Why are they suddenly not getting on?

[Syann]

Any ideas much appreciated!

Hello!

We've had Rosie and Daisy for 6 days now and they appeared to be totally fine initially. However, the last few days it's become very noticable that Daisy is bullying Rosie.

I'm pretty sure it's not a space issue, as they have a lovely big cage now. And there is plenty of food, in two bowls for them. I always make sure their fresh food is in bits, so to speak, so there is no need to squabble over it.

Yet still Daisy will sometimes really go for Rosie.

Daisy is slightly bigger, by about 50grammes...she is also the shyer of the two, and is more bervous in the hutch...doesnt make sense really.

I've checked to make suerr they are both girls...and they are.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

They are sorting out the dominance issue. As long as there are no bloody fights, you will have to stand by and bear it.

Some sows can be very bullyish, but it will ease off after they feel safe in their status as top girl. It can last anything from a few days to weeks, depending on how dominant your top sow is by character. Please do not interfere or separate them, as it only prolongs and disturbs the process!

I want to reassure you that afterwards, they will bevcome the best of friends. I went through the extreme with my first pair of girls, and they couldn't be more attached to each other later on!

 

[saralou]

hi got 2 males a while ago from some one who couldnt look after them they told me they must stay together they are inseprable got them home they were fighting after a couple days and i checked them both over they both had very bd wounds from fighting before.....but maybe they have had an argumet....even after years guinea pigs can change there mind an ot lke the other 1......but if there not fighting it might be a dominnace thing to see who is going to be boss

 

[Syann]

Thank you!

I was really beginning to get worried. Hopefully they'll be okay.

I'm assuming it's better to bring them in together when they are having cuddles rather than seperatley?

They always appear very calm when having strokes!

 

[Wiebke]

You will have to see what works better for you. But they usually hate being left alone!

Best of luck - it's a tough time, but you will get past it! Evenually, the girls will strike a balance between how far the dominant girl can push and how much the undersow lets herself be bullied. Remember - it takes two to tango!