teadragon
14-09-09, 04:50 PM
When researching guinea pigs, one of the first thing many newbie owners of single pigs will come across is their need for companionship.
Guinea Pigs Live in Herds
The wild relations of our domestic piggies are herd animals who live in small groups of a boar paired with a few females. As prey animals they find safety in numbers; many pigs mean extra eyes to look out for predators. This "safety in numbers" need is still present in our domestic guinea pigs, and is still present when they have learned to trust us completely; nothing can beat the reassurance of another pig. Guinea pigs in groups feel safe.
Human Third Wheel
Many people hesitate when they are told their single pig would be better off with a piggie companion; won't a second guinea pig cause their human-bonded baby to reject them? Will they become a human third wheel?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq3o1P-5Yz0
Many humans find that they have to put a lot of work into bonding with their guinea pigs. One of the reasons for this is that we simply don't compute and understand each other. It can take years and a lot of lettuce for a guinea pig to warm to its human companion. If that pig is alone, often they have no choice but to warm to their human companion. Guinea pig to guinea pig bondings happen quickly (or slowly) during introductions and can last a lifetime.
Guinea pig relationships are very different to pig to human relationships. While we will spend time grooming and coddling with our pigs, pig on pig interaction is different. Sometimes they'll cuddle, sometimes they'll happily thrust their noses into each others bottoms and other times they'll chasing each other around the cage. Other piggie pairs don't seem too fussed with each other and simply seem to enjoy sharing a cage. Lone guinea pigs will often appear depressed or become extremely bored no matter how many sparing cuddles and toys are provided.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3767056190_b61a437829.jpg
Cashew, Mimic and Koda group shot.
Getting a piggie companion for your guinea pig will not affect that pigs relationship with you. It is impossible for you to spend enough time with your guinea pig to compensate for a piggie companion - pigs sleep less than we do and require companionship around the clock. Beyond this, we are simply unable to speak with them in a way that will fill the social void another pig will fill.
Dominant Pig
Guinea pigs in the herd have a strict hierarchy at the top of which is the dominant pig. The dominant pig is more than just the fattest pig who gets first pick of the veggies; they are the peace keeper of the herd. Often the removal of a dominant pig can cause a sudden flare of bickering among the rest of the piggies.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3811505411_db2a186600_m.jpg
Cashew during his illness hiding.
When Cashew became unwell and was unable to keep the other two boys in check a sudden flare of bickering, chattering and nipping disturbed my usually (and unusually for boys) quiet cage. I could tell he was beginning to feel better when the bickering stopped; all it seems to take from Cashew is a rumblestrut toward a misbehaving pig to settle a potential argument. Some people also report that by taking their dominant pig on a vet trip with a sick pig, their sick pig seems to become less stressed by the ordeal than if it were taken alone or with another herd pig.
In boars the need to establish and reinforce the hierarchy seems to demand more attention, especially around 4-6 months of age when they hit adolescence. It is unwise to attempt to introduce two young boars together who may hit at the same time or are currently in their adolescent stages of life as they are more hormone driven.
Both males and females will partake in dominance behaviour which includes rumblestrutting, humping; if another pig has crossed a line attack-peeing, tooth chattering and nipping will occurr. This behaviour is more worrying for the protective owner than the pigs in question, and is all completely normal.
Speaking Pig
Guinea pigs have a very complex method of communication. They can make a range of noises from a loud wheek to bubbling squeeks and have a range of subtle body language by which they can communicate. Communication is such a big part of pig behaviour, I feel it's importance in guinea pig mental health is misunderstood - it's also something a human companion cannot replicate.
There is nothing more enjoyable than watching a group of guinea pigs interacting and talking to each other; playing follow the leader through a room or daring each other to be the first to take a step out of the cage.
Learning Pig
When I first introduced Mimic to my bonded pair, it was clear that he came with a few undesirable habits which neither Koda nor Cashew cared for.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3812321034_09fb3a4501.jpg
Mimic and Koda happily sharing a bag-o-hay. Behind is Cashew, dominant overseer of sharing.
Mimic believed that it was perfectly acceptable to steal food from another pigs mouth and to push others around. While his introduction was seamless, any disturbances after his inclusion into the large boar cage often found Mimic in the center of it. While neither Koda nor Cashew attacked Mimic for his rudeness, they made it clear that his behaviour was unacceptable. It wasn't until Mimic learned to be politer than he was permitted to snuggle and share.
Often you hear of pigs who don't understand that certain veggies can be eaten or how to work their water bottle. While these things can be taught slowly by a human, it is time consuming and can be accomplished quicker by introducing another pig who has already learned the behaviour required. Often a new pig will bring with it a menu of foodstuffs that it will teach your other pigs to enjoy.
Cashew didn't learn much by the introduction of month-old Koda. However, the introduction of Mimic brought with it his enthusiasm for strange foodstuffs and for tunneling beneath the fleece. Before Mimic neither Cashew nor Koda would tunnel beneath the fleece, something Mimic kindly taught them. You can guess my displeasure and suprise when I came back home one night to find three lumps of pig running happily beneath the fleece.
Skittish Pig
Lone pigs who are skittish often also benefit from the companionship of another guinea pig that may reassure and provide a feeling of safety to the lone pig.
The End of Piggie Ownership
Sadly there will more often than not come a time when a pigs companion dies and the owner no longer wishes to keep guinea pigs leaving the remaining pig alone.
It's important to realise that pigs who have lost their companion may become extremely depressed and the importance of monitoring a grieving pigs weight. The pig should also be moved to a busy area of the house so that it can become the center of the household throughout it's remaining years.
There is always the option of contacting a rescue and offering to foster a pair of younger pigs allowing you to provide companionship for your remaining pig without the responsibility of caring for the younger pigs when your pig passes on. Alternatively you can adopt a retiring pig for its remaining years. Adopting a retiring piggie of 6+ years will give that pig the chance to liveout the rest of its years with an experienced owner alongside a companion.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3682525576_27c19bab3b.jpg
Koda and Mimic defending the cuddle cup at clean-out time.
Myths on Companionship
Neutering will affect a boars behaviour.
Neutering a boar will not make him get along with other boars. Neutering should only be considered in the event that he is to be introduced into a large group of guinea pigs.
Boars will fight to the death and cannot be paired together.
Boar's are essentially more difficult to pair than sows and require a lot more room as they are often more territorial. Introductions themselves can also be either scarily easy or difficult - compounded by the fact that many new owners will often mistakenly try to introduce pigs in a series of multiple-short-introductions as opposed to one long introduction which is prefered leading to a series of multiple-attacks instead of allowing two boars to sort out their differences.
Introducing guinea pigs is outwith the scope of this reference.
This pig is aggressive/hates other pigs/is a loner
I have found, through experience, that while there are guinea pigs who prefer to see and hear other pigs yet not share a cage with them; they are rarer than what the guinea pig community would have one believe. I do believe there are lone pigs, but I think the numbers of lone pigs are emphasised by misjudgement on the part of the carer of the pig.
I know of many guinea pig pairings that fail simply because the cage they are expected to co-exist within is too small.
Guinea pig Companionship
Guinea pigs are healthier and happier with a companion. A guinea pig companion for your guinea pig will make your cage not only more fun to observe but also provides your pig with a friend from which he can learn and communicate with. If you wish to look into adding to your herd or getting your current pig a companion, please view the Rescue & Rehoming section of the forum. Members on this site will be more than happy to help you to locate a rescue near you.
Guinea Pigs Live in Herds
The wild relations of our domestic piggies are herd animals who live in small groups of a boar paired with a few females. As prey animals they find safety in numbers; many pigs mean extra eyes to look out for predators. This "safety in numbers" need is still present in our domestic guinea pigs, and is still present when they have learned to trust us completely; nothing can beat the reassurance of another pig. Guinea pigs in groups feel safe.
Human Third Wheel
Many people hesitate when they are told their single pig would be better off with a piggie companion; won't a second guinea pig cause their human-bonded baby to reject them? Will they become a human third wheel?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq3o1P-5Yz0
Many humans find that they have to put a lot of work into bonding with their guinea pigs. One of the reasons for this is that we simply don't compute and understand each other. It can take years and a lot of lettuce for a guinea pig to warm to its human companion. If that pig is alone, often they have no choice but to warm to their human companion. Guinea pig to guinea pig bondings happen quickly (or slowly) during introductions and can last a lifetime.
Guinea pig relationships are very different to pig to human relationships. While we will spend time grooming and coddling with our pigs, pig on pig interaction is different. Sometimes they'll cuddle, sometimes they'll happily thrust their noses into each others bottoms and other times they'll chasing each other around the cage. Other piggie pairs don't seem too fussed with each other and simply seem to enjoy sharing a cage. Lone guinea pigs will often appear depressed or become extremely bored no matter how many sparing cuddles and toys are provided.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3767056190_b61a437829.jpg
Cashew, Mimic and Koda group shot.
Getting a piggie companion for your guinea pig will not affect that pigs relationship with you. It is impossible for you to spend enough time with your guinea pig to compensate for a piggie companion - pigs sleep less than we do and require companionship around the clock. Beyond this, we are simply unable to speak with them in a way that will fill the social void another pig will fill.
Dominant Pig
Guinea pigs in the herd have a strict hierarchy at the top of which is the dominant pig. The dominant pig is more than just the fattest pig who gets first pick of the veggies; they are the peace keeper of the herd. Often the removal of a dominant pig can cause a sudden flare of bickering among the rest of the piggies.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3811505411_db2a186600_m.jpg
Cashew during his illness hiding.
When Cashew became unwell and was unable to keep the other two boys in check a sudden flare of bickering, chattering and nipping disturbed my usually (and unusually for boys) quiet cage. I could tell he was beginning to feel better when the bickering stopped; all it seems to take from Cashew is a rumblestrut toward a misbehaving pig to settle a potential argument. Some people also report that by taking their dominant pig on a vet trip with a sick pig, their sick pig seems to become less stressed by the ordeal than if it were taken alone or with another herd pig.
In boars the need to establish and reinforce the hierarchy seems to demand more attention, especially around 4-6 months of age when they hit adolescence. It is unwise to attempt to introduce two young boars together who may hit at the same time or are currently in their adolescent stages of life as they are more hormone driven.
Both males and females will partake in dominance behaviour which includes rumblestrutting, humping; if another pig has crossed a line attack-peeing, tooth chattering and nipping will occurr. This behaviour is more worrying for the protective owner than the pigs in question, and is all completely normal.
Speaking Pig
Guinea pigs have a very complex method of communication. They can make a range of noises from a loud wheek to bubbling squeeks and have a range of subtle body language by which they can communicate. Communication is such a big part of pig behaviour, I feel it's importance in guinea pig mental health is misunderstood - it's also something a human companion cannot replicate.
There is nothing more enjoyable than watching a group of guinea pigs interacting and talking to each other; playing follow the leader through a room or daring each other to be the first to take a step out of the cage.
Learning Pig
When I first introduced Mimic to my bonded pair, it was clear that he came with a few undesirable habits which neither Koda nor Cashew cared for.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3812321034_09fb3a4501.jpg
Mimic and Koda happily sharing a bag-o-hay. Behind is Cashew, dominant overseer of sharing.
Mimic believed that it was perfectly acceptable to steal food from another pigs mouth and to push others around. While his introduction was seamless, any disturbances after his inclusion into the large boar cage often found Mimic in the center of it. While neither Koda nor Cashew attacked Mimic for his rudeness, they made it clear that his behaviour was unacceptable. It wasn't until Mimic learned to be politer than he was permitted to snuggle and share.
Often you hear of pigs who don't understand that certain veggies can be eaten or how to work their water bottle. While these things can be taught slowly by a human, it is time consuming and can be accomplished quicker by introducing another pig who has already learned the behaviour required. Often a new pig will bring with it a menu of foodstuffs that it will teach your other pigs to enjoy.
Cashew didn't learn much by the introduction of month-old Koda. However, the introduction of Mimic brought with it his enthusiasm for strange foodstuffs and for tunneling beneath the fleece. Before Mimic neither Cashew nor Koda would tunnel beneath the fleece, something Mimic kindly taught them. You can guess my displeasure and suprise when I came back home one night to find three lumps of pig running happily beneath the fleece.
Skittish Pig
Lone pigs who are skittish often also benefit from the companionship of another guinea pig that may reassure and provide a feeling of safety to the lone pig.
The End of Piggie Ownership
Sadly there will more often than not come a time when a pigs companion dies and the owner no longer wishes to keep guinea pigs leaving the remaining pig alone.
It's important to realise that pigs who have lost their companion may become extremely depressed and the importance of monitoring a grieving pigs weight. The pig should also be moved to a busy area of the house so that it can become the center of the household throughout it's remaining years.
There is always the option of contacting a rescue and offering to foster a pair of younger pigs allowing you to provide companionship for your remaining pig without the responsibility of caring for the younger pigs when your pig passes on. Alternatively you can adopt a retiring pig for its remaining years. Adopting a retiring piggie of 6+ years will give that pig the chance to liveout the rest of its years with an experienced owner alongside a companion.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3623/3682525576_27c19bab3b.jpg
Koda and Mimic defending the cuddle cup at clean-out time.
Myths on Companionship
Neutering will affect a boars behaviour.
Neutering a boar will not make him get along with other boars. Neutering should only be considered in the event that he is to be introduced into a large group of guinea pigs.
Boars will fight to the death and cannot be paired together.
Boar's are essentially more difficult to pair than sows and require a lot more room as they are often more territorial. Introductions themselves can also be either scarily easy or difficult - compounded by the fact that many new owners will often mistakenly try to introduce pigs in a series of multiple-short-introductions as opposed to one long introduction which is prefered leading to a series of multiple-attacks instead of allowing two boars to sort out their differences.
Introducing guinea pigs is outwith the scope of this reference.
This pig is aggressive/hates other pigs/is a loner
I have found, through experience, that while there are guinea pigs who prefer to see and hear other pigs yet not share a cage with them; they are rarer than what the guinea pig community would have one believe. I do believe there are lone pigs, but I think the numbers of lone pigs are emphasised by misjudgement on the part of the carer of the pig.
I know of many guinea pig pairings that fail simply because the cage they are expected to co-exist within is too small.
Guinea pig Companionship
Guinea pigs are healthier and happier with a companion. A guinea pig companion for your guinea pig will make your cage not only more fun to observe but also provides your pig with a friend from which he can learn and communicate with. If you wish to look into adding to your herd or getting your current pig a companion, please view the Rescue & Rehoming section of the forum. Members on this site will be more than happy to help you to locate a rescue near you.