Add a boar?

[Raeames]

With my two girlies one seems to be more dominant; stealing food, not letting the other sleep in the hut. I’m wondering if I should add a male to the group? If it would make a good dynamics? I’ve only had them for a few days so maybe I should let them get comfortable? I also don’t know if they are sisters....OR mother and daughter.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Freela]

I would hold off before changing up the dynamics... they haven't had a chance to settle in yet. Also remember that having a dominant and a subordinate pig is normal, and fine and healthy for both pigs. The perks of being the dominant pig is that you get to pick the sleeping spots and steal the food (and sneaky subordinates will find ways to get snacks from the dominant pig too.) It's not bad for them... both benefit from knowing where they stand and subordinate pigs are not unhappy. Even if you have three, there will still be a pecking order- it's how guinea pigs feel secure by knowing where they rank among the herd. I would just say make sure you have options for both pigs (more than one hidey, more than one bowl if one is hogging the food, etc.) That way dominant pig still gets to be bossy but subordinate pig still has food/shelter even so.

 

[Wiebke]

With my two girlies one seems to be more dominant; stealing food, not letting the other sleep in the hut. I’m wondering if I should add a male to the group? If it would make a good dynamics? I’ve only had them for a few days so maybe I should let them get comfortable? I also don’t know if they are sisters....OR mother and daughter.

Any suggestions would be great!

Hi! Your girls are still in the middle of establishing a working group. The dominance phase lasts on average about 2 weeks. Please give them time to settle in and then reassess. By the way, it doesn't matter one bit whether they are related in any way or not. My worst squabblers have generally been my sister pairs, especially during the teenage months.
Please take the time to read these guides here in order to understand what is going on:
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour

Please also keep in mind that a neutered boar is not a heal-all for any dysfunctional sow bond; he only helps to create an outsider situation. In my own experience, neutered boar and sow trios only work out in the long term when the sows are good friends. If the conditions are right, then a mixed gender trio is great indeed!
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

These guides are part of our new owners guide collection, which specifically address the most often enountered issues and most often asked questions. You may find it very helpful and interesting!
You can access it via this link here: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
We have got lots more information on a wide range of topic, which you can find via the guides shortcut on the top bar, but you are always welcome to ask any questions you have along the way in our Care sections.

 

[Raeames]

All of this is so interesting! These piggies are really so smart. Thank you guys for the info!

We made two fleece hide ours but they don’t seem interested. Could be the heat and getting settled.