Spud and Gundhams battle for top pig

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato

Adult Guinea Pig
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My boys are about 3 years old so I thought we'd got past the moody teenager phase and with nothing more than an occasional rumble. Well since last week it's been rumble strutting and mounting galore. Spud has always been quietly dominant but has never had to do more than a little grumble to get his own way I'd never seen either piggie mount the other until last week. Now Gundham seems to be more dominant but spuds not ready to back down. The only thing I can think may have caused this is the introduction of cosy hides (a cosy cube hide I made and a fleece tunnel I bought) I always make sure there's 3 or more hides in the cage but they seem to be picking one to fight over no matter how many I give them. I know they're just figuring things out and I need to leave them too it but I'm worried incase this situation escalates. I know it's just normal boar stuff but it's hard to watch when they've always been such good friends. Sorry for the long rant.
 
I would consider removing the hide that seems to be causing issues. Hopefully they will settle down to a happy medium soon. Sometimes there can be an attempt to take over. I think keep an eye on them for now. What happens when Gundham mounts Spud - does he submit, squeak or not allow it?
 
I've tried removing it, putting two similar cosy ones in, putting it in an area of the cage where it's less desirable but I think it's triggered something and now Gundham knows he can stand up to spud he wants to have whatever spud wants. Honestly it's like watching pair of toddlers fighting over a toy.

Spud tends to just run off when he's mounted and then he'll rumble strut a bit. I have seen spud mount Gundham too and Gundham tends not to take it as well a bit of head tossing and he'll usually mount spud back. As yet there's not been any real threats of violence the odd head toss they'll face off for a few seconds but Gundham usually backs down first in these cases.
 
If he’s still backing down then that’s good news. I believe @Bill & Ted had a rumbler and mounter. I think @Piggies&buns has the same with her boys.

I hope it settles down. It may be spring that’s triggered it. I have seen that mentioned several times in here now. Boys eh 😆
 
I think it's Gundham just trying to push his luck. I'm just a bit of an anxious person so I see one mount and my brain jumps to oh my goodness what if I have to separate them, where am I going to find them new friends, what if they have to live alone forever. I just need to stop overthinking and let my boys sort themselves out.
 
Don’t worry, I think they will be fine. There’s no harm keeping an ear/eye out but don’t let it stop you enjoying them and their shenanigans 😁 don’t worry, I thought I’d have to separate mine when the first hormone high hit. I had to go to work that night so needed a nap. Didn’t sleep so well and worried about them while at work!
 
Oh boys, hey!
Do just let them sort things out. I know it’s hard to watch though.

My two (three years old now) have had an odd relationship to begin with but it worked so it was never questioned!
When i first got them, Dexter did the mounting, and Popcorn did the rumbling. It was NEVER the other way round - Dexter can’t rumble at all, and Popcorn wouldn’t mount. This went on for two years, happily having their own roles which wasn’t obvious from the outside but it worked. Late last spring/very early summer, Popcorn got a bout of spring time hormones and went on a rampage, potentially exacerbated by me having to bring them in the house due to the heat. He went bonkers, and would not leave Dexter alone. He was full on mounting and rumbling for hours and i was at the ready with grids because initially Dexter was standing his ground but then suddenly the submissive squealing started and Dex just took it. Since then it is very obvious Popcorn is boss - he mounts Dex and rumbles at everything. Dex has not mounted since. A few days ago when it got warm, Pops was off again being a hormonal mess!
 
Well their little spat is officially over and I think sometimes it's better to get these grumbles out in the open to clear the air as they are now happier than they've ever been and I didn't know that was possible. I've never seen these two cuddle together even when they were younger but I came downstairs to this this morning. Two little piggies napping side by side under the same hammock. I'm so glad their friends again.
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Aw that’s great news, glad the boys are a happy pair again and they’ve sorted it out!
I definitely think this spring air affects them, my Jasper has turned into a bit of a humper recently! He hasn’t dared since bonding day with bossy boots Cleo but has become a rather rude boy the last couple of weeks and Cleo has been getting a bit annoyed with him, even sleeping separately which they rarely do cuz she’s been kicking him out! Boys! :doh::))
 
Ahh that’s sweet. Their little...spat seems to have brought them closer. :wub::wub:
 
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