guinea pig introductions

Question
QUESTION: We have recently adopted 2 new guinea pigs to add to our current piggy family of 2. The first one we adopted is beyond passive and is getting "beat up" on a non-stop basis. So we decided to adopt a fourth in hopes of pairing off 2 and 2. The fourth was a full grown male who is trying to declare himself the dominant pig. None of our pigs are neutered and the newest addition is trying to not just mount but have sex with the others. As we have never encountered this behavior before we dont know what to do. Nobody seems to be getting along!! how long until pecking order is determined and what can we do to help protect our passive pig?? and what should we not be doing to interfere??
thank you in advance


ANSWER: Hi Roy

I have tried to get 4 males to live together without success. However, if humping is the worst that has happened so far then there is hope for you.

If you get to the teeth chattering stage then its a case of getting ready to throw a towel over them, dont use your hands, it hurts!

I think you  might just need to trial which 2 pigs go together until you find a good combination. Also, try bathing them all with special small animal shampoo so they all smell the same.

Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Andy,
how long is a normal introductory period? do you think it would help if we had the big male neutered?
thank you for responding so promptly

Answer
Hi Roy

Neutering isnt a good idea for 3 reasons. 1, its an extra trip to the vet, 2, neutering rarely changes the pigs behaviour and 3, general anaesthetic, as required with the operation should be avoided for such small animals.

Usually the behaviour lasts a few days. If you notice any other signs of aggression as I mentioned earlier then take action.

andy