One guinea pig timid and not getting on with others

[Gracieawills]

So i recently lost two of my guinea pigs (females) and we had only one female left so we obviously went and got two baby Guinea pigs to keep her company.

One of the Guineas has really bonded with our older pig but the other is super timid and seems to be annoying the other two. It has been a few weeks now and I’m just really worried because she’s that timid I’m scared she’s going to give herself a heart attack! I’m also worried that she’s really annoying the other two and they are frustrated

What should I do

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

Could you give us a bit more background information please
- the ages of all the piggies
- the cage size
- do you have three of every item Ie three multi exit hides, bottles, hay piles etc

Also, what behaviours you are seeing for you to think the other two are annoyed, for example , What you perceive as annoying, may just be normal behaviours for young piggies. They are usually desperate to belong and will stick close to other piggies for comfort. Trios can sometimes be slightly problematic in that two can bond more and be closer which can leave one as an outsider and getting left out.

 

[Gracieawills]

So my eldest is 4, the other two are 5 months old.

The cage is two storey and is large (can’t find exact size), 3 hideys, have t tried 3 bottles but will give it a go!

I’m just shocked because we’ve always had 3 guinea pigs and they always get along. I am just worried because this has never happened before I could be completely overreacting!

The behaviours are just a lot of chasing and making noises which I looked up and said it’s when they are frustrated she is gnawing a lot and she is constantly scampering around even to the tiniest of noises

 

[Wiebke]

So i recently lost two of my guinea pigs (females) and we had only one female left so we obviously went and got two baby Guinea pigs to keep her company.

One of the Guineas has really bonded with our older pig but the other is super timid and seems to be annoying the other two. It has been a few weeks now and I’m just really worried because she’s that timid I’m scared she’s going to give herself a heart attack! I’m also worried that she’s really annoying the other two and they are frustrated

What should I do

Hi

I am very sorry for your loss.

How long have they been bonded and what are the ages? Are you aware that there is a two week post-intro dominance phase in which the hierarchical group is firmed up?
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts) (includes a chapter on sow dominance)
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonds In Trouble

 

[Piggies&buns]

So my eldest is 4, the other two are 5 months old.

The cage is two storey and is large (can’t find exact size), 3 hideys, have t tried 3 bottles but will give it a go!

I’m just shocked because we’ve always had 3 guinea pigs and they always get along. I am just worried because this has never happened before I could be completely overreacting!

The behaviours are just a lot of chasing and making noises which I looked up and said it’s when they are frustrated she is gnawing a lot and she is constantly scampering around even to the tiniest of noises

If they are newly bonded, then chasing and submission squeaking can be entirely normal while they sort out their relationship and hierarchy.
If you haven’t had them long, then it could also just be that on top of being in a new relationship, she hasnt yet settled in and doesn’t yet feel safe. It took one of mine a year and a half to stop being terrified of everything!

For three piggies to live in the cage should ideally be 180cm by 60cm on a single level (150x60xm at a minimum). Upper levels don’t count towards the cage size.

 

[Tara95]

So i recently lost two of my guinea pigs (females) and we had only one female left so we obviously went and got two baby Guinea pigs to keep her company.

One of the Guineas has really bonded with our older pig but the other is super timid and seems to be annoying the other two. It has been a few weeks now and I’m just really worried because she’s that timid I’m scared she’s going to give herself a heart attack! I’m also worried that she’s really annoying the other two and they are frustrated

What should I do

Aw I'm sorry to hear that you are so worried. Like the others said this can be entirely normal so try not to worry. I was in a similar situation with Boo, the white guinea pig in my profile picture, she used to be the runt of the litter, very small and skinny and always getting bullied by every pig and always incredibly stressed and submissive. Now she is the leader of herd and is actually the largest pig and one of the most confident and dominant and grumpy pigs! (Out of 7 guinea pigs including a neutered male). Just give her time and a bigger cage if you can( I haven't read the size of your cage yet). I just know that when I had the issues the cage was slightly too small. (It was a custom brought 3 story). The behaviour really improved when I increased the space and when I ensured all my hideys had atleast two entrances to allow easy access. Then when she became a bit of a grumpy dominant pig herself the other pigs could easily get away from her and go somewhere else in the cage! Best of luck keep us updated!