Purring Piggies

[Radraych97]

So I have 2 female pigs and I’ve had them for a month- Winnie and Pippa. Pippa has always been a little bigger so I kind of always asusumed she was the dominant one. They’ve always been friends. Their personalities are coming thru and I’ve noticed that Winnie is much more active than Pippa-no worries! Well Winnie’s active ness I suspect annoys Pippa. She likes to hide out and doesn’t like to be touched much or even held. She hates being held and freaks out no matter how hard I try. Winnie is chill about it. She sits on my lap and LOVES the attention. But just watching them, Winnie sometimes walks on top of Pippa. And I mean on top of. Just because she doesn’t want to go around Pippa. Is this aggressive behavior? And tonight one of them starts purring whenever they’re in close proximity. And Winnie now raises her head. Is she just trying to assert dominance? It’s a very low purr that lasts maybe 2 seconds if that. Also, whenever Pippa decides to walk around, Winnie stays right behind her and puts her face on her butt the whole time. Step by step. It’s cute to watch but it’s also a little concerning. I can tell it gets on Pippas nerves. I’m just worried they’re starting to get aggressive. And when Pippa is in their main house and Winnie tries to go in, one of them purrs then too. I just want to see what’s going on and if I need to be worried. I’m sorry for such the long post I’m just concerned. Thanks guys!

 

[Reenie]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. What you're learning is that guinea pigs all have their own distinct personalities. Winnie seems to be your dominant girl - it's not unusual for her smaller piggy to be the boss. The purring sounds like rumblestrutting, (she's probably slowly moving her hips from side to side too?) This is very mild dominance. Piggies also raise their heads as a display of dominance - whoever gets higher, wins.
In the forums tab at the top of the page you will find a new owner's guide, and threads about dominance which will help to put your mind at ease.
Some piggies just don't like to be held, and some do, but Pippa might get better over time as she grows to trust you.
Have a good read at the threads I mentioned, they are written by some of the most knowledgeable people on the forum who have had years of experience with piggies. You'll really learn a lot about what's normal.
I
From what you have said though, I don't think there's anything to worry about.
Good luck, x

 

[Radraych97]

Thank you! I always assumed the bigger piggy was dominant, but thank you! I’ll give them a read