Noises and what they mean

Hannahb2804

Hannahb2804

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Mar 27, 2020
Messages
216
Reaction score
58
Points
290
Recently rescued two sows roughly the same age and have been bonded since January at a rescue, I brought them home on Saturday and I can sometimes hear them purring at eachother or sometimes when they walk past eachother or touch eachother they dart away, I’m just wondering if they’re not getting along? They seem to share food and they are fine in each others company but I’ve been hearing the purring and I think it’s from the more confident piggie, there’s also an occasional squeak when one piggie jumps in to a hidey with another, so if anyone could help me I’m just worried they’re not getting along but they have been bonded
 
Siikibam said:
The squeak could be submission. The putting could be part of rumble strutting which is all part of their normal behaviour.

Dominance behaviour and hierarchy reestablishment can occur when they come home - new territory etc. Have a read of the threads below and hopefully it will answer your questions more comprehensively.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Click to expand...
Okay so they still get along and I don’t need to worry about them fighting? I just wanted to remove doubts of them not getting along as they’ve been bonded for some time
 
They sound to be okay. Have a read on the dominance behaviour. You can always upload a video on YouTube and post the link here - an example of the behaviour you’re talking about.
 
Siikibam said:
They sound to be okay. Have a read on the dominance behaviour. You can always upload a video on YouTube and post the link here - an example of the behaviour you’re talking about.
Click to expand...
I’ve just read through and the ‘normal behaviour section’ seems to fit the noise my girls are making but if I hear it again I’ll try get a video! Thankyou
 
Here is more on sow specific behaviour, especially as the first few seasons can be quite dramatic and throw many new owners.
Please be aware that guinea pigs have to restablish their group hierarchy in any new territory, so you are bound to have some lively days (on average up to two weeks) with a peak again when there is a season.
Here is the sow guide which you may want to read so you are prepared for the sow specifics: Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

All these guides are part of our very useful New Owners guide collection (well worth bookmarking and looking up!), which is there is help you learn what is normal and what not, get in the habit of good care, avoid the worst pitfalls and when you need to look for help: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
 
PS: We don't have audio samples because guinea pig communication is very complex - it consists of smells (pheromones), body language, vocal utterances and situational context.

If you have any concerns, it is always best to take a video and upload it on one of the usual sites on a public setting so you can then copy it into your forum post. We don't have an uploading facility on here. Since we are entirely run on voluntary member donations and are modding for free in our free time, the extra bandwidth needed for video uploads exceeds our financial frame.
 
Wiebke said:
PS: We don't have audio samples because guinea pig communication is very complex - it consists of smells (pheromones), body language, vocal utterances and situational context.

If you have any concerns, it is always best to take a video and upload it on one of the usual sites on a public setting so you can then copy it into your forum post. We don't have an uploading facility on here. Since we are entirely run on voluntary member donations and are modding for free in our free time, the extra bandwidth needed for video uploads exceeds our financial frame.
Click to expand...
Hi just to update they’ve been out for floor time for the first time today and I kept noticing Dougal kept going for Luna and we suspect Dougal is the dominant one but I’m still worried they’ll fight, they’ve been together since January so I’m trying to assure myself it’s because they need to establish hierarchy in a new environment but I noticed Dougal snapping at Luna and it look like she had some of lunas fur in her mouth? Any advice please
 
Hannahb2804 said:
Hi just to update they’ve been out for floor time for the first time today and I kept noticing Dougal kept going for Luna and we suspect Dougal is the dominant one but I’m still worried they’ll fight, they’ve been together since January so I’m trying to assure myself it’s because they need to establish hierarchy in a new environment but I noticed Dougal snapping at Luna and it look like she had some of lunas fur in her mouth? Any advice please
Click to expand...
@Wiebke
 
A new environment can trigger dominance behaviour so I would say there’s possibly nothing to worry about. Hopefully you’ll get an answer later.
 
Siikibam said:
A new environment can trigger dominance behaviour so I would say there’s possibly nothing to worry about. Hopefully you’ll get an answer later.
Click to expand...
Okay thankyou! I’ve made sure they both have their own bowl and that’s stopped squabbling over food it’s just the dominant one Dougal is persistent jumping in the same bed as Luna and making her move😂I hope they’re okay the fur in her mouth made me so worried! But I’ve read the guides on here the whole of today so i hope it’s all ok
 
Hannahb2804 said:
Okay thankyou! I’ve made sure they both have their own bowl and that’s stopped squabbling over food it’s just the dominant one Dougal is persistent jumping in the same bed as Luna and making her move😂I hope they’re okay the fur in her mouth made me so worried! But I’ve read the guides on here the whole of today so i hope it’s all ok
Click to expand...

The dominant will have their pick of the beds. Always have more beds than piggies
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top