Bonding two sows

[Winniethepiggy]

Hello,

I just want to know if this is normal dominance behaviour for bonding my Guineas.

I have a 2 year old, and yesterday I got a baby one. I think shes around 7 weeks.

The 2 year old is trying to assert dominance but i feel its stressing the baby out as she keeps squeaking loudly everytime shes near the adult or when the adult is near her.

The adult also keeps chasing her and wont leave her alone and jumps at her when shes trying to eat. I have two bowls and i scatter feed just so the baby can get food but its making me worry due to the adult not letting the baby rest or eat.

I introduced them yesterday in a neutral place, and they seemed to get along. So i put them both in a clean cage and thays when my adult started doing what she is doing and the baby squealing.

I also have noticed both of them have been itching and biting themselves a lot more and grooming more than they should be. Which ive checked for mites but cannot see any. Is this anything to worry over?

I'm just worried the dominance wont calm due to its gone on for a day and nothing is settling and none of them are choosing to be the submissive one.

Can anyone give me any advice? Thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

How long were they in the neutral territory?
How long has your oldest piggy been alone?

The squealing you are hearing from the baby is likely submission squealing and not distress. This Is normal and literally the baby saying i am no threat to you.
You can have some hides which only the baby can fit into - a cardboard box with some smaller holes cut into them not big enough for the adult to get in.
If it doesn’t settle and the younger piggy really isn’t ever allowed to eat or rest then it may be that the bond isn’t working but hopefully it’s just dominance at this point and once they sort their relationship, things will settle down in time.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Did you check the sex of the new piggy yourself to confirm she is definitely female?
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/illustrated-sexing-guide-for-all-ages.156297/

If they are itching excessively, then please have them seen by a vet for diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Mites themselves are not possible (they too small) so you won’t be able to see any. You can only see their evidence - excessive itching, bald patches, empty egg casings.
Please don’t be tempted to use any pet shop anti-parasite products as they are not strong enough to cure any case, plus you cannot make a diagnosis. Please do just have them checked by a vet

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

 

[Winniethepiggy]

How long were they in the neutral territory?
How long has your oldest piggy been alone?

The squealing you are hearing from the baby is likely submission squealing and not distress. This Is normal and literally the baby saying i am no threat to you.
You can have some hides which only the baby can fit into - a cardboard box with some smaller holes cut into them not big enough for the adult to get in.
If it doesn’t settle and the younger piggy really isn’t ever allowed to eat or rest then it may be that the bond isn’t working but hopefully it’s just dominance at this point and once they sort their relationship, things will settle down in time.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Did you check the sex of the new piggy yourself to confirm she is definitely female?
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/illustrated-sexing-guide-for-all-ages.156297/

If they are itching excessively, then please have them seen by a vet for diagnosis and prescribed treatment. Mites themselves are not possible (they too small) so you won’t be able to see any. You can only see their evidence - excessive itching, bald patches, empty egg casings.
Please don’t be tempted to use any pet shop anti-parasite products as they are not strong enough to cure any case, plus you cannot make a diagnosis. Please do just have them checked by a vet

New Guinea Pig Problems: Sexing & Pregnancy; URI, Ringworm & Parasites; Vet Checks & Customer Rights

I had them in the neutral place about 2 hours as they were getting along well in there. They are both definitely female and the oldest was alone for about 3 weeks.