Behaviour Advice Please.

Louise's Zoo

Louise's Zoo

Adult Guinea Pig
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I have 3 sows. 2 adults Edna and Eva and Eva's 8 week old baby. I didn't bond them. When Eileen was 4 weeks old the girls previous owners added Edna to Eileen and Eva. This will have been 4 weeks ago. I think they were just put together and that was that. Since I've had them, they've never seemed very close but Edna is definitely top piggy.

In the last week I've noticed Edna and Eileen are becoming quite close. Eileen will groom Edna's face and nibble around her mouth and eyes and Edna is fine with this but, Edna seems to be constantly rumbling at Eva, who is 8 weeks pregnant. Edna will rumble every time she is near her and will kick out at her if she gets close. She also stands over her and puts her face to hers and pushes her. This has got worse in the few days.

There is no violence or scuffles but Edna is clearly not happy with Eva. Eva just backs away but with her being pregnant I'm worried what will happen when she has her babies. Are they safe to keep together?
 
Eileen's Mum said:
I have 3 sows. 2 adults Edna and Eva and Eva's 8 week old baby. I didn't bond them. When Eileen was 4 weeks old the girls previous owners added Edna to Eileen and Eva. This will have been 4 weeks ago. I think they were just put together and that was that. Since I've had them, they've never seemed very close but Edna is definitely top piggy.

In the last week I've noticed Edna and Eileen are becoming quite close. Eileen will groom Edna's face and nibble around her mouth and eyes and Edna is fine with this but, Edna seems to be constantly rumbling at Eva, who is 8 weeks pregnant. Edna will rumble every time she is near her and will kick out at her if she gets close. She also stands over her and puts her face to hers and pushes her. This has got worse in the few days.

There is no violence or scuffles but Edna is clearly not happy with Eva. Eva just backs away but with her being pregnant I'm worried what will happen when she has her babies. Are they safe to keep together?
Click to expand...

I believe it's normally recommended to separate near the end of pregnancy or when they give birth and have them side by side. But I'm no expert.

What you're describing sounds like typical dominance behaviours so I wouldn't worry too much.
 
Thank you both. I'm just a bit worried because it's definitely stepped up a bit recently . I wouldn't be so worried if it wasn't for the babies due any time. I'd rather be safe than sorry and split them up if needed.

Just watching them now, Edna just constantly rumbles at Eva and rocks back and forward nest to her and then puts her head on the back of Eva's neck. She's not in season and not trying to mount her. Then she rumbles in a circle round her and Eva then kicks her when she'd directly behind her. That stops it for a bit but then Edna does it again and Eva gets fed up and moves away.

I've read the behaviour threads and it seems normal but Edna keeps doing the above and pushing Eva out of her bed or litter tray and I don't want her stressed.
 
It sounds like some milder dominance behaviour to me. I would not worry.
 
Ok, thanks :tu:

Watching this morning during floor time, they seemed fine. A few rumbles and shoves but nothing bad. I just worry too much :bye:
 
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