Bonding And Post-introduction Blues

[Thebakerman]

Hi all,

We have a ten week old femake piglet who required some company. We managed to track down a young female for her. Went through usual process of separate cages, meeting in neutral places....

However the new pig (slightly older) now they are together won't let the younger into the den. There's no fighting or anything major, but is this just a natural dominance thing? Worst that happens is a lot of chasing with almost head butting. They have been together only 2 days so I'm hoping it will pass.

Just wondered as usually we end up introducing pigs and they are fine

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all,

We have a ten week old femake piglet who required some company. We managed to track down a young female for her. Went through usual process of separate cages, meeting in neutral places....

However the new pig (slightly older) now they are together won't let the younger into the den. There's no fighting or anything major, but is this just a natural dominance thing? Worst that happens is a lot of chasing with almost head butting. They have been together only 2 days so I'm hoping it will pass.

Just wondered as usually we end up introducing pigs and they are fine

Thanks in advance for your advice

Hi and welcome

Yes, this the normal dominance phase, which can last up to two weeks or even longer. Please have only hideys with two exits at this stage, and always have as many hideys as you have guinea pigs. Unlike the widespread assumption, even closely bonded guinea pigs will not necessarily sleep together (or at least not all the time).

I would also recommend to have two food bowls and to serve veg and pellets twice a day in portions that can be eaten in one go in order to prevent food hogging, another normal dominance aspect. Place the bowls at least a body length apart and remove between meals. Unlimited fresh hay should make over 80% of the daily food intake; the more you encourage that, the better general health, teeth/guts and longevity. Pellets should make only about 5%. Your girls will certainly not go hungry between meals!

Contains a very detailed chapter on the dominance phase and typical behaviours: Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet

Lots more interesting information, which may be new to you, inlcuding a spot of guinea pig whispering: New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice

 

[Thebakerman]

Thank you for your reply. Pretty much your advice is thankfully in place already I had to ask as the wife was worried appreciate your response.