Bullying?

[elvis is my cavy]

Hi everyone,
I have two girl piggies around the age of 4 months old. When i first got them they cuddled up together and seemed fine with eachother. For a while now i have noticed a change in their relationship. They are always on the opposite sides of the cage. Also Kiwi, tends to chase Calypso around the cage and headbutt her. Calyspo squeaks when she does this like she is scared. Should i be worried?

 

[Wiebke]

How long have you had them exactly? It sounds like typical dominance behaviour, which can last for several weeks. Calypso's squeaking is submission squeaking.

 

[elvis is my cavy]

I have had then since the end of May. Both from the same place aswell. If it is just normal dominance behaviour then that is a relief

 

[Wiebke]

Dominance should have been settled by now then. Is the chasing on a daily basis and have they got separate hideys, bowls etc. so they can really get away from each other?

What age are they and are you weighing them weekly?

Getting piggies from the same place doesn't mean that they will get on. My worst squabblers were a pair of litter sisters!

 

[elvis is my cavy]

They have separate stuff, and plenty of hideys the chasing tends to happen when they are in there pen and dont have as much space away from eachother.
I would estimate that they are between 4-5 months, i dont weigh them weekly as Kiwi ( dominant one) is very skittish around me and screams bloody murder if i try to go anywhere near her ive been slowly trying to fix this by talking to her softly and giving her loads of treats.
I will start weighing them weekly from now

 

[Wiebke]

So it looks more like dominance behaviour in surroundings that are not quite as familiar then; perhaps you can try separate run time and see whether that works? Some piggies come with a bigger need of a private sphere, especially if they are somewhat traumatised/very nervous. Initially the need for reassurance through another piggy would have been bigger, especially in younger piggies.

Can this new information thread here help you a bit more with Kiwi? It can be a very slow process in turning skittish piggies round. Thankfully, the vast majority will eventually learn to trust you and relax, but it can take months in some cases. it is however a very special moment moment when you realise that they have done so, so it is well worth persisting.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/

 

[elvis is my cavy]

All this information is helping me a great deal. It makes sense to seperate them in the run, but i always thought they would rather be togethee, looking back i dont think they would mind being in there by themselves.

That thread you linked me is very informative, thank so much for helping Wiebke, you are always willing to help!

 

[Wiebke]

All you can do is try and see what works best for them.