Bonding 3rd Guinea Pig

[Hannah Beez]

Hello Everyone,
I am new on here and so apologies if this topic has come up before. We have 2 x male guinea pigs that are 6 x months old, have just bought another smaller male guinea pig that is 2 x months old and am wanting to introduce the younger one to the other two. At this present time the older two males are in a large cage and the smaller one in a smaller cage that are touching each other so they can see one another. We have had them out of their respective cages on the floor to meet one another but one of the bigger males has mounted the much smaller one as if wanting to mate so we separated them. On observation there is no real malice or aggression towards one another but forceful getting to know each other if you know what I mean. I have read that trio's are hard to establish and if all fails would keep the little one separate all the time but would like them all to be to together in the future. Was wondering if anyone knows the best way to go about it or link to instructions. Any help would be most grateful thanks.....Hannah

 

[Piggies&buns]

Mounting is normal dominance behaviour and not a reason to separate. They all have to go through it in order to bond.
However (and You say you are aware) but a trio of males is unlikely to work long term. Your oldest two have only just hit their hormonal teenage months at six months old and that’ll last until around 12-15 months of age and it’s during this time that problems may occur. By introducing a third Male, you run the risk of breaking the bond of the two that are already together and there is a real chance that you could end up with three piggies having to live separately.

 

[Piggy1011]

I haven’t quite worked out how to attach links, I’m sure someone will come along shortly and do that for you.
Mounting is perfectly natural, they are just trying to establish dominance and heirachy within the group.
Only separate if you see blood. Separating only makes the situation more stressful and less likely for bonding to happen.
I’d wait for someone to attach links and have a read before trying again.
May I ask what your plans are? All go in the cage the other two share atm?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello Everyone,
I am new on here and so apologies if this topic has come up before. We have 2 x male guinea pigs that are 6 x months old, have just bought another smaller male guinea pig that is 2 x months old and am wanting to introduce the younger one to the other two. At this present time the older two males are in a large cage and the smaller one in a smaller cage that are touching each other so they can see one another. We have had them out of their respective cages on the floor to meet one another but one of the bigger males has mounted the much smaller one as if wanting to mate so we separated them. On observation there is no real malice or aggression towards one another but forceful getting to know each other if you know what I mean. I have read that trio's are hard to establish and if all fails would keep the little one separate all the time but would like them all to be to together in the future. Was wondering if anyone knows the best way to go about it or link to instructions. Any help would be most grateful thanks.....Hannah

Hi and welcome!

Please don't try bond and don't risk ending up with three boars that won't get on with any of the others.

Your two older boys are currently at the stage where the testosterone is at an all time high and their bond at its most fragile that it will ever be. Sub-adult trios have a fail rate of around 90%; trios are one of the hardest constellations to get right at the best of times because the balance of dominant and submissive personalities that like each other and that complement each other is all-important and key to any long term successful guinea pig relationship.

It would be much better to find a companion for your new baby, ideally by rescue dating to ensure character compatibility and mutual liking.

Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

 

[Hannah Beez]

Mounting is normal dominance behaviour and not a reason to separate. They all have to go through it in order to bond.
However (and You say you are aware) but a trio of males is unlikely to work long term. Your oldest two have only just hit their hormonal teenage months at six months old and that’ll last until around 12-15 months of age and it’s during this time that problems may occur. By introducing a third Male, you run the risk of breaking the bond of the two that are already together and there is a real chance that you could end up with three piggies having to live separately.[/QU

 

[Hannah Beez]

Thank you all very much indeed for your input and kindness by taking the time to reply. We have decided to keep the older ones together as they get on well and will go out and get another partner for the little one. We'll have two separate cages with 2 x guinea pigs in each one and can let them run around in pairs or cuddle them individually. Thanks so much.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you all very much indeed for your input and kindness by taking the time to reply. We have decided to keep the older ones together as they get on well and will go out and get another partner for the little one. We'll have two separate cages with 2 x guinea pigs in each one and can let them run around in pairs or cuddle them individually. Thanks so much.

That’s definitely the best decision.
Good luck with getting your new baby piggy his friend.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope to see pictures of your boys.
Looking forward to news of the new companion for your little one