Dominant Sow/Bullying?

mstarpiggie

New Born Pup
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I have had my two piggies for almost 2 months, they are 3.5 months old now. The biggest of the two, Cedar, is the more dominant but lately she has been extra mean to the smaller piggie, Sage. Cedar was not allowing Sage to get to the water bottle (I have two but they have a preferred one that Cedar guards). Additionally, Cedar will be resting then randomly get up walk over to Sage and start displaying dominant behaviour for no reason. Last week I started hearing Sage squeal and running away from Cedar. I have been watching them and I couldn't tell if Cedar was biting Sage or just scaring her but the loud squealing has happened at least once a day lately. Today was cage cleaning day and I noticed under a hide, there was what appeared to be a small amount of blood on the fleece liner. This is super concerning. I can't tell if it was actually blood but I am not sure what else would have left small red stains. I haven't been able to handle them much because they are very skittish. Only when I first got them and then again about 3 weeks ago to do their nails, and it was a struggle and very stressful for Sage. They are in a 2x5 c&c cage with a 2x1 loft so I don't think they are fighting due to lack of space. I am not sure what is normal behaviour and what isn't. I saw that teenage hormones could be the cause but I am not sure. Also due to COVID (I am in canada, sorry I know this is a uk forum...) vets in my new city aren't taking on any new clients so I am unable to see if this is happening for any health issues. Just wanting opinions...should I separate them? I have limited space in my room so I can make another c&c cage right now. Thank you!
 
It sounds like normal dominance and she could possibly be in season. Have you been weighing them regularly - every week? That’s the best way to tell whether Sage is maintaining her weight. Weight loss can be an indicator of not eating enough. And if she were truly being stopped from eating then she would lose weight.

I wouldn’t separate them for now. Have a read of the levels of dominance behaviour in the guide below and see where they’re sitting. Are the vets not able to see them at all? It’s a difficult time.

Urine can oxidise and turn brown once it reacts to oxygen. I think blood in urine is more distinct and forms a pool of its own...sort of.
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
 
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