I don't know what to do? - Dysfunctional sister pair

[Jennifer1981]

I have two female guinea pigs that I adopted 5 months ago. The bigger guinea pig has been constantly harrassing her lil sister. She won't let her eat and follows her around while purring. Also when I try to handle the big one she likes to bite me. I have no idea what to do. I thought they were a bonded pair. The white one is Sunny, she is my lil trouble maker and the lil brown haired one is Honey,such a sweet lil pig.

 

[Piggies&buns]

How old is she? Is this a change in behaviour or has she always been like this. I’m just wondering if ovarian cysts could be a reason for this. It would be worth having a vet check if she is of the age where cysts can present and if this behaviour has been going on for some time
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

How long has it been going on? If she is in season then some can be stronger than others and cause an increase in dominance behaviours

Is the other piggy eating something though - is her weight stable? If she is losing weight and is becoming withdrawn then you need to step in

" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

 

[Jennifer1981]

When I first adopted the guinea pigs they were starving so I fed them both critical care. The alpha sunny has gained enough Wright and now eats well. The lil one honey still needs critical care twice a day. It seems sunny started getting more aggressive about three weeks ago and it seems to just to be getting worse. At night they share a fairly big cage and I can hear them argue at night. But during the day they are in a big pen,do there is less fighting. But she still doesn't like to share her food.

 

[Piggies&buns]

When I first adopted the guinea pigs they were starving so I fed them both critical care. The alpha sunny has gained enough Wright and now eats well. The lil one honey still needs critical care twice a day. It seems sunny started getting more aggressive about three weeks ago and it seems to just to be getting worse. At night they share a fairly big cage and I can hear them argue at night. But during the day they are in a big pen,do there is less fighting. But she still doesn't like to share her food.

How old are they?
If it has been going on for a prolonged period and she is older, then I would definitely have her checked for cysts.
If she isn’t getting enough to eat that she needs critical care then it sounds like quite an issue.
How big is their cage?

 

[Wiebke]

I have two female guinea pigs that I adopted 5 months ago. The bigger guinea pig has been constantly harrassing her lil sister. She won't let her eat and follows her around while purring. Also when I try to handle the big one she likes to bite me. I have no idea what to do. I thought they were a bonded pair. The white one is Sunny, she is my lil trouble maker and the lil brown haired one is Honey,such a sweet lil pig.View attachment 149539View attachment 149540View attachment 149539View attachment 149540View attachment 149540

Hi!

How old are your girls? Adult sows can suffer from hormonal ovarian cysts, which can really mess with their behaviour.
Unfortunately bullying and fall-outs (especially over ovarian cysts) do happen in sows, irrespective of whether they are related or not. I have currently two fallen-out sister pairs who are each living much happier with a neutered 'husboar' or a sow companion of their own choice.

Please take the time to read all the guide links in this thread. In addition to the links in the posts above you may also find these links here helpful:
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Bonds In Trouble

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?