New Guinea Pig

[0193728829]

Hello.

I recently got a new guinea pig after losing one out of my two girls.

They are both the same age (5) and haven't been fighting (no bites).

But I have noticed things that I'm concerned about. I have two houses for them (for if they need separate time), but my older guinea pig insists on following my new one.

The houses have two exits, I think my new girl could leave if she wanted to, but she makes a loud shriek sound sometimes, and I've heard they only make that noise when injured/scared.

(Obviously I've checked them both over afterwards numerous times, no injuries at all.)

It usually only happens when my older big initially enters. After that, I think they both settle and just lie against eachother, but it still scares me when I hear the shriek.

I've also seen my older pig grooming her, and she doesn't run away, she just kind of stands still and let's it happen.

I'm just conflicted and don't want any potential bullying to become a habit. Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.

Thank you.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Loud squeaking can be submission squealing - it is the pig at the bottom of the hierarchy telling the pig at the top of the hierarchy that they understand their position and that the other pig is boss. Submission squealing is the correct response from a submissive piggy to a dominant.

How long have they been together?
How big is their cage?

From what you have said, this is not a bullying situation but u have added a guide below which explains bullying behaviours in sows. It will help you identify whether or not you have seen anything concerning

Bonds In Trouble

 

[0193728829]

Loud squeaking can be submission squealing - it is the pig at the bottom of the hierarchy telling the pig at the top of the hierarchy that they understand their position and that the other pig is boss. Submission squealing is the correct response from a submissive piggy to a dominant.

How long have they been together?
How big is their cage?

From what you have said, this is not a bullying situation but u have added a guide below which explains bullying behaviours in sows. It will help you identify whether or not you have seen anything concerning

Bonds In Trouble

Thanks for the reply.

They've only been together for around 4 days now and they're in a 4x2 cage.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thanks for the reply.

They've only been together for around 4 days now and they're in a 4x2 cage.

A 4x2 c&c cage is perfect.

It takes two weeks for a bond to be fully established so they still have a while to go.
Bullying is a sustained set of behaviours which will often see one piggy become depressed, lose weight at each weekly weight check, constantly be chased etc.
I’ve added another guide below which will also explain bonding and behaviours further

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Your piggies are currently very much in the middle of establishing a working hierarchical group in a new territory. That means that dominance travels down the hierarchical ladder.

What you are experiencing is very normal and typical for this stage of the ca. 2 weeks post-intro bonding process and is actually a good sign that your piggies are settling in.
They are also already defining how far the leader can push and how far the under-piggy is allowing themselves to be pushed; the resulting relationship is a compromise between both of them and not just a one-sided affair. That means that they are well on the way in working out all the small print of their future relationship.

Submission/protest screaming is the appropriate response to any dominance. But your under-girl refusing to leave the hut just because her leading mate is throwing her weight around means that she is drawing her own lines as to how far she is allowing herself to be dominated. If the top piggy steps back and accepts, the round goes to the under-piggy.

Reacting to group or territorial changes: Dominance and group establishment/re-establishment

You may want to bookmark these two very useful links here:
A - Z of Guinea Pig Behaviours (the quick one)
Guinea Pig Behaviours in their Context (the comprehensive in-depth one)