So this happened...

[Ellie-May]

Although I have only had my pigges for a day (both male) just now I think they were fighting. It was nothing aggressive or serious and I know it is common, but I would just like some advice on what to do as they were running around chasing each other for like a couple of seconds. I have mentioned in a previous post that I have a two-tier cage (was three, but it was too big) and they have not really explored the bottom part. I do have two of everything (one on each level) so do you feel that I should encourage one to go down there? They are still young and I don't want to separate them at this stage and this is the first hiccup they have had. Any ideas?

 

[Swissgreys]

How big is one level of their cage?
Even though they have access to 2 levels this doesn't really count as unbroken floor space, and can often lead people to think that their cage has more usable space than it actually does (from a piggy perspective)?

 

[Ellie-May]

How big is one level of their cage?
Even though they have access to 2 levels this doesn't really count as unbroken floor space, and can often lead people to think that their cage has more usable space than it actually does (from a piggy perspective)?

It is about 150cm (width) and I am not sure about the height)

 

[Ellie-May]

How big is one level of their cage?
Even though they have access to 2 levels this doesn't really count as unbroken floor space, and can often lead people to think that their cage has more usable space than it actually does (from a piggy perspective)?

They do have like one of those wooden houses so maybe I could rearrange it? maybe bring the other food bowl up for now until they get used to the stairs?

 

[Ellie-May]

They do have like one of those wooden houses so maybe I could rearrange it? maybe bring the other food bowl up for now until they get used to the stairs?

Because it seemed to happen by the food bowl because one of them came up behind the other

 

[Ellie-May]

How big is one level of their cage?
Even though they have access to 2 levels this doesn't really count as unbroken floor space, and can often lead people to think that their cage has more usable space than it actually does (from a piggy perspective)?

I am just wondering if I should keep one down and one on top for now? or bring one food bowl up? because they are fine inside the house

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’d put all items on one level until they learn to use the ramp. Going forward it is best to keep the food bowls at opposite ends of the cage and ensure that each level has hidey houses. The thing with boars is not to give them any reason to argue.
Height is less of a concern but the cage needs to be 150cm long by 60cm wide.
You are going to see them chasing each other, mounting each other and rumblestrutting and it is important to not misinterpret that as a problem. They are establishing their relationship which will continue in earnest for the next couple of weeks but you will always see this type of behaviour particularly throughout their teenage months.

 

[Ellie-May]

I’d put all items on one level until they learn to use the ramp. Going forward it is best to keep the food bowls at opposite ends of the cage and ensure that each level has hidey houses. The thing with boars is not to give them any reason to argue.
Height is less of a concern but the cage needs to be 150cm long by 60cm wide.
You are going to see them chasing each other, mounting each other and rumblestrutting and it is important to not misinterpret that as a problem. They are establishing their relationship which will continue in earnest for the next couple of weeks but you will always see this type of behaviour particularly throughout their teenage months.

Thank you! I was just worried in case one of them got hurt. The cage is big enough and each level has hidey houses. I think I will move the other food bowl up for now so there is one of each and see how that goes. If that is fine then (when they are more confident) I will start to introduce them to the ramp. Do you think I should consider setting up the playpen over the next few days just so they can have some fun?

 

[VickiA]

I’d put all items on one level until they learn to use the ramp. Going forward it is best to keep the food bowls at opposite ends of the cage and ensure that each level has hidey houses. The thing with boars is not to give them any reason to argue.
Height is less of a concern but the cage needs to be 150cm long by 60cm wide.
You are going to see them chasing each other, mounting each other and rumblestrutting and it is important to not misinterpret that as a problem. They are establishing their relationship which will continue in earnest for the next couple of weeks but you will always see this type of behaviour particularly throughout their teenage months.

great advice from @Piggies&buns

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s often a good idea to let them settle in to their cage and work out what is what for about a week before introducing another area to them. You do need to let them guide you though, if they seem scared then take things slowly or hold off altogether.
I’m going to link in some guides which will help you now regarding new piggies but also over the coming months when they become teenagers and things really get, ahem, interesting! My boys are now just out of their teenage months (one is 18 months and the other is 19 months) but these guides were so useful in being sure what I was seeing from their behaviour was normal teenage dominance and wasn’t heading towards a fall out.

New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?


A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Ellie-May]

It’s often a good idea to let them settle in to their cage and work out what is what for about a week before introducing another area to them. You do need to let them guide you though, if they seem scared then take things slowly or hold off altogether.
I’m going to link in some guides which will help you now regarding new piggies but also over the coming months when they become teenagers and things really get, ahem, interesting! My boys are now just out of their teenage months (one is 18 months and the other is 19 months) but these guides were so useful in being sure what I was seeing from their behaviour was normal teenage dominance and wasn’t heading towards a fall out.

New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?


A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Thank you! Do you think it will be okay to pick them up whilst I sort the cage out? sorry for all the questions

 

[Piggies&buns]

Don’t be sorry for asking questions! It’s how you will learn!
Yes. Try not to chase them around the cage while you try to catch them though, that will scare them.

 

[Ellie-May]

Don’t be sorry for asking questions! It’s how you will learn!
Yes. Try not to chase them around the cage while you try to catch them though, that will scare them.

Let's see how this goes! I changed the house around and placed the food bowls. Still not used to being handled but were exploring when I put them in so hopefully it helps for now