adding a young guinea pig to a herd of older pigs?

[katia2]

hi there,

we currently have a bonded herd of older piggies (about 2 years) consisting of a neutered male and two females. The hierarchy seems to be well established and they all get along well. Now, we were hoping to add another young female (4 weeks ish) to our herd who seems to be a good match personality wise. We are just conserned that it might not be a good idea to add a younger pig to our older group in terms of bonding. Does anyone know if the age difference would cause problems? would it be better to add a pig that’s closer in age?

thanks!

 

[Wiebke]

hi there,

we currently have a bonded herd of older piggies (about 2 years) consisting of a neutered male and two females. The hierarchy seems to be well established and they all get along well. Now, we were hoping to add another young female (4 weeks ish) to our herd who seems to be a good match personality wise. We are just conserned that it might not be a good idea to add a younger pig to our older group in terms of bonding. Does anyone know if the age difference would cause problems? would it be better to add a pig that’s closer in age?

thanks!

Hi and welcome!

At that age, acceptance is highly likely as your baby cannot challenge and upset the existing hierarchy in any way and is depserate to belong.

I have done countless group bondings, the most extreme between a 7 year old sow and her nearly 3 year old husboars to which I introduced a 5 week old baby. The baby had to learn to stay out of old Ffwlbri's way but as she could not challenge her, Ffwlbri was fine with her presence. Over half a year later, the three of them are still a harmonious group with Ffwlbri now 8 years old, Gethin and teenager Carys bidding fair to become a large girl. Her presence has in fact given Ffwlbri a new zest for life.

Key is always personality compatibility and mutual liking. You have to accept that what is looking good on paper may not work out as you are working with strong minded individuals and not robots. Always have a plan B at the back of you mind if you bond at home and not rescue date your group for acceptance before you bring a new piggy or two home.

You can see the what bonding dynamics to expect from another group bonding with a youngster of mine in our bonding guide, which you may find very helpful and interesting, as it is looking at both behaviours and possible dynamics at all stages of the bonding process and with different scenarios. Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics