We adopted our two guinea pigs separately and they about 2.5 years different in age. One is about 10 months, the other is 3 and change. They have been living together just fine for the last 7 months in their habitat (we have a standard guinea pig cage connected to a 43" diameter playpen). We have two pigloos that they both use interchangeably, along with various tunnels, etc.
Obviously, when the younger one was a baby, the bigger one was clearly the alpha. A few months ago, the younger one became about the same size as the older and there was some dominance showing both ways, but the only aggression was the occasional mounting. Only in the last few weeks have we noticed the older one being more aggressive towards the younger. There has been aggressive chasing/pouncing and there are some red, linear scabs where it looks like some hair has been pulled out. Also, I've only noticed it occurring in the mornings (although I could be missing overnight scuffles).
Could it be the younger one is more mature, now? Or is it because it is now "mating season" (even though there are no females around)? We are not sure why this is starting now or what to do about it - please help!
Obviously, when the younger one was a baby, the bigger one was clearly the alpha. A few months ago, the younger one became about the same size as the older and there was some dominance showing both ways, but the only aggression was the occasional mounting. Only in the last few weeks have we noticed the older one being more aggressive towards the younger. There has been aggressive chasing/pouncing and there are some red, linear scabs where it looks like some hair has been pulled out. Also, I've only noticed it occurring in the mornings (although I could be missing overnight scuffles).
Could it be the younger one is more mature, now? Or is it because it is now "mating season" (even though there are no females around)? We are not sure why this is starting now or what to do about it - please help!