Guinea Pig Purring and dominance

[fshs18]

Hi,
I've had my guinea pigs (2 female 3/4 months) for about two months now. I have a couple of questions about their behaviour (Just for background - I have a big hutch for them and they're both energetic, eat a lot and are healthy):
1. When I pick one guinea up she has started to vibrate (not with the purring noise, just almost like a shiver, but she definitely isn't cold) is this a positive type of purring?

2. My guineas generally get on very well, but recently I've noticed one piggy gnashing their teeth at the other and sometimes chasing them out of their hidey- which makes the other piggy squeak like they're complaining/upset. They generally share this hidey and sleep there together, but I was a bit unsure whether this was normal dominant behaviour?

Thank you

 

[Eva121]

Hi!

This sounds like completely normal dominance behavior! I think the vibration is her growling and gnashing of teeth is teeth chattering! Her growling
when getting picked up just means she comfortable enough to tell you that she doesn't like getting picked up. Maybe the chasing is because one of
your guinea pig want's some alone time? And the squealing is just the submissive guinea pig telling her that she'll comply. I wouldnt worry to much! Sows also go into season once a month so dominance behavior usually rises ar that time. Though, if these behaviors are consistent and seem to be happening every day, it may mean they dont get along.
Here's some more info on dominance Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree. It sounds like normal dominance behaviour. However, do ensure you don’t have any enclosed hideys - only use hideys with two exits no cornering can occur.

As long as they get on well, then you need to leave them it. The squealing is not being upset, it is submission.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)