Hello, i got two female guinea pigs that are around 18 weeks old. One of them keeps chasing the other squeaking guinea pig and not letting her into the hide out. It has been a couple days of this. Is she trying to assert dominance? I’m concerned it may not be that, should I separate them?
Two Female Guinea Pigs Fighting?
- Thread starter MJelly
- Start date
Pantalaimon
Junior Guinea Pig
Some dominance behaviours are normal between guinea pigs of any age, more common when they are younger and have lots of hormonal things going on!
You should make sure you have two water bottles and at least two hides, the hides should also always have more than one exit (so that one can’t trap the other).
It may just be that one has come into season (heat) and it will pass in a day or so.
If there is any blood drawn, violent lunging or actual fighting then you will need to separate them to prevent serious injuries. Also, they both need to be weighed weekly, if one is losing weight due to being stressed or not allowed access to food then they will need to be separated.
How much space do they have? If they don’t have enough space, enrichment or feeding/watering areas any normal dominance behaviours will be exaggerated and more likely to become a full on fall out.
You should make sure you have two water bottles and at least two hides, the hides should also always have more than one exit (so that one can’t trap the other).
It may just be that one has come into season (heat) and it will pass in a day or so.
If there is any blood drawn, violent lunging or actual fighting then you will need to separate them to prevent serious injuries. Also, they both need to be weighed weekly, if one is losing weight due to being stressed or not allowed access to food then they will need to be separated.
How much space do they have? If they don’t have enough space, enrichment or feeding/watering areas any normal dominance behaviours will be exaggerated and more likely to become a full on fall out.
The cage is 4x2 C&C. There hasn’t been any blood drawn or lunging at each other. They both are eating. They’re at the two corners of the cage. I ordered a second hideout and it’s arriving soon. One is a lot more timid than the other one.
Pantalaimon
Junior Guinea Pig
I’m not an expert but it sounds like all you can do is keep observing and see how things go. Do make sure all hides have two exits though as one pig getting trapped could result in an aggressive response. It is also important to weigh weekly anyway, it may seem that everything is fine but weights show things that are impossible to see, and it is always very helpful at spotting illness long before any symptoms.
Good luck with your new pigs!
Oh okok, thank you a lot.I’m not an expert but it sounds like all you can do is keep observing and see how things go. Do make sure all hides have two exits though as one pig getting trapped could result in an aggressive response. It is also important to weigh weekly anyway, it may seem that everything is fine but weights show things that are impossible to see, and it is always very helpful at spotting illness long before any symptoms.
Good luck with your new pigs!
You’ve got two teenagers so seeing an increase in dominance particularly during a strong season is normal. That is my suspicion - that she is having a strong season. If it is then it will calm down after a few days. If there is an actual issue between them ie bullying then it won’t calm down (and may escalate).
There is a difference between dominance and fighting. Dominance is normal and you never separate them for dominance.
Fighting or bullying means they can’t stay in the same cage together any more.
Do your hides have two exits? That is important. A hide with only one door means a piggy can trap the other inside and that is a problem.
Are they both gaining weight well at each weekly weight check?
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
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There is a difference between dominance and fighting. Dominance is normal and you never separate them for dominance.
Fighting or bullying means they can’t stay in the same cage together any more.
Do your hides have two exits? That is important. A hide with only one door means a piggy can trap the other inside and that is a problem.
Are they both gaining weight well at each weekly weight check?
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Bonds In Trouble
Moody Guinea Pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
VeggiePig
New Born Pup
While you're waiting for the second hidey to arrive you could cut two arches out of a square cardboard box and use that to give the scared piggy some respite. I don't yet have piggies myself but I've seen this behaviour with hens and the best way is to spread the food around so it is impossible for the 'bully' to guard all sources of food, water and hides.
Yeah it seems it’s dominance, but no, i don’t have the hides with two exits, i will order those. They’re both eating and seem to be doing well with each other usually. I’ll be watchful and see if it escalates and i’ll get the new two way hides and a scale.
VeggiePig
New Born Pup
I’ve got a pair of teenage sows and this sounds just like their behaviour. Lots of noise and chasing. Mine are establishing their dominance. They live with an older sow who’s top pig and just looks on in bemusement at their antics. All my houses have 2 exits. I’ve got 2 pellet bowls, 2 hay piles, 2 water bottles. I’m sure it will settle down.