Roxas Skies
New Born Pup
Hi everyone! I've gotten into a bit of a predicament with my two girls, Macaroni (1 year old) and Cannoli (4 month old). Macaroni is clearly the dominant guinea pig. She chases Cannoli and nips at her butt a lot which I'm pretty sure is normal in the bonding process. However, Macaroni doesn't like sharing anything with Cannoli. Cannoli can't eat, drink, or go into any of the hideouts (they have multiple exits) without Macaroni chasing her off or biting her, sometimes at the neck which i don't know if that's normal or not. Macaroni isn't drawing any blood, but if I keep them together Cannoli doesn't eat or hydrate. Their cage is 30" by 70" inches. Maybe its too small or narrow? I try to give them some play time when I'm able to supervise and its fine until Cannoli tries to take a bite of food or a drink of water. I even added a second bottle and MULTIPLE bowls and haystacks but Macaroni won't let Cannoli use any of them. And Cannoli is terrified of Macaroni. It started with your common freezing up when Macaroni approaches, but its gotten to the point where she starts shaking and teeth chattering when Macaroni comes near. I don't know if that's normal or not? Even when i have the barrier between them, when Macaroni comes up to it to sniff Cannoli, Cannoli runs to the opposite side of the cage and starts teeth chattering at her. Cannoli is really social with humans, so I don't think she just has a shy personality. I'm not sure what to do because I know they need each others company but Cannoli needs to eat too.
And I'm not sure if it has anything to do with it but Macaroni was poorly treated by her past owner. She was kept in a tiny pet store cage with another guinea pig (who apparently died of poor health) and she wasn't being fed hay or veggies at all. just pellets. I don't know if maybe this could be why she's so protective of food? I'd love to hear what you guys think because I'm at a loss.
And I'm not sure if it has anything to do with it but Macaroni was poorly treated by her past owner. She was kept in a tiny pet store cage with another guinea pig (who apparently died of poor health) and she wasn't being fed hay or veggies at all. just pellets. I don't know if maybe this could be why she's so protective of food? I'd love to hear what you guys think because I'm at a loss.