Dominance Worry

Jamston

Jamston

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Apr 22, 2018
Messages
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Location
Garstang, Lancashire
Rose and Rosie were our first pigs and we had them for a year when Posie Rocket joined in March. We let them bond in a neutral space and they were fine. Posie Rocket is now 5 months and add weight and looking healthy. The hierarchy is definitely in the order of Rosie, Rose and then Posey Rocket. Rose and Rosie tolerate each other but are grumpy with each other especially when they are in season. Since the piggies are having more time in the garden I have noticed that Rose often puts Posie Rocket in her place by nipping at her. Rose sometimes won’t let Posey Rocket into the hutch and I can see that posey Rocket is warey if Rose and will often avoid her. Having said that I often find them near each other and following each other around. I think the behaviour is just 3 girls asserting their dominance but I am worried for Posey Rocket. All advice welcome!
 
Jamston said:
Rose and Rosie were our first pigs and we had them for a year when Posie Rocket joined in March. We let them bond in a neutral space and they were fine. Posie Rocket is now 5 months and add weight and looking healthy. The hierarchy is definitely in the order of Rosie, Rose and then Posey Rocket. Rose and Rosie tolerate each other but are grumpy with each other especially when they are in season. Since the piggies are having more time in the garden I have noticed that Rose often puts Posie Rocket in her place by nipping at her. Rose sometimes won’t let Posey Rocket into the hutch and I can see that posey Rocket is warey if Rose and will often avoid her. Having said that I often find them near each other and following each other around. I think the behaviour is just 3 girls asserting their dominance but I am worried for Posey Rocket. All advice welcome!
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Hi!

Just make sure that Posie Rocket has alternative accommodation. Rose is obviously worried about Posie overtaking her in the hierarchy and likes to throw her weight around, but by the sound of it, doesn't amount to bullying, just normal group dominance politics.

The worst dominance in a group comes usually from the sow just placed above in the hierarchy, but sows that rank together closely also tend to hang out together a lot. The leader is above these ranking issues and will not interfere; not even during bonding once they have assured that any newbie cannot threaten their claim to the top spot. ;)
 
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