Behavior 3 older male pigs

[jlwilson1217]

Hi there! New to the forum and looking for advice. This is kind of long so that you can understand my current predicament. Thanks for reading

I am a first time guinea pig owner, although my boys are all at least 5 years old. I have 4 males and have had them since they were babies. Fred & Frank live together and Felix and Fernando are their upstairs neighbors. They live in a 2x5 double decker c&c set up.

I was gifted Fred for my 31st birthday by my kids and husband. Not super thrilled to have another living thing to take care of, I smiled and tried to remember I really really wanted one as a kid. They knew this and wanted that for me. I know nothing about guinea pigs at this point, except that they need a friend. So we get Frank. My kids fall in love with another a few weeks later. What’s one more? Add in Fernando. At this point I start doing my research. 3 boys is a potential issue and even with ample space I was vigilant and felt that Fernando was being picked on hence, Felix. So I now have 2 pairs of males in a double decker 2x5 c & c cage. If I had done my research before hand instead of after I likely wouldn’t have ended up with 4 boys, but they have lived in pairs peacefully and happily for years now.

Our sweet Fred passed today. He had been to the vet recently for minor issues, but I believe he had a stroke. When I checked on them he was unable to get up, but still able to move. I wrapped him in a blanket and held him, he passed a few hours later comfy in the blanket.

First Concern- I am now worried his cage mate did not see him die and if that’s a problem? Or did he know since he was with him while he was in distress? (Unfortunately it could have been a few hours since we were not home.) I am reading that the remaining from the pair will need to be watched closely as I don’t intend to get another at this time.

Second question/concern- As I stated before, all the guinea pigs are at least 5 years old. They have never lived together only in their pairs, but have seen each other, infrequently been around each other or in each others cage (kids mix them up ), I also will give one pair toys and chew the others don’t like and vice versa. After Fred passed today I took the cage down so now the single and pair are side by side and can see each other, but are still in their own space. Is there a way to navigate this situation and allow the 3 to live together? I’m willing to combine the cages so it would be 4x5. The remaining single is pretty dominant. If you have made it this far thank you! Any and all advice would be appreciated

 

[ItsaZoo]

My condolences on losing Fred. From everything you wrote, your lucky pigs have a good life and you’re doing a great job caring for them and researching when you have questions.

Most people will tell you 3 pigs together is usually not successful, especially males. Dominance issues usually arise. However, Guinea pigs in the same room still have a feeling of security and of being part of a herd. So I would keep the cages as they are, one on his own next door to the pair.

I have two females that didn’t get along together. They are in opposite corners of the same room and are much happier in their own space than they were together. Even though they’re separated, they still react to each other begging for food or attention.

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I am so very sorry to hear about Frank's passing. The holes they leave in our hearts and lives are never truly filled. Rest in Wheeks, Frank.

I have tried 3 boars. My situation was different than yours, I had a pair of seniors and one passed. I adopted a couple of babies, just three weeks old at the time, to help keep Sly company. To say it was magical and perfect would be an understatement. Sly took to those kids and they him very, very rapidly.

Fast forward several months and those babies are not babies any more. Once grown, puberty set in and the largest of the boys decided he was the new boss. Sly was old (over 5) and with poor eyesight due to osseous metaplasia, easily scared. Punkin was all over him, challenging him and biting him and unfortunately they had to be separated. I ended up simply splitting their very large cage and pen into two areas separated by grids. It worked well for me, since none of them were ever bar chewers which is a very serious problem.

I rarely hear of boar trios working out. When I do, they are always all seniors with very laid back, docile personalities. It sounds like your current setup will do just fine.

Fred will indeed need to be observed, as the cause of death isn't necessarily known. IF Fred did indeed know Frank was gone or going, he very well could have said his goodbyes. It can be a heartbreaking thing to watch if you are present for it. Some pigs take a sniff and go on about their business and others........ others grieve very, very hard.