Is this normal?

[jmacka93]

I got my first 2 guinea pigs yesterday, and I left them for the day to get used to their surroundings. This morning I put some veggies in their cage and held a bit of cucumber out and they took it off me. I know they've got to adjust, but every so often I hear Penny making a noise almost like she is chewing something, but I don't see her eat anything. Also, Luna (who seems to be more shy and nervous than Penny) sometimes goes up behind Penny and Penny turns around and nips her (not enough to hurt her though and it has only happened a few times). Is this normal?

 

[twiams]

This is normal dominance, what your hearing is teeth chattering, a warning sign from one guinea pig to another that basically says bug off.
One guinea pig will always be the more dominant, and this will probably be the one who's teeth chattering.
If you get worried about there behaviour turning into anything more serious then this thread is a good read.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38561

 

[Abi_nurse]

Twiams has given you a good link there. Its normal behavior so dont worry too much, just keep a close eye on them.

x.