Guinea pig hierachies are confusing.

[klee]

I don't have a clue where my girls sit in their hierachy. It just got me thinking hiw do you figure out who is top pig, I have looked at Wiebkes sow behaviour sticky and just can't figure where they stand.
I know Rosie is quite submissive, but as for the others I'm confused.

Only reason I ask is because Tia was sat next to Ruby grooming her all over, amd then started on her ears. Ruby let it continue for a little while, but then turned round and pushed Tia's chin up to the point she was standing on her hind legs. It all calmed down and aside from a little nipping when one or other pass there is nothing serious.

Do you think Tia is trying to be boss pig? x

 

[piggyfan]

I know Ehab is top as he chases and nips the girls who run from him. I think if they do not run they are not letting the pig be in charge. It is confusing though as Sophie has always been second but if anybody sleeps next to her she gives a submisive squeal.

 

[doglovinpiggylover]

i dont get it in any of my crew!

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

i love trying to figure out group dynamics! i don't think Tia is trying to be top pig, i see my pigs washing each others eyes and ears quite often regardless of who is where in the pecking order.
one of my girls had spent the first three years of her life living as a single girl. when i first introduced her to the herd she didn't like to muscle in on the food bowls and as she was so gentle the other pigs would push her away but if she cleaned their eyes they would then let her share!

 

[klee]

i love trying to figure out group dynamics! i don't think Tia is trying to be top pig, i see my pigs washing each others eyes and ears quite often regardless of who is where in the pecking order.
one of my girls had spent the first three years of her life living as a single girl. when i first introduced her to the herd she didn't like to muscle in on the food bowls and as she was so gentle the other pigs would push her away but if she cleaned their eyes they would then let her share!

Tia and Ruby are both narky with each other generally, quite a bit of nipping and chasing and nose offs, and when one is in season all hell breaks loose rolleyes.
Esme is very gentle and chilled out with all the girls, she sounds very like your girl apart from she is always first in the food bowl and doesn't move. She loves cleaning everyone's eyes. It is so confusing trying to work out new behaviours, like a few weeks ago on the same day as a xeno450 application Esme took to grooming everyone and pulling their hair. I was worried in case the xeno would do any harm if ingested, but several weeks has passed and she is fine. I don't know maybe she just liked the taste, but it was a completely different behaviour.

 

[klee]

I know Ehab is top as he chases and nips the girls who run from him. I think if they do not run they are not letting the pig be in charge. It is confusing though as Sophie has always been second but if anybody sleeps next to her she gives a submisive squeal.

Rosie squeaks at everyone generally if they try and share her space, or in Tia's case climb all over her. She especially dislikes pigs going near her bottom.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

i love watching them! much more entertaining than the telly. i dont think all groups have an alpha pig who really wants to be alpha but well somebody has to step up and be in charge, however insecure they might feel about it, which means they may tend to be a bit of a bully or a bit snipity. i think true alphs pigs have a presence about them which nobody challenges.

 

[Guinea pigs <3]

It is confusing and sometimes it's not always clear, some piggies can be evenly matched which might be why you don't see a clear leader! Mabel is definitely top piggy but at the same time she can be quite shy with human contact or if she's free ranging. Dottie is a confident pig so she will always be at the front of the piggy train which could look like she's top pig so it can seem misleading, I do think their personalities can make you think it's a different way than it is!