Bonding sows

[Deb walker]

please can anyone advise whether we should continue to try to bond our recently bereaved sow with another sow from a rescue. We have been trying for 2 full days and things don't seem to be improving. The new piggy is very dominant and is constantly chasing and head butting. There is quite a lot of teeth chattering. They have for moments been able to share food and have sat side by side (we weren't sure if our piggy was frozen!). There is so much conflicting information about how long it should take.... we are concerned that our piggy is very scared. We have got the option to return the new piggy and try to bond with another. Thanks so much. Both the piggies are around 2 yrs old.

 

[Piggies&buns]

While some chasing is normal, if it is excessive and your piggy appears scared then things may not be working out.

Below are links to our bonding guides which may help you gauge what you are seeing

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Moody Guinea Pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Siikibam]

Was it both that were teeth chattering at each other? How did rescue pig behave when chased? Have a read of the guides below and see where they are in terms of dominance behaviour - more so your piggy.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[Sue and Smartie]

I'm two and a half weeks in to bonding two sows. It's taken two weeks to get a peaceful Piggy Palace, there's been a lot of rumbling and teeth chattering and it all began with a full on scrap. Even a week in to it I wasn't sure it would work out but they are getting on much better now. So in our case it is taking a long time.
However, with mine the dominant sow has not frightened the other one (she is apparently unsquashable!). I would be very concerned if I thought that one of the pair was scared of the other.