2 seperated pigs

[shanster23]

I have 2 pigs. Benny who is 5 who I got first, and Charlie who is a few months younger who I got after realising that Benny needed a cage mate, after accepting pet shop advice to begin with then learning more through research.
I tried a few introductions in the first couple years but they never got on and have always been in separate cages near each other and when in their play pen I have a divide between them.
Recently when they're in their playpen they both go up to the bars that separate them and sniff and lick at each other and look like they really want to be with each other which they have never really done previously.
Is there any chance that trying an introduction now might work, or will trying again after all this time just cause stress for both of them?

 

[Livia Rabideau]

It's always worth a shot.

 

[Siikibam]

There is no harm in trying. But if you do, make sure you see it through to the end whatever the outcome may be. Have a good read of the threads on bonding before you make your final decision.
When you say they didn’t get on, what do you mean?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s always worth trying but definitely do read the guides linked above and make sure you know exactly how to do it before you start. Once you start the bonding session it is important to not panic and interfere unless you are absolutely certain things have gone wrong, so it is important to know what you are looking for.

 

[DMS260820]

What cage size were you using?just thinking, you have taken petshop advice.

 

[Piggies&buns]

That’s a good point from @SkyPipDotBernie. Two boars require a 2x5 c&c cage or equivalent sized cage which is about 2ft x 6ft.

 

[DMS260820]

That’s a good point from @SkyPipDotBernie. Two boars require a 2x5 c&c cage or equivalent sized cage which is about 2ft x 6ft.

Hopefully that's the problem. The opening post was very clear, I like it. Makes it much easier to give advice

 

[shanster23]

They have a fe4plast 100 cage each at the moment as space is an issue with two cages. If I thought they could be together I would of course get a bigger cage to share. I only ever introduced in the playpen which has ample space, never got as far as putting them in a cage together. Charlie would attack Benny and fur would be flying and although I couldn't see blood I could feel scabs after. I'll attach a photo of their play pen to show size.

 

[DMS260820]

They have a fe4plast 100 cage each at the moment as space is an issue with two cages. If I thought they could be together I would of course get a bigger cage to share. I only ever introduced in the playpen which has ample space, never got as far as putting them in a cage together. Charlie would attack Benny and fur would be flying and although I couldn't see blood I could feel scabs after. I'll attach a photo of their play pen to show size. View attachment 123062

You have done everything right so far, so yea... All you can do it try again now they are older, it would be good if you can keep swapping the furniture of each pig over from each side of the runs, keep switching, then gradually take the divider fence out and go for it. What I don't know is, how long you would need to be doing this before trying to bond again

 

[shanster23]

So I decided to go for it today. So far they've been together on the floor for just over an hour. Lots of squealing from Benny and Charlie mounting and chasing Benny but for the first time - no teeth chattering or obvious signs of aggression! Still wary of leaving them in a cage together especially as I work 12 hour shifts and if something happened while I was working then obviously I wouldn't be there to separate them again, but I think it would be really good for them to have each other if I can just trust them.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I hope things work out! It would be lovely for them to get on and be able to live together. Keep us posted!