New piggies acting 'normally'?

[amzybabes]

Greetings,

We've just brought home two guinea pigs, having not owned piggies for about 15 years, so very exciting! They're two 10 week old girls (names still being debated!), and are 'indoor' pigs.

My previous piggies were always outdoor ones, so it's been quite interesting seeing their behaviour more closely. We've had them for two days, and they seem to be settling - eating (non-stop!), drinking, running around the cage (guinea pig no. 1 is particularly lively and likes to do full tilt laps around the cage and jump about), squeaking/mumbling to themselves.

However, despite being together previously with some other guinea pigs, they've had a few 'arguments' since coming home. After about an hour in their new cage, piggie no. 1 seemed to decide the whole home was 'hers' including both hidey holes, the good hay eating spot, the food bowls and the water bottle! She ensured this by chasing guinea no. 2 round the cage, rumbling, nipping (or appearing to nip), hogging the relevant parts etc.

We were a bit worried at first, but piggie no. 2 seems fine, unhurt, still goes up to piggie no. 1 (even had a go at piggie no. 1 earlier when she stole her bit of hay), is eating, drinking, running round. Piggie no. 1 seems to have calmed down too, and will now share water, food, houses most of the time (she chased no. 2 round earlier, but this was after running around like a loon on her own first, so it may have just been for fun, even though she rumbled at the other?). We did go and buy two of everything, but they seem to be sharing now so we've stuck to having 1 water bottle (but kept 2 bowls and houses).

Anyway, that's what they've been up to so far - from looking at other posts this all seems to be normal...right!? I don't want any guinea pig bullying going on!!

On a separate note, we're letting them settle before picking them up etc, so I was thinking I should give them a week before getting them out for floor time - does this sound sensible?

Thanks!

 

[Catahoula]

Everything you described is normal piggy behavior, so no need to despair.

Might I make one suggestion...Even if your pigs are sharing one water bottle, I always suggest having 2 in the cage at all times. If one water bottle fails then you have one as a back up so your piggies can stay hydrated. It's just a suggestion on my part. I know plenty of people only keep one. I'm just a worry wart.

Oh, and to answer your second question. A week is a good amount of time to wait. Just ease in slowly to the handling.

 

[amzybabes]

Thanks, they've settled a bit now, though Biscuit (the 'boss' pig) still likes to let Crumble know she's in charge now and then. And when Crumble had mites and scratched herself so badly she bled a little (she'd now been treated and is much better!) we caught Biscuit licking Crumble better, so I think they might be bonding after all (in a clearly hierarchical way!!). Both piggies spend their days eating, sleeping and running around/popcorning/making happy little noises as they walk, so I figure all is well in their eyes!!

Have also had them out for floor time, gave them lots of hidey places, and they eventually explored, and were fine when back in the cage

 

[suzilovespiggie]

Welcome! Sounds like all is doing well. It is normal for one pig to be the boss. You only have to worry about seperating them if blood is drawn.
How big is your cage. In a c&c cage for 2 pigs is recomeneded 2x4 grids. 7.5 sq. feet min. 10.5 sq. ft perferred. Not having enough space can make them testy. Also with the hideys make sure the backs are open so one pig cannot trap another pig in a hidey.

Really does sound like you are doing a fabulous job. All we need now is pictures.