2 Rehomed Guinea Pigs - Do They Like Each Other?

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emmabuckland

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Hi all - I'm new to this site so forgive me if this has been posted elsewhere.

I rehomed 2 female pigs a few months ago, they were 6 and 3 months when I got them. It took them a while to get used to being inside (previously in a guinea pig shed) and they really have warmed up to me and they love coming out to lie down on top of their houses (where I have put extra bedding) to watch the world go by!
I don't have any concern for either of them except that I don't think they could get on better, and I don't know whether I should get a third female to help the social aspect. They never fight - the older one is clearly more dominant, and she rumbles at the younger one a lot. She also takes over the best housing in the cage and play pen, and sometimes the younger one will squeak a kind of pain high pitched squeak (sometimes she does this even if the other just noses her, so I don't think she is actually hurting her).
I feel the younger one needs social interaction, and she often tries to interact with the older but doesn't get anywhere - she is very adventurous and more sociable. I am wondering whether to introduce a third pig, so she can have a friend and the older one can keep to herself (seems she wants that). But the problem is finding one with the right temperament, and how would I know until I bring her home and introduce them?

Is there anything else I can do to give them both what they need? Or is the natural dominance something they will not worry about?

Interestingly, in the play pen and new places (garden, sometimes kitchen) the older one will follow the younger one around, she is a bit shyer, but then she will steal any food from the younger one if they find it!

Advice much appreciated
Thanks!
 
Hi and welcome!

What you are seeing is normal dominance behaviour (with loud submission squeaking form the little one). Your baby is currently still just an adventurous and active youngster, but she is coming quickly towards the time when she'll calm down, too.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/sow-behaviour.38561/

I wouldn't add a third piggy as your two are actually well bonded. Make sure that your youngster has got her own hidey and food bowl etc.

If you really want to add a third piggy in the long term, I would rather consider a neutered rescue boar that your girls can date under expert supervision at one of our recommended rescues for mutual liking and acceptance. A boar has to get on with both sows in order to mate with them and he won't upset the existing the sow hierarchy. However, he has got to pay special attention to the top girl, so he will not necessarily be a constant companion for the little one; it will be rather the three living together. You will need 2x5 ft one level ground space for a trio of piggies. We have got a good standard piggy savvy UK rescue locator on the top bar, but may be able to provide contacts in other countries.

With members from all over the world, it is very helpful to us of you added your country, state or (for the UK) your county to your details, so we can always give you the appropriate advice and - if possible - local recommendations straight away. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location.
 
I think as long as your 2 girls seem to be getting on all right, there is no need to get a 3rd one. What size cage do they have? As long as they have plenty of room to run about and get away from each other if they want, things should be fine. I introduced a 2 month-old to an 8 month-old and the younger was very wary of the older at first. But they have enough room to get away from each other, and each has their own place to sleep and rest. They get on great and chase each other around the cage.
 
Thank you both! You have put my mind at rest, I agree she has already settled a bit and they do like to hang out sometimes - its just little one sometimes gets nudged out the way, but I guess that is a totally normal part of being a guinea pig! They have 2 hides in their home cage, one is a double size, sometimes they both go in there. And they both like to get on top of their hides and lay down which is great to see them so relaxed! They have a 120cm cage, and it might be a little small now they have got bigger, but they like to get on top of their hides so a bit more room. I get them out every day to run around my 6x5 metre kitchen floor area too which they love. And sometimes in the garden (when it was warmer). I might need to invest in a bigger home cage though.

And I'm from the UK, sorry I didn't mention that
I've put a picture of my babies - Popcorn (lighter one, youngest) and Pepper :)
 

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Hi there, Wiebke gave you excellent advice, what you have is actualy a good relationship between piggies, there is usually a dominant one and a submissive one.
 
emmabuckland said:
Thank you both! You have put my mind at rest, I agree she has already settled a bit and they do like to hang out sometimes - its just little one sometimes gets nudged out the way, but I guess that is a totally normal part of being a guinea pig! They have 2 hides in their home cage, one is a double size, sometimes they both go in there. And they both like to get on top of their hides and lay down which is great to see them so relaxed! They have a 120cm cage, and it might be a little small now they have got bigger, but they like to get on top of their hides so a bit more room. I get them out every day to run around my 6x5 metre kitchen floor area too which they love. And sometimes in the garden (when it was warmer). I might need to invest in a bigger home cage though.

And I'm from the UK, sorry I didn't mention that
I've put a picture of my babies - Popcorn (lighter one, youngest) and Pepper :)
Click to expand...

Your girls are lovely! :wub:

Could you please add your country to your details by clicking on your username, then personal details, then location. That way, we can always give you the correct advice, especially when it comes to medical issues, rescue recommendations or sourcing links etc. Thanks!
 
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