Newly introduced sows

[Mylittlespices]

I have a 8 month old guinea pig (cinnamon) and a 1 year old guinea pig i recently adopted (sugar) , both sows. They have been properly introduced and are now in the same cage, 5 days later sugar is still rumblestrutting, chasing and mounting. I worry about cinnamon as she is very shy and timid and whines a lot. My question is when will it settle down and is there anything i can do to help?

 

[Wiebke]

I have a 8 month old guinea pig (cinnamon) and a 1 year old guinea pig i recently adopted (sugar) , both sows. They have been properly introduced and are now in the same cage, 5 days later sugar is still rumblestrutting, chasing and mounting. I worry about cinnamon as she is very shy and timid and whines a lot. My question is when will it settle down and is there anything i can do to help?

Hi!

This behaviour is normal for the post-bonding dominance phase. It should get less intensive with every passing day except when a sow is coming into season; then it flares up during the first few times.

Please remove any hideys with only one exit and make sure that there no corners your underpiggy can be locked into.

More tips on bonding behaviours and dynamics and tips for the dominance phase:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Our sow guide: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

All the best!

 

[Mylittlespices]

Thank you