Hiya, as some of you will know I have my new additions, Alfonzo and Cesar the guinea pigs!
They seem to squeal a lot at each other though and I don't really know much about piggy behaviour, so I can't tell if they're playing or actually arguing when they chase each other etc.
I find myself wondering if it will all calm down more when I manage to build their cage, they'll have so much more room and more places to hide and eat etc.
I know they love each other because when i'm cleaning them out and I lift one out they cry for each other until they see each other again.

I haven't been able to touch them much yet, they eat out of my hands but don't really want my hand too near to them as yet. I have stroked Cesar a little but have literally been feeding him and stroked him once and left it, so he knows nothing bad happens, but there isn't much improvement. I know it's early days yet.. Just wondering how long this is likely to take!

I also really want to build their cage but haven't used a jigsaw before... I don't want to mess up the wood. Found it so much cheaper than the C&C cages, went to a local timber place and he gave me everything I need for £15.
It will be 4ft long x 2ft wide x 3ft tall (two levels). So much better than the puny cage they're in atm (100cm x 50cm- baring in mind those measurements are from the outside, not the inside)

Any tips at all on how to get them used to being handled? And any opinions on the boys - whether arguments will be alleviated when they have more space? Or do they play noisily and chase each other?
Alfonzo has this ritual at night, it isn't any specific time, it's just whenever I go to bed, he runs around the cage like a mad thing jumping and bashing into things lol! Is that a good or bad thing?

Thanks

sorry are they both males from the same litter or females. generally they can be vocal and jump about and chase each other. If they are teeth chattering face oin loads and have raised hackles on the neck and are lunging at each other then you may have a prob. normally if they arent getting on there would be real fights and injury they dont tend to mess about. having separate hiding holes food bowls etc can help as you said. G pigs love company of others as a rule and if you havent had them long then it may take a few weeks for them to settle. Id carry on with tasty treats by hand as there see you as something good. Allow thenm to settle for a few days and then gently cup them without chasing them in a corner and hold. You may find there better semi placed under a towl on your lap and fold it back a bit as a bit of security. little and often yummy treats and talk to them they get use to your voice. how old are your piggies.

__________________



Banner By Smudge.

They're approx 6-7months old - boars. I rescued them from somebody wanting to give them up after they got them for their daughter and she ignored them in favour of her girl pigs.
One of them was born with previous owner and the other was bought from PAH by them to keep the boy company, so not litter mates but have been together since very young.
No hackles or teeth chattering.. So it's defo nothing serious then lol. Feel a bit silly. I know so much about cats and dogs but next to nothing about piggie body language/noises etc.
I've looked at loads of webpages and videos but it's hard to tell what's happening when it's all going down.

You are right to leave them while they settle in. I settled mine in by talking to them and sitting with them, they will get used to you but it can take time. Now all mine are at the bars and know me very well. I have none that are scared which is lovely.

Space can help with boars, the more the better and also give them two of everything then there can be no arguing over who sleeps where, who is going to eat from what bowl or drink from which water bottle.

If they are arguing and its serious then it will be the teeth chattering and circling one another that you need to look out for. Just don't panic, I've known lots of people to seperate over the slightest little disagreement.

Good luck with them and hope they settle in for you soon.

I definitely think that more space will help them. I wouldn't keep boars in anything smaller than 5ft x2ft. DAP devices are also meant to help with squabbling boys.