Bossy Guinea Pig

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Cathy99

New Born Pup
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Due to the cold and upcoming fireworks I have just brought my 3 guinea pigs inside. One of the guinea pigs (the biggest) appears to be bullying the smallest one- chasing her around the cage - hiding under the hay and pouncing on her at any given opportunity. The smallest runs away and is physical shaken by it. I haven’t noticed this before during the summer or in their run outside but I guess I could have missed it?!
The smallest one has had an ear infection so has been on antibiotics and has been inside for three extra days but they have seen each other during this time. I’m not sure what to do? Is it because the smallest is poorly? New home for them? Or is the big one just mean?
Any advice welcome. The indoor hutch is bigger although has no downstairs level. Plenty for fresh and dried food and lots of hay plus three hiding spaces for them.
Thank you x
 
A change in environment can cause them to re-establish their hierarchy so that is one possibility
 
Cathy99 said:
Due to the cold and upcoming fireworks I have just brought my 3 guinea pigs inside. One of the guinea pigs (the biggest) appears to be bullying the smallest one- chasing her around the cage - hiding under the hay and pouncing on her at any given opportunity. The smallest runs away and is physical shaken by it. I haven’t noticed this before during the summer or in their run outside but I guess I could have missed it?!
The smallest one has had an ear infection so has been on antibiotics and has been inside for three extra days but they have seen each other during this time. I’m not sure what to do? Is it because the smallest is poorly? New home for them? Or is the big one just mean?
Any advice welcome. The indoor hutch is bigger although has no downstairs level. Plenty for fresh and dried food and lots of hay plus three hiding spaces for them.
Thank you x
Click to expand...

Hi! Any change in the territory of guinea pigs triggers a new hierarchy sort-out. What you are seeing is typical for the dominance phase.
Please remove any hideys with just one exit and if the chasing is not dying down in a day or two keep your ill piggy in the cage but with a divider until she is better again.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
Bonds In Trouble
 
Thank you both for your responses. All hidies have exits- it is just so horrid to see and hear but good to know that it possibly due to a natural response to change. I will continue to keep an eye on the situation and follow your advice of separating if needed xx
 
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