Trying to bond

[Tammyd]

I have 2 boars - Squeak aged 5 and Rascal aged 6 months. Up until recently Squeak shared a cage with his brother Bubbles, who went to the rainbow bridge a few days ago. Bubbles and Squeak had a very strong bond and I feel so sorry for Squeak in his cage alone. Rascal is in his own cage.

Rascal has been with us a month and is full of energy and very dominant. I have tried introductions on neutral ground but he won't leave Squeak alone constantly chattering his teeth at him, trying to take food out of his mouth, sneaking up on him to nip his bottom etc. Some of the introductions have ended in them flying at each other in fights but not to the stage of drawing blood (maybe only because I broke them up though).

I actually wonder if Rascal has behavioural problems as he often seems very pent up and on edge. He often chatters his teeth at me when I approach the cage (although he now hand feeds). It may just be down to his age and hormones as he is a 'teen'? He's still new to us so is maybe just not settled yet.

I tried the 'buddy bath' and that didn't make much of a difference either. (I did this with all three of them before Bubbles passed).

At the moment they are in cages next to each other so they can at least interact through the bars and not feel too alone.

I spoke to vet (an exotics specialist) about this today and she suggested neutering Rascal. However I'd read that this doesn't change behaviour in piggies? Also she suggested using 'Pet Remedy' an aromatherapy spray to sooth Squeak after the loss of his cage mate. I'm not sure about using essential oils around the piggies though. Has anyone got experience of this?

I'm thinking of getting a C&C cage to replace the two cages and put the boys into that to see if they will bond in a new environment with plenty of space. My worry is that if it doesn't work then I will be stuck with the one large cage and won't have separate spaces for them anymore. I think you can divide C&C cages into two sections though, right? I also worry about stressing Squeak out further by making too many other changes to his environment when he has just lost his cage mate. He is very secure in the cage he shared with Bubbles and has always been a bit of a lazy piggy who likes to hid away in his pigaloo most of the time. I'm sure he's missing the cuddles from his brother and I feel so sad for him. It would be nice if he and Rascal could be company for each other.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I’ve no experience with boar bonding sadly so hopefully someone can help more with that.

You’re right in saying that neutering boars makes no difference sadly.

Pet Remedy is fantastic, when I use it I spray it on a little bit of fleece (outside away from piggies) let it air for a bit and then place it on top of the cage. It’s been very helpful in our bonding sessions, even to calm my nerves!

It’s so tricky when boys are in their hormonal stage, luckily my boar Iggy is out of that stage but he’s still a bit of a jerk Even some of my females chatter their teeth at me sometimes if I’m taking too long with their veg

 

[Tammyd]

I’ve no experience with boar bonding sadly so hopefully someone can help more with that.

You’re right in saying that neutering boars makes no difference sadly.

Pet Remedy is fantastic, when I use it I spray it on a little bit of fleece (outside away from piggies) let it air for a bit and then place it on top of the cage. It’s been very helpful in our bonding sessions, even to calm my nerves!

It’s so tricky when boys are in their hormonal stage, luckily my boar Iggy is out of that stage but he’s still a bit of a jerk Even some of my females chatter their teeth at me sometimes if I’m taking too long with their veg

Sounds like the Pet Rescue might be worth a go then. I find it slightly worrying that the supposed exotics expert vet suggested the neutering. She actually said to me that hardly anything is known about guinea pigs - much more is known about rabbits.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Sounds like the Pet Rescue might be worth a go then. I find it slightly worrying that the supposed exotics expert vet suggested the neutering. She actually said to me that hardly anything is known about guinea pigs - much more is known about rabbits.

Yea most “exotic” vets don’t actually know much about guinea pigs. It’s not so much that not much is known it’s more like they can’t be bothered to find out usually. I’d look for one who’s more experienced and has an interest in piggies. Mine is just a general vet but Sarah has a particular interest so she’s always finding things out and contacting more experienced people for help. We’ve also been to the Cat & rabbit vet in Northampton for more complex issues as they’re leading experts in the field! They have helped me advise my own vets too. There’s a vet locator on the forum if that’s any help I’ve been through about 5 different vets since having piggies!

Idk about pet rescue, is that the liquid you put on the tongue? I think my neighbour uses that with their dogs for fireworks.

 

[Tammyd]

Yea most “exotic” vets don’t actually know much about guinea pigs. It’s not so much that not much is known it’s more like they can’t be bothered to find out usually. I’d look for one who’s more experienced and has an interest in piggies. Mine is just a general vet but Sarah has a particular interest so she’s always finding things out and contacting more experienced people for help. We’ve also been to the Cat & rabbit vet in Northampton for more complex issues as they’re leading experts in the field! They have helped me advise my own vets too. There’s a vet locator on the forum if that’s any help I’ve been through about 5 different vets since having piggies!

Idk about pet rescue, is that the liquid you put on the tongue? I think my neighbour uses that with their dogs for fireworks.

I'd definitely like to find a vet with any interest in piggies. Unfortunately the emergency vet that saw Bubbles before he passed (on a Sunday) was not a specialist and I felt sad that maybe someone else could have given him a better chance. I guess we will always feel guilt about the loss of our beloved pets through - however much we've tried to help them.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I'd definitely like to find a vet with any interest in piggies. Unfortunately the emergency vet that saw Bubbles before he passed (on a Sunday) was not a specialist and I felt sad that maybe someone else could have given him a better chance. I guess we will always feel guilt about the loss of our beloved pets through - however much we've tried to help them.

Please don’t feel guilty, even though it’s hard. You’re doing right by your furbabies and it’s not always in our control sadly. I just lost one of my little girls so I know how devastating it is. It can make other pig tasks much harder like bonding etc, I found that with my lot.

Hopefully all goes well with your boys Did you go for a C&C in the end?

 

[Tammyd]

Please don’t feel guilty, even though it’s hard. You’re doing right by your furbabies and it’s not always in our control sadly. I just lost one of my little girls so I know how devastating it is. It can make other pig tasks much harder like bonding etc, I found that with my lot.

Hopefully all goes well with your boys Did you go for a C&C in the end?

Thank you. No I'm not sure whether to try C&C or just keep them separate in their own cages.

 

[Siikibam]

When it comes to bonding, it can be very fraught. But you have to leave them to it unless blood is drawn. It usually settles down if they’re compatible. Remember the younger one is in the early stages of his teenage phase and is likely to test the boundaries with all those hormones raging through him.

Try the bonding again - neutral territory, pile of hay and veg, no hides. If you have to leave them there for hours so be is. So make sure you have time.

The below threads are a good read. Good luck.

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[VickiA]

With boars I’m afraid you have to see it through to the bitter end and not keep separating. You have to decide is it working or not. If not, you need to work out plan B and whether you want to keep 2 cages or a side by side divided grids cage.
I’m afraid your youngster is a classic hormonal teen and in my view the worst possible age for bonding. In the rescue we don’t try dating 6 month old boars - we neuter them and find them sow partners because we know the success rate is low. So don’t be surprised if after your last final introduction you have to give it up as a bad job. It isn’t your fault or his - it’s just a teenage boar being a teenage boar.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Thank you. No I'm not sure whether to try C&C or just keep them separate in their own cages.

If it were time I’d try a C&C! You can always put a divider in if it doesn’t work out, but fingers crossed it will!