Female dominance or aggression?

fshs18

fshs18

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 28, 2019
Messages
10
Reaction score
2
Points
80
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could help.
I have two female peruvian/abyssinia pigs, both about 10 months old, both healthy, good weight, etc.
They generally get along quite well, but I've noticed a lot of squabbling recently and high pitched submissive squealing from one pig (who is usually submissive).
I put them into a bigger cage (an upgrade from the last, but even that one was big enough). And the dominant pig did a lot of rumble-strutting, chasing, lunging at the other when she got in her way. The other pig ended up following her and sniffing her butt as she rumble-strutted away.
Is this just a dominance thing?

Also, I noticed a small darker patch on the back of the submissive pig, it barely looks like anything, but I'm paranoid it has been bitten at some point. The only "biting" I've ever seen from them is when the dominant pig pulled a chunk of hair out of the other pig's coat, but they were very stressed at the time and I think it was a reaction to that and not aggression to the other pig. The submissive pig didn't even flinch and there was no visible damage at the time.

Please could someone advise me if this is normal behaviour or if I should be worried?
I love them both, but I don't want to keep them together if I'm putting one of them in danger.
Thanks in advance :)
 
Please refer to these guides:
Bonds In Trouble
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
I will tag some members in a few hours, but I do not want to bother anyone while they are sleeping. :)
Sows can fall out, though it is much less common than in boar groups. If the fighting results in one piggy in danger (as it seems in this situation), I think that the best option is to separate them. I am unsure, though, and do not want to offer improper advice.
I am sure some more experienced members will be around shortly. :)
 
Don’t separate them as yet. It sounds like normal dominance behaviour. Changing their environment (large cage, cleaning etc) can also set this off. I think girls are more subtle when it comes to ‘fights’. Have a read of the threads linked above and see, but I think they’re okay. As long as one is submissive and not showing signs of bullying then you’re okay. Is she perhaps having a strong season?
 
I can only tell you what I have experienced. I have seen my two act a bit weird when my young one had her first few seasons. Screaming from the older piggy, chasing, a small bite on the older piggys back. I kept an eye on them and they have settled again and I would say they have become great friends now. Fortunately I didn't separate them but at the time I thought OMG what the heck is going on with them and I was a bit worried to say the least.
 
Shelley anne said:
I can only tell you what I have experienced. I have seen my two act a bit weird when my young one had her first few seasons. Screaming from the older piggy, chasing, a small bite on the older piggys back. I kept an eye on them and they have settled again and I would say they have become great friends now. Fortunately I didn't separate them but at the time I thought OMG what the heck is going on with them and I was a bit worried to say the least.
Click to expand...
Thank you :)
 
Siikibam said:
Don’t separate them as yet. It sounds like normal dominance behaviour. Changing their environment (large cage, cleaning etc) can also set this off. I think girls are more subtle when it comes to ‘fights’. Have a read of the threads linked above and see, but I think they’re okay. As long as one is submissive and not showing signs of bullying then you’re okay. Is she perhaps having a strong season?
Click to expand...
Thanks I hadn't thought of that, I'll see how she is in the next week or so and see if she calms down :)
 
Mo & Stubbins & Vani said:
Please refer to these guides:
Bonds In Trouble
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
I will tag some members in a few hours, but I do not want to bother anyone while they are sleeping. :)
Sows can fall out, though it is much less common than in boar groups. If the fighting results in one piggy in danger (as it seems in this situation), I think that the best option is to separate them. I am unsure, though, and do not want to offer improper advice.
I am sure some more experienced members will be around shortly. :)
Click to expand...
Thank you :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top