I posted this in the Introductions section, but I'm not sure if that's the right place, so posting it here too.
Okay, we got Marshmallow a friend today! Please don't hate me for getting from a pet store, but it was either that or none, since I have not found anything in our area at all! We chose not to quarantine (please don't hate me for that either). One of the reasons for that is that we've only had Marshmallow for a week and we didn't want her to become even more territorial of her space. Since we got them from the same place, they likely have already been exposed to the same germs. So we introduced them in a neutral area for at least an hour and a half, and they seemed to be doing well. The new little gal is a bit smaller than our Marshmallow, by the way. They kind of sniffed each others' rears, sniffed noses, followed each other, etc. The little one was doing some popcorning. During this time, we completely cleaned out the 2x4 cage and rearranged things a bit. Then we put them in together. I guess I'm just wondering...how long before we know if they will "bond" appropriately? There has been no rumblestrutting, "go away" sounds, or severe aggressiveness. The main thing I've noticed is Marshmallow once took a piece of hay out the newbie's mouth. And then a few times the "baby" has cried out when Marshmallow doesn't want her in the same hidey. I can't see if she's nipping at her or not, but I have not noticed any signs of injury. Anyway, just wondering...what can I look for or expect? Thank you for being supportive in finding a friend!
Okay, we got Marshmallow a friend today! Please don't hate me for getting from a pet store, but it was either that or none, since I have not found anything in our area at all! We chose not to quarantine (please don't hate me for that either). One of the reasons for that is that we've only had Marshmallow for a week and we didn't want her to become even more territorial of her space. Since we got them from the same place, they likely have already been exposed to the same germs. So we introduced them in a neutral area for at least an hour and a half, and they seemed to be doing well. The new little gal is a bit smaller than our Marshmallow, by the way. They kind of sniffed each others' rears, sniffed noses, followed each other, etc. The little one was doing some popcorning. During this time, we completely cleaned out the 2x4 cage and rearranged things a bit. Then we put them in together. I guess I'm just wondering...how long before we know if they will "bond" appropriately? There has been no rumblestrutting, "go away" sounds, or severe aggressiveness. The main thing I've noticed is Marshmallow once took a piece of hay out the newbie's mouth. And then a few times the "baby" has cried out when Marshmallow doesn't want her in the same hidey. I can't see if she's nipping at her or not, but I have not noticed any signs of injury. Anyway, just wondering...what can I look for or expect? Thank you for being supportive in finding a friend!
