Fighting or playing?

[Louise221200]

I got two female Guinea pigs yesterday, they're about 7/8 weeks old I believe.
At about this time today and yesterday, they start chasing each other around the cage, jumping about, squeaking and getting quite close to each others bums, sometimes running into each other and then chasing the other around, jumping and squeaking and making a little rumbling sound before running around and jumping again. I'd just like to know if they're playing or if I should be concerned about this kind of behaviour? They go on normally after about 5 or 10 minutes of it.

 

[Merab]

Sounds like perfectly normal piggy behaviour.
They will be sorting out their status as they settle into a new home.

It’s when blood is drawn that you start to worry.

 

[Louise221200]

Sounds like perfectly normal piggy behaviour.
They will be sorting out their status as they settle into a new home.

It’s when blood is drawn that you start to worry.

OK thank you so much! I was just a bit concerned as my old Guinea pigs that I had when I was younger never used to act like that!

 

[Wiebke]

I got two female Guinea pigs yesterday, they're about 7/8 weeks old I believe.
At about this time today and yesterday, they start chasing each other around the cage, jumping about, squeaking and getting quite close to each others bums, sometimes running into each other and then chasing the other around, jumping and squeaking and making a little rumbling sound before running around and jumping again. I'd just like to know if they're playing or if I should be concerned about this kind of behaviour? They go on normally after about 5 or 10 minutes of it.

Hi!

Your girls are establishing a working hierarchical group in between playing.

You may find these guides here helpful to understand what is going on:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
'Popcorning' and 'zooming' - joy and exuberance (videos)
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

These guides are all part of our new owners helpful guides collection that addresses specifically the most often asked questions and concerns: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Louise221200]

Hi!

Your girls are establishing a working hierarchical group in between playing.

You may find these guides here helpful to understand what is going on:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
'Popcorning' and 'zooming' - joy and exuberance (videos)
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

These guides are all part of our new owners helpful guides collection that addresses specifically the most often asked questions and concerns: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Thank you so much!