I Messed Up

PerpLexxity

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 9, 2017
Messages
52
Reaction score
53
Points
190
Location
Idaho, US
Hey everybody.
My two boys have been sharing a cage (with a divider in between so they can socialize) for a little over a month. They have been living like this because little Henry was going through a testosterone spike and was challenging the dominant pig (Gizmo). This behavior resulted in a fight and caused the separation.
His testosterone spike has passed and Henry seems to have calmed down now. Today was the first time I have taken out the divider to let the pigs see each other without wire separating them. The first thing that happened was that Gizmo tried to mount Henry. Unfortunately, my nerves got in the way of the dominance process and I moved Gizmo off of Henry. Henry didn't look to happy that he was still ranked below Gizmo and that made me even more anxious. Gizmo chased around Henry for a bit trying to mount but I kept getting in the way. Soon the two boys teeth chattered and that's when I separated them into their original spaces.
I know i'm not supposed to get involved when they are only trying to figure out who is the boss pig but I just keep getting so nervous and feel like I have to get involved when I know I shouldn't. My question is when can I get involved? How long should I wait until I "re-introduce" them? Tips on re-introducing? I have read the thread on re-introducing but how should I do it, do I introduce them then separate them again, separate them at night, should I keep them together?
Thanks for helping !
Also I know they want to have more interaction because they are constantly chewing on the barrier that separates them. But when they do get together Henry teeth chatters at Gizmo and i'm nervous a fight will break out as it has before *when Henry was going through his testosterone spike*.
Please help i'm just a piggy mom
 
Oh bless you. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if they have already fought in the past they may not ever go back together.
 
It is important if you want to try and reintroduce them to do it in a totally neutral setting.
Simply removing the barrier in their cage is unlikely to work.

Lady Kelly has linked to a good guide which you need to follow if there is any chance of them going back together.

Every time you separate them (even if it is only with a grid) they need to restart the whole bonding process from scratch.
The best thing is to choose a day when you have lots of time, set up a neutral bonding area, read the guide on what to expect and let them get on with it.
If they fight then it is clear they have made up their minds and will not go back together.
But please read the guides so you know what is 'normal' behavior (things like mounting) but are prepared to separate when things start to go too far.
Good luck - it can be a nerve wracking experience!
 
Back
Top