Concerned guinea pig parent

Question
Hello there,

I am a new owner of two really sweet male guinea pigs (both about 1 month old).  I'm a first time owner, so I'm trying to recognize the different guinea pig behaviors.  Recently, my two guinea pigs appear to be showing dominating behaviors.  One will strut around the cage while chattering his teeth and then immediately the other will start a fast paced, higher pitched squeaking.  Soon the one chattering will chase the other guinea around the cage and nose butt his bottom/tries to mount him.  Interestingly though the other guinea will popcorn at this while squealing loudly.  Sometimes they trade if the smaller one gets enough guts.  I'm somewhat confused by this behavior though.  I'm trying to monitor them closely, but there is only so much I can do (this has been going on for the past 2 days).  Can you please give me some advice as to what action I should take on this.  I really love both of them, but the little guy is my baby and I don't want him to get hurt.

Thank you,
Lauren

Answer
It doesn't sound like there is a problem.  They are in a new place, and if they haven't been in a cage together before, or it is their first time being the only two guinea pigs in a cage, they just have to establish dominance.  

It doesn't sound like anybody is going to get hurt.  You did not say anything about biting or any physical fighting other than head-butting.  So I would not worry about it.

The behavior will pass, and they will be fine.  Dominance just has to be established, and when that happens, all will be well.

There is nothing you can do to stop the behavior, and nothing you do will help.  So just let them continue until the behavior subsides.

If the behavior does get worse, and there is actually physical fighting, you will have to separate the guinea pigs.  But I don't expect that that will happen, so just keep an eye on them, and try not to worry.

Good luck with your new babies!