Answer Plz?

[I ask stuff]

Hey everyone, I am new here but have a quick question. I adopted a new guinea pig yesterday because one of mine passed. We have a 2 year old and a baby (younger that 7 months) and the older one has been nipping the younger. I separated them today and the older one (I think) is territorial because I put the baby in her cage. They are both female. Last night I held the older one for 30 mins and then placed her in the box that the younger one came in. I have no intention in hurting them or neglecting them and I love them dearly. Last night I accidentally fell asleep and she was in the box for 6 hours until I woke up. I feel so guilty and bad that I accidentally left her in that box. I am not at all trying to hurt them or punish them. I swear it was a complete accedant. (I am having really bad problems with jet lag) I put her back in the cage the first second I woke. An hour later I looked for neglect signs and I cuddled with her. She still seemed very happy though. Is there anything I should look for or do. I am really worried for her health (This will never happen again.) I swear I am not a bad person or anything, I can't stress that enough. My mom said that everything should be ok but I want to be CERTAIN that all will be well.

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone, I am new here but have a quick question. I adopted a new guinea pig yesterday because one of mine passed. We have a 2 year old and a baby (younger that 7 months) and the older one has been nipping the younger. I separated them today and the older one (I think) is territorial because I put the baby in her cage. They are both female. Last night I held the older one for 30 mins and then placed her in the box that the younger one came in. I have no intention in hurting them or neglecting them and I love them dearly. Last night I accidentally fell asleep and she was in the box for 6 hours until I woke up. I feel so guilty and bad that I accidentally left her in that box. I am not at all trying to hurt them or punish them. I swear it was a complete accedant. (I am having really bad problems with jet lag) I put her back in the cage the first second I woke. An hour later I looked for neglect signs and I cuddled with her. She still seemed very happy though. Is there anything I should look for or do. I am really worried for her health (This will never happen again.) I swear I am not a bad person or anything, I can't stress that enough. My mom said that everything should be ok but I want to be CERTAIN that all will be well.

Hi!

I am sorry for your loss!

You little girl should be OK if she's had the chance of catching up especially on hay (which should make over 80% of the daily food intake) and water since then.

Please take the time to read our bonding tips. Please be aware that nipping is standard dominance behaviour. It is a very carefully judged gesture of power that is not harming.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour

 

[I ask stuff]

Hi!

I am sorry for your loss!

You little girl should be OK if she's had the chance of catching up especially on hay (which should make over 80% of the daily food intake) and water since then.

Please take the time to read our bonding tips. Please be aware that nipping is standard dominance behaviour. It is a very carefully judged gesture of power that is not harming.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour

Thank you so so much for your reply! One more question, when the older one starts to chase and nip the other, is it ok that the baby (the one getting chased) is squeaking really loudly and it is a squeak like a squeak for food

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so so much for your reply! One more question, when the older one starts to chase and nip the other, is it ok that the baby (the one getting chased) is squeaking really loudly and it is a squeak like a squeak for food

The loud squeaking is submission squeaking and not hurt. what you are seeing is typical dominance behaviour. Please read the bonding guide. You will find all the phases, behaviours and dynamics discussed in detail in there so you can judge for yourself how the bonding is going.

 

[I ask stuff]

The loud squeaking is submission squeaking and not hurt. what you are seeing is typical dominance behaviour. Please read the bonding guide. You will find all the phases, behaviours and dynamics discussed in detail in there so you can judge for yourself how the bonding is going.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH, your the best!