Female Issue

Question
Hi, I received 2 female GPs from a friend of a co-worker approximately 2.5 wks ago. This friend had several GPs give birth and was looking for homes (I was going to go to a rescue). I specifically asked for females because I thought I had a better chance at getting bonded GPs - It seems that I was wrong - I noticed the older female (under 1 year) picking at the younger female (6 wks)- this weekend I thought they had figured out the hierarchy because they were getting along much better - today I noticed some intense picking and no longer felt comfortable leaving the younger GP in w/the older - in fact the younger GP looks happier - would a bath help - or am I destined to have two separated GPs? I had GPs when I was a teenager and I remember them being very close - never a spat - I noticed from the beginning that these two didn't share that closeness.

Answer
Oooooh! Sounds like you've had a rough time so far. I first try to give each guinea pig a bath in the same smelling soap or shampoo, then I scrub the cages out with vinegar and hot water (Let it soak as it removes those pesky urine crust stains that tend to collect at the bottom of the cage). Actually, I wash everything. Food bowls, water bottles, toys, plastic igloo houses. Then I try to set them in together. If they're still not getting along, try partitioning off the cage equally, or purchase another cage and set them directly next to each other. Allow them to get used to each other. This is very complex. Sometimes guinea pigs just won't get along no matter what. It could be like you disliking a snotty clerk at the grocery store, or just seeing someone and instantly disliking them. Guinea pigs, and all animals are unique. A lot of times, we humans believe them to have no feelings or thoughts. This is untrue completely! Sometimes some pigs just won't bond. Sometimes there is just that dominating female that just won't get along with another. There's nothing you can really do about it, I'm sorry to say :( I have a pig like that. She gets her own cage, and she's fine around the others as long as she doesn't have to share a cage with them. The second best idea I have is to let them play together, and give them floor time together. Another possibility is to get the older female spayed. Sometimes this calms an animal down. Usually, the best thing to do is to pick out two guinea pigs the same age, or that are siblings (no male female combos unless one is neutered or spayed). It sounds like you had the ideal guinea pigs as a teen. Were they siblings or cage mates? I'm sorry I can't be the bringer of happier news. I hope the bathing works, or that they just come to figure things out and like each other. It's hard not having pigs who get along! I know it is! If this doesn't help, e-mail me again. I'll try to find you a better answer! Feel free to ask me anything at all :) I wish you and your pigs a lifetime of health, happiness and love! Cherish each other! :)