Female guinea pig constantly rumble strutting

[Natalie1985]

Hello, I have a female guinea pig whose neutered boar friend died in February. She seemed ok for a while but I read everywhere that guinea pigs need a friend to talk to. I reached out to a local rescue and brought home a 6-8 month old female on 12th May. My female is around 2 years old. She has been rumble strutting constantly since the new piggies arrival and the new piggie sounds quite distressed with her noises in response. They aren't teeth chattering or fighting. Will this stop or are they not compatible? Thank you for any suggestions/ theories in advance!

 

[Claire W]

Hi, I am very sorry you lost your boy

Your two year old could just be displaying dominance towards your baby which is perfectly normal but I think I’d have her checked out for ovarian cysts which can cause constant rumble strutting just to rule it out as some sows can develop them at 18 months old x

 

[Piggies&buns]

It sounds like normal dominance and not of concern in relation to their bond. This will go on for around two weeks after bonding and could then continue every two weeks or so when she is in season.
As Claire has said a sow who continuously appears to be in season should be checked for ovarian cysts but given the new friend, her behaviour would be as expected for a new bond.

The noises the other piggy is making is most likely submission and not distress at all. Submission is the correct response for her to be making.

 

[Natalie1985]

Hi, I am very sorry you lost your boy

Your two year old could just be displaying dominance towards your baby which is perfectly normal but I think I’d have her checked out for ovarian cysts which can cause constant rumble strutting just to rule it out as some sows can develop them at 18 months old x

Thank you so much xx