Bonding Young Pigs.

[Sstuk]

So I have my Pika who is probably around 6 weeks to 2 months old and I had planned on getting him a companion and one came up for adoption much sooner than I expected. He is a baby Rex and he is grey....which is one I have always wanted....would it be ok to introduce this young of a pairing? Would it be more successful because they are both still so young? Any input would be great

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Introducing piggies at a young age and having them grow together increases your chances of the bond working out. My brown aby Keiko was around 2-3 months when I introduced baby Milo who was only 4 weeks old at the time and they've been best friends ever since. Keiko hit his hormones shortly after meeting Milo and the mounting and rumbling began but they've never fought and Milo should be hitting his soon if he hasn't already and they're still entirely devoted to each other. As long as you have the space and resources for 2 boys right now I see no reason to stall out getting a companion

 

[Sstuk]

So more information on the baby Rex his is also around 2 months old. I want him and have arranged to pick him up next week but I am a nervous wreck to try to bond them and worried about the possibility of it not working out. I am actually building a c&c cage this weekend that will be 2x4 with a 2x2 second level and am thinking about keeping pika in his original cage and after the neutral introduction in a pen outside...if it works out putting them together in a new cage

 

[Keiko The Pig]

That sounds like a good idea. For my boys I ordered the Midwest and though it came long before Milo was available to be adopted I kept Keiko in his original cage so I would not have to scrub out and de-scent the Midwest cage during bonding. I'm sure you've read about bonding and I just want to remind you that with boys once you start you can't stop. You gotta sit out the process and let them work it out in one go as interrupting this process causes them to restart the entire establishing dominance phase. A good thing to go by is to leave them in the neutral area until they've both napped/rested and when waking are still okay with each other. During the bonding make sure there's no single entrance hideys. Tunnels only for the first bit I hope all goes well!

 

[Sstuk]

Thanks for the advice. I have read a ton on bonding. I just hope all goes well. About how long does it usually take to establish the pecking order for the pigs? I know all is different but as a general idea...the PEW is Pika my current pig and the Rex is the one I am picking up next week...I think I am naming him Potter.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

I kept my boys in the neutral area (my washroom) for about 3 hours. Though honestly they were popcorning from 10 minutes of being with each other lol. Those are two handsome boys!

 

[Sstuk]

I hope my boys get along quickly as well! That would be amazing! Thank you! I love Rex piggies! And Pika is still a little shy but he is really coming around the past 2 days. I can't wait for the day that he comes to me for cuddles

 

[Tangerine49]

I couldn't comment on your post as I only have female guinea pigs but good luck and the Rex is gorgeous! what a lovely new addition.