bullying!!

Question
Hi

We purchased two female piggys Fifi and Dora approx 4 weeks ago, they are now approx 12 weeks old.

We have they caged in the shed in a large cage, I have however noticed over the last couple of days that everytime I go into the shed that Dora is sat in the part of the cage that is exposed near to the food bowl and water.  Is this normal behaviour or do you think that prehaps Fifi is bullying Dora, i.e not letting her into the bed area. (if so what are the signs and what can I do to prevent this?).

I have thought about buying them they own little house each for in the cage, is this something that you would recommend?

Not sure if its relevant but Fifi is larger than Dora, and when handling them Fifi is more relaxed, where as Dora is more nervous, although they both squeak contently when being held.

Many thanks for your help.

Vanessa

Answer
Hello Vanessa,

Congrats on your new piggies! It sounds like Fifi is the dominant piggy. She's not bullying or mistreating Dora, she's just the boss and gets first rights to everything. As a result, if she wants the house, Dora has to leave. It's just how their society works and it's perfectly normal. To keep the less dominant piggies from lacking something they may need, it's always reccommended that when you have more than one piggy sharing a cage that they each get their own "stuff". In that case, you should definantly get another house. I also reccommend a second bowl and water bottle to avoid Dora not getting enough to eat or drink, especially since winter is coming. It sounds like they are happy together and have worked out dominance well, it would just be nicer for Dora if she could have her own stuff so when Fifi wants what she has, she can just move over to the next one. Good luck with your girls.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs