Sunflowerjasper
New Born Pup
Hi there, I'm looking for some advice / other opinions about my current piggy situation.
I had two male guinea pigs who just turned 3 years old. They got on very well but unfortunately the more dominant pig passed away all of a sudden. Our other pig seemed down for a while, but then OK, and I think us being at home at the moment has played a big part in that. However, lately he's been really attention-seeking, and seemed bored even after having lots of new exciting things in his home. He constantly wanted food and attention, and I thought perhaps he's lonely and missing piggy companionship.
So we decided to get another pig as a friend for him, and brought home a 10-week old male, who has settled in well. We kept them in separate homes for the first few days, and then I swapped some hay and sawdust from each home so they could smell each other. And then I put them into each other's homes on their own - the younger one loved it, running around and popcorning. The older one seemed fine but a bit more cautious.
Today we tried to introduce them to each other in a neutral environment and the younger one was very excited, whilst the older one wasn't that bothered, but wanted to go back into his home. So we then tried putting them both in the main home and they interacted a lot more. The older one followed the younger one around and did some sniffing and a little rumbling. He seemed initially concerned like, "hey, why are you on my bed and eating my food?", and showed his dominance by raising his chin high when they sniffed one another, but they both also popcorned a few times. I watched them for a few hours until I noticed the older one had a pink lip. The younger one had nipped his lip, but the older one hadn't made a noise or retaliated. I decided to separate them just in case and let the older one have a rest. But the younger one wants to go back and is squeaking and chewing the bars. I just feel awful.
I've ordered a ramp to connect the two homes and I'm hoping that it will allow them to spend some time together but also have their own space. The older one seems relaxed, and the younger one doesn't seem aggressive, I think he must have just scared and then nipped.
Do you think this piggy behaviour and the plan of action sound OK? I'm nervous, I only want the best for them both.
I had two male guinea pigs who just turned 3 years old. They got on very well but unfortunately the more dominant pig passed away all of a sudden. Our other pig seemed down for a while, but then OK, and I think us being at home at the moment has played a big part in that. However, lately he's been really attention-seeking, and seemed bored even after having lots of new exciting things in his home. He constantly wanted food and attention, and I thought perhaps he's lonely and missing piggy companionship.
So we decided to get another pig as a friend for him, and brought home a 10-week old male, who has settled in well. We kept them in separate homes for the first few days, and then I swapped some hay and sawdust from each home so they could smell each other. And then I put them into each other's homes on their own - the younger one loved it, running around and popcorning. The older one seemed fine but a bit more cautious.
Today we tried to introduce them to each other in a neutral environment and the younger one was very excited, whilst the older one wasn't that bothered, but wanted to go back into his home. So we then tried putting them both in the main home and they interacted a lot more. The older one followed the younger one around and did some sniffing and a little rumbling. He seemed initially concerned like, "hey, why are you on my bed and eating my food?", and showed his dominance by raising his chin high when they sniffed one another, but they both also popcorned a few times. I watched them for a few hours until I noticed the older one had a pink lip. The younger one had nipped his lip, but the older one hadn't made a noise or retaliated. I decided to separate them just in case and let the older one have a rest. But the younger one wants to go back and is squeaking and chewing the bars. I just feel awful.
I've ordered a ramp to connect the two homes and I'm hoping that it will allow them to spend some time together but also have their own space. The older one seems relaxed, and the younger one doesn't seem aggressive, I think he must have just scared and then nipped.
Do you think this piggy behaviour and the plan of action sound OK? I'm nervous, I only want the best for them both.
