Sibling Quarrels

[CavieBum]

This morning I woke up to a loud clatter from the piggies, just to come over to see the brothers fighting again. They have little sibling quarrels from time to time, but this was something bigger than usual, and I decided to separate them. After giving them some time apart, I tried to gradually put them back together, which just less to more chattering, chasing, and fighting. Something like this happened before, and they always got "back to normal" after a few hours, however, after a whole day, no matter what I tried, whenever they as much as hear each other, they begin to get aggressive. I don't know what happened! I know it's common for pigs to fight when they don't have enough food sometimes, but they seem well-fed, and that doesn't seem to be the problem. Perhaps one's hurt another, and that's why Jerry is so scared around Ben? I'm thinking something happened this morning when I missed all the action. However, they've never acted like this for so long and I'm not sure what to do.

Thank you so much for any advice.

 

[Wiebke]

This morning I woke up to a loud clatter from the piggies, just to come over to see the brothers fighting again. They have little sibling quarrels from time to time, but this was something bigger than usual, and I decided to separate them. After giving them some time apart, I tried to gradually put them back together, which just less to more chattering, chasing, and fighting. Something like this happened before, and they always got "back to normal" after a few hours, however, after a whole day, no matter what I tried, whenever they as much as hear each other, they begin to get aggressive. I don't know what happened! I know it's common for pigs to fight when they don't have enough food sometimes, but they seem well-fed, and that doesn't seem to be the problem. Perhaps one's hurt another, and that's why Jerry is so scared around Ben? I'm thinking something happened this morning when I missed all the action. However, they've never acted like this for so long and I'm not sure what to do.

Thank you so much for any advice.

Hi!

How old are your boys and how large is your cage?

Teenagers suffer from extreme hormone spikes, which can lead to fight and fall-outs if they are not character compatible. Right now, Jerry sounds like he has been attacked/trapped by Ben and is in shock. that is not boding well for the longer term, to be honest. Please check him over for bite wounds.

Please take the time to read the two links below. They talk you through all aspects around the teenage months in detail, including your various options if your boys are not working out as a pair. Unfortunately it is a persistent but long debunked breeder myth that siblings don't fall out; which goes for both genders by the way.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[CavieBum]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! We have a 47" x 24" x 14" MidWest Guinea Habitat cage, and because they were rescued, we're actually not quite sure how old they are, but I know they're at least three years or older. Thanks so much for all the information

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! We have a 47" x 24" x 14" MidWest Guinea Habitat cage, and because they were rescued, we're actually not quite sure how old they are, but I know they're at least three years or older. Thanks so much for all the information

You have to see how they go; but it generally pays to wait at least two days after a separation. You will have to see whether Jerry wants to be back with Ben or is happier having his own space with interaction through the bars.
'Can't live together and can't live apart' bonded boar pairs are not at all uncommon. As long as they still have full interaction (scent, body language and sound) through the bars, they are usually quite happy.

Our advice for feuding adult boars is pretty much the same as for teenagers. Adult fall-outs are generally a lot rarer (about as often as sow fall-outs) but they do happen.
Bonds In Trouble

 

[4 Wheeks]

This morning I woke up to a loud clatter from the piggies, just to come over to see the brothers fighting again. They have little sibling quarrels from time to time, but this was something bigger than usual, and I decided to separate them. After giving them some time apart, I tried to gradually put them back together, which just less to more chattering, chasing, and fighting. Something like this happened before, and they always got "back to normal" after a few hours, however, after a whole day, no matter what I tried, whenever they as much as hear each other, they begin to get aggressive. I don't know what happened! I know it's common for pigs to fight when they don't have enough food sometimes, but they seem well-fed, and that doesn't seem to be the problem. Perhaps one's hurt another, and that's why Jerry is so scared around Ben? I'm thinking something happened this morning when I missed all the action. However, they've never acted like this for so long and I'm not sure what to do.

Thank you so much for any advice.

Separate and check for wounds on him. Hormone spikes may have caused the fall out but the main thing for now Is checking he is ok. Wounds can be easily infected so it is important you check and monitor the wounds and depending bad they are you may need a vet visit.

Best wishes x

 

[CavieBum]

Separate and check for wounds on him. Hormone spikes may have caused the fall out but the main thing for now Is checking he is ok. Wounds can be easily infected so it is important you check and monitor the wounds and depending bad they are you may need a vet visit.

Best wishes x

Thank you!