Submissive sow in a mixed group

[Namida]

I have a group of four guinea pigs: one neutered boar (3.5 years old) and three sows (all around 7-8 months). Two of the sows, including Calico, came from a large breeder group, and they were introduced to my original pair. I've only ever had boars before and my pairs were always tightly bonded. These four, however, behave more like housemates than friends They share food and space in their 4×5 C&C cage peacefully, but they don't really care much for each other, which I know is completely normal.

Calico has a very skittish, scatterbrained personality. She is the submissive pig obviously. She is an active, curious little cutie who loves wandering around the cage, but at the same time she startles easily, often at nothing. It's clear that the other sows aren't very fond of her; they never "bully" her, but if she gets too close, they will nip or nudge her away. The boar doesn't nip at her, but he doesn't seem particularly interested in her either. Because of this, Calico tends to stay away from the group.

I'm just wondering: is it possible the relationship of a mixed group will get closer over time, or is this likely as close as they're going to get?

 

[Janey]

Sorry that I can’t answer your question as I only had a group of 5 (all sows, including a mum plus 3 babies and mum’s sister) for a few weeks. It was an unfortunate case of a pet shop pregnancy, so she was already pregnant when I got her. However, my heart goes out to your Calico; I just hate to think of any piggy being pushed out/ignored. This is just a thought, but I’ve read on here that sometimes a piggy can be pushed away if they aren’t well, so you might want to consider getting her checked over by a knowledgeable vet to make sure there’s nothing underlying going on. Having said that, I’m sure someone with experience of groups will be along in due course to offer advice.

 

[Piggies&buns]

If they have been together for longer than two weeks, then this is most likely going to be as good as it gets.
As she is the bottom of the hierarchy, the dynamic sounds to be normal. Nipping is a gesture of power - the others are making sure she knows she is bottom. It doesn’t mean they aren’t fond of her.
Their behaviours can look rough to us but they are normal for them.
If you ever did suspect she is being bullied, if she ever appeared unhappy then your only option would be to separate them and for her to have her own friend in a separate cage

 

[Namida]

Thank you @Janey and @Piggies&buns for your kind comments. It's reassuring to know the others are simply making sure she understands her position! She's the most submissive pig I've ever seen, and her little bouts of silliness are just adorable. I think the group has a good, balanced dynamic overall -- it's just a bit heart-tugging to see her off on her own while the others interact more with each other. Though to be fair, I feel like she actually prefers it that way!

 

[Janey]

I love to see them relaxed with both front paws stretched out - she’s a cutie!