What does it mean when one guinea pig chases another?

When one guinea pig chases another it usually means that the dominant guinea pig is asserting its dominance. This is a normal behaviour in guinea pigs and is usually nothing to worry about as long as the chasing is not too aggressive and does not cause any injuries.

Here are some reasons why a guinea pig may chase another:

Establishing dominance: Guinea pigs are social animals and they have a natural hierarchy, with one guinea pig being the dominant one. Chasing is one way for the dominant guinea pig to show its authority and keep the other guinea pigs in line.

Competition for resources: If there is not enough food, water, or space in the enclosure, guinea pigs may chase each other in an attempt to get access to these resources.

Boredom: If guinea pigs are bored, they may chase each other as a way to entertain themselves.

Play: Chasing can also be a form of play for guinea pigs. They may chase each other in a friendly way, with no intention of causing harm.

If you are concerned about the chasing behaviour of your guinea pigs, you can try a few things to stop it:

Make sure there is enough food, water, and space in the enclosure.

Provide your guinea pigs with plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained.

Separate the guinea pigs for a short time if the chasing is too aggressive.

*Reintroduce the guinea pigs slowly and under supervision**.

If the chasing behaviour continues to be a problem, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviourist.