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keeping female pigs together as birth approaches

21 14:38:05

Question
We actually ended up separating them because Kocha (the older) was chasing Ice (the pregnant one) around the cage a lot--she would put her face on Ice's behind and then they would start running.  They were talking (light chirping and squeaking) to each other a lot and I couldn't tell if it was just play or if it was more serious.  Kocha would teeth chatter at us when we got our hands near the cage--she had never done that before, so we thought maybe she was distressed.  We put them in cages next to each other so they can still smell and hear each other.  We do not know much about guinea pig behavior.  I was worried that all that running wasn't good for our ever-growing mom or that she might be overstressed emotionally.  Any thoughts on whether we overreacted?

Thanks for helping us do the best we can for our dear little piggies!

Anne

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Followup To
Question -
We had 2 female guinea pigs for the last 3 years.  One of them died three weeks ago and we got a new female (named Ice) to keep the older pig (Kocha) company.  They did not get along well at first and so we have been putting them together for only an hour or so a day and the aggression has gradually died down.  

Just as we got them settled in together, we realized that Ice came to us from the pet store pregnant.  Ice is only 3-months old.  Kocha has never been bread.  We are trying to decide if we should separate them--we have now seen how aggressive Kocha can get and don't want her hurting the babies.  Or should we keep them together since they are friends now and I don't want to have to go through the reintroduction process. Also we wonder if a more mature pig could help Ice, since I understand younger mothers can forget to do things like cleaning the babies.

Thank you!
Answer -
Hi Anne.  It is really up to you if you want to separate them or not.  I would think that she would not be aggressive towards the babies, but you never really can know for sure until you try it.  On the flip side, she can provide crucial assistance to the young mom on that special day.  Usually when more than one female is present both of them clean the babies.  I'm sorry I can't offer you a definite yes or no answer.  If they were my guinea pigs, based on what you've told me, I'd probably leave them together.
Anngela

Answer
Hi Anne.  It sounds like you acted appropriately.  The teeth chattering is a sign of a aggression in most females. The running around probably will not hurt the pregnant sow, I know they walk pregnant humans up and down the halls at hospitals around delivery time.  Good luck with the pregnancy, and I hope everyone makes it out alive and healthy!
Anngela