New Piggy Is Smaller Than The Other?

[drewj]

so I finally got my Guinea pig a cage mate (it's been 2 months and I finally had enough money saved) and the new one is younger and is MUCH smaller. the bigger one isn't mean to the baby, but she has a few times just laid in one of their hidies on top of her or she has stepped on her while they were playing. I just want to know if I should split them up until the other is a little bigger or what. I'm somewhat worried that she might get hurt.

 

[Wiebke]

so I finally got my Guinea pig a cage mate (it's been 2 months and I finally had enough money saved) and the new one is younger and is MUCH smaller. the bigger one isn't mean to the baby, but she has a few times just laid in one of their hidies on top of her or she has stepped on her while they were playing. I just want to know if I should split them up until the other is a little bigger or what. I'm somewhat worried that she might get hurt.

Hi! What you are observing is normal dominance behaviour, as the two girls establish a group. Please make sure that you have two hideys (during this period ideally with two exits), two bowls and access to the water bottle and hay that cannot be blocked (otherwise have two of them, too). Feed veg and pellets in smaller portions 2-3 times a day, so it can be eaten in one go and not be hogged by the top sow.
Here is more information, which you may find helpful:
Sow Behaviour
Illustrated Bonding Behaviours And Dynamics (more information on dominance and which behaviours tell you that they have become friends)

 

[Hops_in_Heaven]

I second Wiebke's veg advice! My pigs get along for the most part, but they all have their favourite veggies, and if I don't watch carefully, Bliss will hog all the red pepper and leave none for everyone else, or Cuddles will eat only leaf lettuce and nothing else.

 

[Freela]

I don't think that the smaller one is likely to be injured... it's not even always the smaller one that ends up 'bottom pig on the totem pole.' I have some hilarious video of tiny Hadley being dominant over Sundae, who was about twice her size and weight! I second Wiebke's advice, make sure that both have access to food and shelter to help prevent any conflict while they sort out their relationship.