Group of Sow’s

[Jenbug]

Hi!

I am new to the forum so apologies if this has already been covered.

I had two sow 16 week old Guineas pigs and wanted to add to the group. I got two more 8 week old sows a couple of weeks ago.

They were kept separated and had bonding sessions in neutral territory which all went well. I thouroghly cleaned the hutch (which my existing two lived it) and introduced the new additions this morning. Everything seemed to go well but I have noticed that one of my older Guineas pigs is chasing the babies away from the food bowl. I’ve added an additional bowl so that they can still access food but this worried me. I read that this can be a way of figuring out the hierarchy? Has anyone had a similar experience.

Many thanks in advance

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I am new to the forum so apologies if this has already been covered.

I had two sow 16 week old Guineas pigs and wanted to add to the group. I got two more 8 week old sows a couple of weeks ago.

They were kept separated and had bonding sessions in neutral territory which all went well. I thouroghly cleaned the hutch (which my existing two lived it) and introduced the new additions this morning. Everything seemed to go well but I have noticed that one of my older Guineas pigs is chasing the babies away from the food bowl. I’ve added an additional bowl so that they can still access food but this worried me. I read that this can be a way of figuring out the hierarchy? Has anyone had a similar experience.

Many thanks in advance

Hi and welcome!

Your girls are currently in the dominance phase of establishing a hierarchy. First choice of housing and food access, chasing and nipping is part and parcel of it. In a group, the dominance phase lasts on average about 2 weeks until it has travelled down the ladder and everything is fully settled. The first few days are generally the roughest.
Please always provide as many bowls and hideys as piggies (and if necessary one extra). If they have the choice, piggies mostly won't sleep snuggled up, just close to each other with the option of getting away.
Newly bonded sows and teenagers can have very strong seasons (but it also can happen with older sows). Just so you can brace yourself as the pheromones will trigger any other sows close to their own season and it can get a bit wild for a day or two or three, depending on how many sows you have got (I had 13 with a neutered boar at some point).
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

Feed your veg and pellets in portions that can be eaten in one go and then remove the bowls in meantime. This cuts down on food bullying and encourages your piggies eating unlimites hay - it should make over 80% of the daily food intake and is crucial for dental and gut health and best thing you can do to promote longevity. A balanced veg diet should only make about 10% and pellets 5% of the daily food intake.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

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Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides