fighting?

Question
Hi, we bought male guinea pigs yesterday (they are brothers) but i suspect already that they have been fighting. One is slightly bigger than the other and - i'm watching them now - he wont let the smaller one into the sleeping area of the hutch. (its actually a run on the garden). I dont want to intervene too much e.g. bringing the smaller one inside as i'm not sure if this would be too stressful for him, seeing as he's not known me for 24hours yet!  He has a small cut on his nose and one on his ear, when i go outside to him he squeaks and squeaks, doesn't want to be picked up.....what do you recommend i do?
thanks, Zoe

Answer
Hi Zoe
have one been mounting the other at all?
The pecking order needs to be established in this pair,which may well result in torn ears and bloody noses.
Can you make a seperate sleeping area for the little one where he can retreat to?
I found when I had this problem, that keeping them together and persevering was the key but I kep a VERY close eye on them.
Be prepared to intervene if the fighting gets really nasty,throw a cup of water over them to get them apart.Be prepared to keep trying.
He will still be afraid of you and your smell which is why he doesnt like to be handled much. You need to be very patient,understand his fears.
Offer them both little strips of cucumber or parsley,making them come closer to you each time to take the treat out of your hand.
Wave it gently at them calling softly " come on then "
They will learn that come on then means nice treaties.
When they will eat from your hand, try picking them up and offering them the same treat but holding them with one hand and the treat in the other hand. If they take the treat off you, stroke them but keep hold of the treat so they have to let you stroke them in order to get the treat.
You can also use celery,carrot,grape,broccoli,mint,thyme,
the list is endless!!
Good luck and get back to me if you need to xxx