away from the other two when they get too much. I'd have a spare cage or C&C grids handy just in case of a serious fight, (handy as a hospital cage anyway). You've already considered plan B and if it comes to that it's worth looking at boar dating at a rescue to let him choose his own friend. Plan C if they end up fighting living alongside for company if plan B doesn't work. With piggies it's always good to have a few plans in mind, awkward creatures, it's why we love 'them.:))
 
I have a Plan B! I have to as I have 2 boars living with 3 sows. At the mo everything is rosy and they all live happily together and snuggle up closely. I have a 2 storey hutch that I can divide into 2 separate hutches if necessary. Betsy would live with Dennis as they are more often than not together and it is obvious that they have chosen each other as mates and Christian would live with Velvet and Meg. Hopefully they will continue to live as a happy herd together when I get them a new hutch in the Spring but you never know.
 
Betsy said:
I have a Plan B! I have to as I have 2 boars living with 3 sows. At the mo everything is rosy and they all live happily together and snuggle up closely. I have a 2 storey hutch that I can divide into 2 separate hutches if necessary. Betsy would live with Dennis as they are more often than not together and it is obvious that they have chosen each other as mates and Christian would live with Velvet and Meg. Hopefully they will continue to live as a happy herd together when I get them a new hutch in the Spring but you never know.
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There’s always a home in Scotland for Betsy! Lol
 
Janice C said:
There’s always a home in Scotland for Betsy! Lol
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I know that Janice and if I ever have a major fall out (er.... no! never going to happen) I know she will always be welcome up at your place. She is and will ever be my favourite ever beautiful Betsy! Sorry (not!) to disappoint!
 
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