Guinea pigs teeth chattering

[Piggymum2025]

My 2 female GPS have started teeth chattering today. They do rumble and sway side to side normally but the teeth chattering is worrying me and they seem more aggressive. I’ve separated them but I don’t know if I should just put them back together to sort it out. I’m worried that they are going to hurt each other. I think one or both is in heat

 

[Wiebke]

My 2 female GPS have started teeth chattering today. They do rumble and sway side to side normally but the teeth chattering is worrying me and they seem more aggressive. I’ve separated them but I don’t know if I should just put them back together to sort it out. I’m worried that they are going to hurt each other. I think one or both is in heat

Hi!
Please put them back together and remove any hidey with just one exit if you are worried. sows don't usually fight the way boars do.
Sows can fall out, but yours are just having a bit of a dominance hiccup most like caused by a hormone swing.

It is more likely that they are in season (especially if they are in the hormonal teenage months between 4-14 months) or that one of them has a hormone spike from a growing ovarian cyst (from ca. 18 months onward; typically around 2-4 years for the hormonal ones).
You can find more information on seasons and ovarian cysts in our sow guide here: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

If a re-intro on neutral ground is not working out, then please keep them separate. Once sows have made up their mind that they really don't like another piggy, they won't unfortunately change it.
Bonds In Trouble
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Piggymum2025]

Thank you for your help. They are about 16 months old. I’m really afraid to put them
back together in case they hurt each other . My submissive pig sounds so miserable but she’s rumble-strutting too which makes me wonder if they are both in heat? I just want them to be happy

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your help. They are about 16 months old. I’m really afraid to put them
back together in case they hurt each other . My submissive pig sounds so miserable but she’s rumble-strutting too which makes me wonder if they are both in heat? I just want them to be happy

It sounds like strong season. If it is, then it should be over by tomorrow.

PLEASE read the sow guide!