Dominance behaviours

Eviolus-

Eviolus-

Teenage Guinea Pig
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I know the pig in charge can change but since I got my two girls Pepper has been the boss, we assumed because she's slightly older.

Recently Sprite has been rumblestrumble strutting and mounting her and pepper doesn't seem too happy about it, I'm concerned it'll end in a fight if she doesn't stop and I can't imagine Sprite being the top pig
 
Could she be in seasons. That happens roughly every two weeks.
 
Eviolus- said:
I know the pig in charge can change but since I got my two girls Pepper has been the boss, we assumed because she's slightly older.

Recently Sprite has been rumblestrumble strutting and mounting her and pepper doesn't seem too happy about it, I'm concerned it'll end in a fight if she doesn't stop and I can't imagine Sprite being the top pig
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Hi!

It sounds like a strong season to me. Sows will not attack their mates that are in season although they can tell them off in the case of an undersow once they have reached the limit of their tolerance, but this always happens within the acceptable bounds of dominance.
Things should be quieter again by tomorrow.

Please read and watch these two guides here. You may find them both very interesting and illuminating!
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

It sounds like a strong season to me. Sows will not attack their mates that are in season although they can tell them off in the case of an undersow once they have reached the limit of their tolerance, but this always happens within the acceptable bounds of dominance.
Things should be quieter again by tomorrow.

Please read and watch these two guides here. You may find them both very interesting and illuminating!
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Click to expand...
It does seem quite similar but it's not really stopping, could it be to do with the babies coming up to 2 weeks old?
 
Eviolus- said:
It does seem quite similar but it's not really stopping, could it be to do with the babies coming up to 2 weeks old?
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No, it is a bit early for weaning yet. But it may have something to do with the changes to the hierarchy from the arrival of the babies.
Is it your mummy piggy or your auntie piggy that is causing the issue?
 
Wiebke said:
No, it is a bit early for weaning yet. But it may have something to do with the changes to the hierarchy from the arrival of the babies.
Is it your mummy piggy or your auntie piggy that is causing the issue?
Click to expand...
The auntie pig
 
yeah, pregnant piggies get special treatment and pushed up the ranks automatically. It could be the aunty piggie trying her luck to take the high rank after the mommy gave birth and lost that special treatment.

My sow Tutta did the same to momma Koochi but Koochi was already my most dominant piggie so she kept telling her off and nose-punch her whenever it's too much. They settle it at the end and I'd see them cheek kissing/grooming as a sign of peace at the end of it so look for these making-peace signs as well.
 
AlphaUrd13 said:
yeah, pregnant piggies get special treatment and pushed up the ranks automatically. It could be the aunty piggie trying her luck to take the high rank after the mommy gave birth and lost that special treatment.

My sow Tutta did the same to momma Koochi but Koochi was already my most dominant piggie so she kept telling her off and nose-punch her whenever it's too much. They settle it at the end and I'd see them cheek kissing/grooming as a sign of peace at the end of it so look for these making-peace signs as well.
Click to expand...
Sounds similar, haven't noticed any grooming but I'm sure it'll come. Was surprised to see one of the babies rumble strutting earlier though
 
yeah it's fun seeing their first rumble strut, Tiara is six months old now so her season is getting stronger and she's trying to get Tutta's rank, she was veeery noisy yesterday but didn't see who's winning 🤣 Tutta learned to stand her ground like Koochi the boss sow so I don't think Tiara can match her off-season. so do get ready for some messy active rascals cuz this is their rebellious age. Good luck and distract them with hay if they get rowdy during their season.
 
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