Piggy Dominance?

[Exxiilem]

My two girls Ikaros and Nymph, are currently housed in the same cage, but with a divider. I would like to remove the barrier but it seems like Nymph isn't too fond of the idea. When I let the ramp down Ikaros happily walks over to her little neighbors area,and noses about. Nymph, on the other hand doesn't take too kindly to the company.

When Ikaros comes over, Nymph will begin an odd little walk. Much like she is waddling, but it is completely stationary. Once that begins, she will begin to make these odd little noises, they're not quite growling, or chattering, but it a noise that I can't quite describe. Then, my poor little piggy, Ikaros, retreats to her little home. So, naturally, I close up the ramps and leave the girls to their own houses.

After the two are separated, Ikaros will reach through the bars with her nose and try to groom Nymph. She doesn't even offer to harm Nymph, just wheek at her and offer a new hairdo.

Is this them trying to establish their hierarchy? If so, should I let them have at it, until the dominance is established? When would it be necessary to step in?

Someone informed me on another forum site that this is known as rumblestrutting. Are they correct with this? If so, how should I deal with it?

 

[Wiebke]

It is known as rumblestrutting and it is normal, mild dominance behaviour. Guinea pigs live in a very structured society in which a hierchary is vital for the cohesion of any group. The way the hierarchy is established is called dominance.

For proper introductions, you will need several hours in one go, in neutral space (most piggies react rather negatively to having their space invaded), and you will have to sit through any mild to medium dominance behaviour without interrupting. Unlike you, guinea pigs have the instincitve manual for what is going on and how to work through initial acceptance and then dominance (which can last up to 2 weeks).

Here are tips on how to conduct a successful introduction: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-introducing-and-reintroducing-guinea-pigs.38562/
Guinea pig behaviours from mild to aggressive: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/piggy-dominance.108926/
Sow behaviour: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/sow-behaviour.38561/

 

[Exxiilem]

I am beginning to think that little miss Nymph is in heat. She has been trying to mount Ikaros who of course scurries away in protest. Nymph will follow her about wherever she may go in the enclosure, and try again and again unsuccessfully.

Thank you for the Sow Behavior Link. I had actually been reading on it earlier right after I posted this thread.