My guinea pigs are dominant. Why do they squeak? Can I add a third?

Question

I have two female guinea pigs, both around 5 months. They tolerate each other and sometimes sit in the same tunnel, but Shay (she is much bigger) hogs a lot of the food I give them. She often decides who gets to sleep where. They both chase each other around, but sometimes in the middle of the night, they squeak loud, and I'm not sure if that means one is hurt? I would also like to adopt another female guinea pig. I heard that it is better to adopt a baby so she isn't dominant. Opinions? Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female | spayed | 6 months and 3 days old | 2.2 lbs

Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

In any grouping of animals you will have some sort of dominance hierarchy. Problems arise when one is so dominant that it won’t allow the other to eat enough, or when they start to injure the others then I worry that it isn’t a safe situation. If you have noticed scabs or wounds on them you may need to consider separating them when they are not being supervised. The same situation will apply when you add in a third. The dynamic will shift with 3. Either it will be easier and they will get along better, or one will clearly be the submissive and get picked on too much. Monitor closely and make decisions to make sure they are all safe. Best of luck and have fun with your pigs! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

My guinea pigs are dominant. Why do they squeak? Can I add a third?

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