Sister Guinea Pigs Fighting

Question
Hi,
I recently just got two guinea pigs from an owner who did not want them anymore. They are twin sisters and have grown up together. There was no problem until early this morning when I noticed they were fighting a lot. Kate, the smaller guinea pig, will keep chasing Juliet and tries to bite her. Juliet mostly tries to stay away or defend herself, but Kate has become very aggressive. I've separated them for now, but is there a way to regain the peace? What could've caused such a change in behavior?

Answer
Hi Amy

It is more unusual for females to fight at all, especially when they have lived happily together before.

I can only assume that the change in home/environment have caused the problem.

Providing Kate and Juliet are now living in a different cage to before (if this is not true please let me know) I would suggest the following course of action.

Give the hutch a thorough clean with a safe animal-friendly dissinfectant and put fresh bedding in. Give both pigs a bath and then try to re-introduce them on neutral territory. If this goes well, try them in their freshly cleaned hutch.

If this doesnt work or if you need any other help please write back.

andy