Getting to know each other in cages

alpacasqueak

alpacasqueak

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My new boar Luigi is currently in a cage next door to my girl Jess, he’s waiting until the 20th to be introduced to her when he’s safe after neutering.
The problem is they can’t get nose to nose, the cages are different heights and I’m struggling to find something for the cage to sit on to get to similar height for them to interact through the bars.
They’re aware of each other and very excited at each other’s smells but can’t touch etc. Jess is also deaf so can’t hear his very noisy chatter!

I’m wondering if it’s ok to put Luigi’s cage on the floor later when they’re having their free range so can have a bit of interaction through the cage bars too? Hers is on a big stand I can’t take apart.

Just checking as I don’t want to tease them both with putting them closer then taking them apart, but as they’re not actually running around together and will be next to each other afterwards in the cages does this sound like a good plan? Wouldn’t want to upset them but would like them to be able to interact a bit more before they meet in a couple of weeks!
I can do this daily until their bonding on the 20th if it’ll be beneficial :)
Thanks for any help.
 
I am in no way an expert, but I would say that as long as Luigi's cage is 100% secure (complete with roof) then it would be fine to put his cage out during floor time.
As long as he has the option to withdraw (into a hide within his cage) then he can also choose how much he wants to interact.
I am currently doing the exact same thing with 2 rabbits in my garage!
 
alpacasqueak said:
My new boar Luigi is currently in a cage next door to my girl Jess, he’s waiting until the 20th to be introduced to her when he’s safe after neutering.
The problem is they can’t get nose to nose, the cages are different heights and I’m struggling to find something for the cage to sit on to get to similar height for them to interact through the bars.
They’re aware of each other and very excited at each other’s smells but can’t touch etc. Jess is also deaf so can’t hear his very noisy chatter!

I’m wondering if it’s ok to put Luigi’s cage on the floor later when they’re having their free range so can have a bit of interaction through the cage bars too? Hers is on a big stand I can’t take apart.

Just checking as I don’t want to tease them both with putting them closer then taking them apart, but as they’re not actually running around together and will be next to each other afterwards in the cages does this sound like a good plan? Wouldn’t want to upset them but would like them to be able to interact a bit more before they meet in a couple of weeks!
I can do this daily until their bonding on the 20th if it’ll be beneficial :)
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

Pre-bonding acquaintance during the waiting period can help, as long as they are at all times separated by bars.

You can put the cage on the floor, or even just give them both roaming time on the floor with one party inside a cage top with the corners secured, the top weighted and you there at all times to prevent any break-in or out.

If you could get hold of a panelled rabbit run where you can use one or two of the panels as a divider, it would make a great pre-bonding pen to live until safe bonding and to make friends through the bars - provided you have space, of course!
The principle with a plastic sheet to protect the floor, covered with old towels or pupps pads and then a cheap acrylic or polyester bed throw (pre-washed to get any softener ou) will make a good temporary accommodation instead of your regular cages.
(There is an example with C&C grids in this guide here)
Bunny Business 8-Panel Playpen with Free Safety Net, 55 x 55-inch, Extra Large: Amazon.co.uk: Pet Supplies
Temporary Housing Solutions?

Here is a speed dating pen for newly bereaved husboar Pioden (black on the right) on the lawn with my three trickiest sow pairs all in adjoining segments to see whether there was interest and friendly interaction with any of them. The principle works for a temporary indoors pre-bonding and bonding pen, too.
IMG_9523.JPG
 
Brilliant, thanks @Swissgreys :)
He’s very eager to get to her and when she moves around he’s straight at the side looking at her in the cage! But she’s not much of a climber (and age 6!) so no matter what I’m putting in to encourage her to stand up a bit at the side she’s having none of it! :D
Hope the bunnies are doing well and liking each other!

Thanks @Wiebke :) good to know I hopefully won’t cause them stress!
Hmm, space might be an issue but I also have a pair of cats, might be a bit tempting for them if piggies on the floor even at their old age! But I’ll definitely look into it! :)
 
Aw that's looks like a complete love match! So looking forward to hearing about bonding day and hopefully a happy piggy wedding :)
 
Thanks :D yes definitely looking good so very excited now! They’ve definitely clicked so hopefully their love will continue! :love:
What a lovely night watching them, and what a great week for the rodents at my house! So chuffed :luv:
 
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