Will they be compatible in future?

[Linda R]

Minty was introduced to Brandy, my 4 year old, when he was 4 weeks. He is now at that age when he is trying to mount and generally get on Brandy's nerves a bit. There is no fighting, just general squabbling over dominance and Minty being extremely active. I keep inspecting both of them for nicks/blood etc - no signs yet. They don't cuddle up together to sleep but they nudge each others ears in a friendly way!

How long does this behaviour go on for. Is it just Minty's age. Am I right in thinking they could turn on each other at any age? I hope it is just age squabbling so they can stay together, but I can make up seperate housing if not.

Any input greatly received.

Susie - I have read your pairing up pages which is why I know they are just squabbling now. I was a bit worried until I read your page. Thanks for putting my mind at rest.

Love Linda
x

[marie]

I have had this problem with my two boars. There was agressive behaviour shown and at one point I thought I would have to separate them, in fact I did for a few nights and then reintroduced them... They are fine together now as you said I think it was just Snoopy's age however, be prepared they may turn on each other at any age.
What was suggested to me was giving them more space which I have done (see my other post under c and c cages) this has calmed things down a lot.
Do they have two of everything in their cage? Preferable three hiding places to stop them squabbling. Check that they are letting each other eat.

Sorry I can't be that much help as only have one experience of this. Hopefully others will be on soon to help.

Keep monitoring them and have towels handy in case a fight breaks out. Hope it turns out well.

Love
Marie
x

[michelle]

when they are young i tend to think of them as teenagers and what teenagers dont fight! it could be just the age but watch them for signs of cuts or blood normally the ears get it first, if they do go in for an all out fight throw a towel over them to seperate never ever put your hands between I remember doing that years ago and still have the scar to prove it, my boys are in a seperate shed from the girls in c and g runs brothers are fine if kept from birth in fact a few of mine have died soon after losing their brother they just give up, (of course theres always the exception to the rule ) I believe my fred and ginger will be the same tho! they are devoted to each other so are tiger and jaspar, so its not all doom and gloom, just be aware at all times
another thing you should be aware of is if i clean my girls out first then the boys the noise and commotion from the boys is deafning they can smell GIRLS and get tetchy, so always clean up after cleaning out girls or do boys first

[Linda R]

Marie

I have lots of C & C grids some of which I use as their ourdoor run. I am in the process of making their housing much bigger using the grids but as I don't want them on the floor, I am going to try and make some sort of table which will fit the space I have and put the grids on there. They don't generally argue over food and will quite happily eat at the same time from the same dish. I spread their fresh stuff around though so they have their own space for that. By the way, you were a help.

Michelle

I got Brandy and my other piggie, Shandy, on the same day from different places so there was no relationship at all. They were put together for a while and were ok from the start. Then, after 2 and a half years, poor Shandy died suddenly (don't know what of, we think it could have been a stroke) so Brandy was on his own. Then after a while and chats with Louise from Squeakypigs and other members, it was decided I would get a baby boar as young as possible, hence 4 week old Minty. Well, that's the story behind it, so as you can see, there are no females around in my case but very useful information in case I do get some. If only I had more room.

Love Linda
x

[michelle]

Linda as you say they dont have to be related but just put together as early as you can, but as I do occasionally breed for my own pleasure (I keep them all) I tend to have brothers but thinking of it I also have griffin who was a quite pig despite his brothers being more outgoing he was always quite and needed another little friend and as I had a new baby rex boar he was the obvious choice they have been together over a year now, and cuddle together in their cuddle cups,
when I lost the brother of the one that died I tried everything possible he simply refused any help and gave up it was a most heartbreaking thing I went through
even my lovely vets said they had seen it happen before ( I admire and trust my vets they are quite knowledgable on guinea pigs so consider my self a lucky lady) but am determined it wont happen again despite knowing fred and ginger adore each other so if any one has any ideas ( just in case)

[Susie (Barmy4Boars)]

I;m glad the pages were helpful to you. The page on keeping the peace is well worth a look for anyone with boars to prevent a problem. lots of soace and to of everything seem to be big factors. The teenage stage is tough. I really hope that they get through it with their friendship intact.