Female dominance

[Liza]

Hi

Thank you for allowing me to join your forum.

I have 2 female guinea pigs aged 4. They have always got on but now the quieter pig has now found her dominant side and is bullying my previous dominant girl. Not allowing her the eat hay, chasing her all the time. The new dominant one makes a popcorning noise and the other one squeals.

Asking for any helpful advice please

Many thanks

 

[Merab]

Sorry I can’t help as I have never had this issue with my girls.
Just wanted to offer support.
Experts will be along at some point

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

Thank you for allowing me to join your forum.

I have 2 female guinea pigs aged 4. They have always got on but now the quieter pig has now found her dominant side and is bullying my previous dominant girl. Not allowing her the eat hay, chasing her all the time. The new dominant one makes a popcorning noise and the other one squeals.

Asking for any helpful advice please

Many thanks

Hi and welcome

Please have your girl vet checked for ovarian cysts. They are very common in older piggies. Hormonal ovarian cysts can be treated with chorulon injections or in some countries with implants as an alternative to a full spaying operation.

Symptoms like hair loss or crusty nipples are in many cases not present, but the behaviour is usually that of a sow that is nonstop in season.

 

[Guineautopia]

While you figure out what is going on and if it is hormone related, are you able to give them more space? What size cage do they have at the moment? Maybe the grumpy one needs a little more space as she gets older