New piggy problems

[Emily<3]

I just adopted 2 piggies, Aurora and Azalea. They are in a cage next to my male, but separated. Aurora is clearly dominant but she is being extra dominant. When I saw them in the shelter Azalea would lay in the hay and Aurora wouldnt bother her. Not once did I see a dominance act and i saw them multiple times. Now it's all rumbe strutting and chasing. Azalea gets chased out of the hay bin and back into the hut. Any ideas why?

 

[Siikibam]

I think it may be the new environment. And maybe Aurora is in heat as well. As long as blood isn’t drawn you have to leave them to it I’m afraid. As long as Azalea is eating they should be ok. Beautiful names by the way

 

[Wiebke]

I just adopted 2 piggies, Aurora and Azalea. They are in a cage next to my male, but separated. Aurora is clearly dominant but she is being extra dominant. When I saw them in the shelter Azalea would lay in the hay and Aurora wouldnt bother her. Not once did I see a dominance act and i saw them multiple times. Now it's all rumbe strutting and chasing. Azalea gets chased out of the hay bin and back into the hut. Any ideas why?

Hi! All guinea pigs have to establish or re-establish their group in new surroundings. Dominance behaviour is how they do it and what makes their society tick as they live in a strictly hierarchical system.

If dominance is very strong, we recommend to only use hideys with two exits, one bowl each for every piggy (only feed as much veg and pellets as they can eat in one go so they eat as much hay as possible in the meantime) at least one body length away. Make sure that access to hay cannot be blocked off. The same goes for a water bottle. If necessary, have two bottles and two places for hay.

Please take the time to read these guides here. You should find them helpful and informative. It can come as a shock when what you only perceive as your pet displays species behaviour.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
Guinea Pig Facts - A Short Overview

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Lots more useful information for new owners via this link here: New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection