I Think My Pair May Be In Trouble

Skyestar_

Skyestar_

Junior Guinea Pig
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I have a pair of sow piggies that I've had for about a year now. They are a mother-daughter that have been together for the daughter's whole life.In the past few weeks, I have noticed that they seem to be arguing more. They chase each other around and squeak at each other. The squeaking doesn't sound all that happy. No blood has been drawn and they haven't actually injured each other. What's weird is that it's not one or the other who is the aggressor, they kind of go back and forth. I've been thinking about expanding their cage to give them more room to run and live. Will this help or just make things worse?
 
I would expand their cage some if I were you, and maybe add a few hidey holes and tunnels so they are still together but have space to be themselves and cool off. I'm no expert, that's just what I would do if I were in your position. Hope this works out!
 
More room is always better. Have hideys that have more than one entrance so that a piggy can get away and is not cornered. A small step stool is a good idea I have seen others using. It could be strong seasons that is causing this behaviour. Have you looked at the bonding guides? I can't link them in as I on my phone. They will give you an idea of what to look for if you think the bond they have is a bit on the dodgy side and what you can do about to help. Also have a look at sow behaviour in the guides too.
 
It could be that the mum has always been top pig, but now the daughter feels ready to challenge for the position, either because she's grown up and getting stronger, or mum is,getting older and not so strong. As long as they're not actually fighting, just stick it out.
I would definitely increase their cage size if you can. I have a boar trio, and I'm convinced the large amount of space they have is the reason it's managing to survive so long.
 
Skyestar_ said:
I have a pair of sow piggies that I've had for about a year now. They are a mother-daughter that have been together for the daughter's whole life.In the past few weeks, I have noticed that they seem to be arguing more. They chase each other around and squeak at each other. The squeaking doesn't sound all that happy. No blood has been drawn and they haven't actually injured each other. What's weird is that it's not one or the other who is the aggressor, they kind of go back and forth. I've been thinking about expanding their cage to give them more room to run and live. Will this help or just make things worse?
Click to expand...

Expanding the cage is always a good thing, but you may want to have your girls checked for potential ovarian cysts.

It can just be that the daughter is feeling stronger and is trying to take over the leadership now that she is an adult, too. This generally means a period of upset until the leadership question is settled for the time being again.
 
Expanding their cage is definitely a good plan! :) The more space, the more room they have to keep their distance from each other if wanted. I agree with everything people have said, and that was what I would have suggested too. My only suggestion would be to always have two pellet dishes, two bottles, two veggie bowls, etc. in case one prevents the other from eating/drinking, and have them far apart so one can not hog both dishes. Last year for a bit I had some issues with my females, for a bit I had to separate the C & C cage and have some females by themselves for a while. I now have a lot of dishes and bottles haha. They all get along pretty well now, of course a few arguments and little scraps randomly, as can be expected. But I have expanded my cage since last year (Because got more piggies and wanted more space for them), and added a lot of different things in it, so they have options what they want to do. I hope you get everything figured out, and I hope your pigs figure out who's boss. Keep us posted! :D
 
What kind of setup do your girls have at the moment? When I’ve looked after a pair of girls in the past, I’ve had them in a c&c approx 27”x55” and they’ve been no bother :)
I hope things soon settle down for you and your girls :nod:
 
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