Two females...I think

Question
Lorena,
I have had my guinea pig for about 6 months or more now.I have been told that it is a girl.Today I bought a guinea pig which is very noticeably a girl.All day the older pig has chased around the young one biting its genitailia and fur.They have been sqeaking,purring and making plenty of noises.Im not sure if this is normal or they may be different sexes and are trying to mate.If they are mating or both female is the biting normal?I just want to be safe in that my larger older guinea pig doesn't hurt the small young one.
Thank you,
Melissa

Answer
Melissa --

Well, it depends on who told you the genders of the animal.  Unless it was a vet or highly respectable breeder, I would take them to one of the above mentioned people and have them both checked.  Here's why: one of the most frequent emails I get is from people who have bought a guinea pig or two from a pet shop and were told they were both female, only to find out after it was too late that one was a girl.  Now they're dealing with a pregnant guinea pig.  It is possible for you to sex them yourself, but I recommend having a vet or breeder do it, since you could misinterpret what you see.

If it was a vet or reputable breeder who told you the genders, I would believe them.  In that case, all you're witnessing is the greeting and establishment of authority within the cage.  They'll settle down within a day or two.  It's kind of the guinea pig "getting-to-know-you" ritual.

Hope this helps.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me.  Good luck!

Lorena