Should I separate my boars?

[ToadstoolFairy]

Hi! I have two male guinea pigs, both around a year old. They’ve been together in a 2x4 c&c grid cage that has a small ramp and tunnel that connects to one of those pet store cages which I use as a hay bin/house for them. They’ve been together for about two months however they don’t seem to be too friendly with each other, they don’t bite and attack but I’ve noticed that they don’t really like to be near or touch each other. One of my piggies seems to be giving a warning ”nip” where he snaps at my other pig if he comes too close to him or tries to assert dominance. Are they not compatible or is this normal behaviour? I’m wondering if I should put them both in a 2x3 c&c cage but keep them beside each other so they can still be close but have some space.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s normal for even well bonded piggies to not rest/sleep together.
If they aren’t actually fighting then I would not intervene at this point. Keep an eye on them but leave them together.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I agree, not all piggies want to cuddle up together, most actually prefer their own bit of space. Make sure you scatter food so there’s no opportunity to squabble over a food bowl, two water feeders and two beds. It sounds like quite normal behaviour to me. Fighting when blood is drawn is the time to separate. If your boys are 12 months old they are reaching maturity in a couple of months time and their hormones will gradually settle down as they get older. They have weathered the difficult teenage months so hang in there

 

[Deleted member 139433]

 

[Siikibam]

Is there any way you could expand the cage so it’s a 2x5? 2x4 is the recommended minimum for a sow or boar/sow pair but boars need more space. You should also make sure there are two of everything - hay feeding area, hides and bottle. Hides should all have two exits.