2 sows to 4 sows?

hannahs26 said:
So I'm now a little confused! The new pair just arrived from the rescue center, and they said we should keep them in a divided enclosure for a few days or so, then do an introduction in a neutral space. I was thinking the introduction would be now, on their arrival. Which is correct? Thanks!
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hannahs26 said:
So I'm now a little confused! The new pair just arrived from the rescue center, and they said we should keep them in a divided enclosure for a few days or so, then do an introduction in a neutral space. I was thinking the introduction would be now, on their arrival. Which is correct? Thanks!
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Hi!

Please keep the discussion of a specific topic to the same thread to avoid even more confusion and confusing advice.

Follow the rescue's advice and let the newbies settle in and make friends through the bars as we recommend in oue bonding guide. That takes a lot of extra stress out of the actual bonding and enhances success rates as piggies are less likely to overreact.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

I always do this when I bring a piggy or two home for bonding with the rescue's permission.
 
Apologies for the confusion - is there a way to turn off commenting on this one? I'll then stick to my other thread with updates. Thank you :-)
 
alpacasqueak said:
No, you need to give the cage a thorough clean before you move them back in as @Siikibam says, it needs to be free of smells of the last two so they don’t suddenly get defensive/aggressive about their space being invaded by strangers!
My bonding with Jess and Luigi took 7 hours last June! :doh:But this bonding with Aliona took 2 before I was happy everyone was getting on! I then put them in the extra clean, open hideys cage!
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Haha I did add more hay but the cage was like this for a couple of weeks really, no enclosed beds etc that anyone could protect/defend or could cause squabbles! Even the cardboard box at the back has 4 exit holes!
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Later on, sharing a hay and forage munch!
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How long did yours stay next to each other but behind bars before they were introduced like that? Glad it worked out. :-)
 
So here are some pictures of the newbies :-) The children have named them Piglet (as she was initially the very timid one that his all the time), and Rayla (from an animation they watch where someone called Rayla looks like a guinea pig at some point!)
They are now both seemingly very confident little things... and have already learnt that if they wheek like crazy when they hear me chopping veg in the kitchen, that someone will bring them something nice, and that the voice of a human in the room means that if they wheek they get something else tasty! Hahah... lovely little girls :-)
Their bonding seems to be going ok so far... I think? They have all been kissing each other lots through the bars, with the original pair trying to strongly pull the bars and chew them to get to the newbies! The newbies have been popcorning and zooming round heaps, with intermittent quick naps with feet sticking out and eyes closed :-) They've taken food from us all, and even nibbled our fingers, so we're made up they seem so happy :-) Will stick to keeping them separately for a week or too, until they seem unbothered by each others' presence, then introduce properly. Really want to give them the best chance possible of it going well :-)
Thank you so much for all the advice and help! 🙏IMG_20200704_173427.jpgIMG_20200704_172549.jpgIMG_20200704_172038.jpgIMG_20200704_160423.jpg
 

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hannahs26 said:
How long did yours stay next to each other but behind bars before they were introduced like that? Glad it worked out. :-)
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Yes mine were next to each other for about a week, Luigi and Jess already lived in that C&C and Aliona in cage next door. Aliona had been alone for a few months so was in need of company bless her! And it gave Luigi a little time to calm down with the excitement of another lady in the house! :))Thank you :)
Aah they’re all gorgeous :love: Hope they enjoy their natters with the neighbours tonight then :D Sounds like a great plan x
 
alpacasqueak said:
Yes mine were next to each other for about a week, Luigi and Jess already lived in that C&C and Aliona in cage next door. Aliona had been alone for a few months so was in need of company bless her! And it gave Luigi a little time to calm down with the excitement of another lady in the house! :))Thank you :)
Aah they’re all gorgeous :love: Hope they enjoy their natters with the neighbours tonight then :D Sounds like a great plan x
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Thanks :-) Lovely that Aliona gets to have proper company again :-) I read up and considered looking for a neutered boy for our pair, but it just sounded so much simpler having girls. Boars sound like lovely characters though :-)
 
hannahs26 said:
Thanks :-) Lovely that Aliona gets to have proper company again :-) I read up and considered looking for a neutered boy for our pair, but it just sounded so much simpler having girls. Boars sound like lovely characters though :-)
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She’s loving having cagemates, thank you :) A slightly hormonal madam at times but she's lovely :love:
I love boars, couldn’t be without one! I’ve had 4 boars and these 2 ladies in the last decade (7 year old Jess has lived with 3 of the boys!) and I’ve actually found my boars far easier behaviour-wise! The ladies definitely cause the most trouble at this house! :gd::))
Hope the ladies have had a good night :D
 
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