Fighting girls

[Tara67]

I am looking for some advice. I’ve got three girls and I got them all at the same time. one of them has always tried to show dominance. well at 2 o’clock this morning that particular one ‘toffee’ was attacking one of the other ones and she had pulled big clumps of fur from that one. And her eye was watering. when I took that one out toffee then attack the one that was left in there. Both girls are now very quiet. so I removed toffee. is there any way I can get her back in or will she have to stay separate now. Toffee wouldn’t stop chasing them even when I hand my hands in there cage.

 

[VickiA]

It sounds to me like Toffee has definitely decided she does not want to live with either of the other girls. This does sometimes happen with sows. Please keep her apart from the others so they can recove from this experience and while you find out what is wrong and what to do for the best.

How old is Toffee? And how old are the other girls? And how long have they been together?

It may be worth getting her checked by a vet. Sows who suddenly become so aggressive can have an underlying health issue such as ovarian cysts or other disorder that can be treated. So this sudden behaviour needs investigating. Having said that I have had experience of some hugely aggressive sows who just couldn’t live with others and who had no health issues. But we checked their health out with the vet to be sure.
If the vet says there is no health issue you could (if you are very brave) try a reintroduction on neutral territory in a week or so. But I would be wary
Sow Behaviour (including ovarian cysts)
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonds In Trouble
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs

 

[Tara67]

Morning thanks for your advice this site is great for that. it’s brilliant to get the support. I’ve slowly introduce the girls back together and all is well they are being monitored very closely. I got all three girls at the same time and they’re coming up for seven months. However the downside to this bree got a piece of hay stuck in her eye which caused a cut on her eye. She’s been to the vets she’s got painkillers and two lots of antibiotics and her eye is clearing up nicely and I’ve got three happy girls again.