Introducing a New Guinea Pig

[Katy412]

Hello, I am after some advice. So, we have 7 lovely Sows and have rescued a neutered boar a few days ago. We’ve had the usual rumbling, nips, mounting, chasing, teeth chattering etc, but 2 of our girls have taken an instant dislike to him
They tolerate him all together outside in the run, still the usual dominance behaviours, but nothing concerning. The problem is when they are inside together. Two of the girls become quite aggressive and I’ve had to step in a couple times. He’s currently sectioned off with the grids in his own bit (we have a large c and c cage), do I continue separating them with the grids while inside, or just let them sort it out? I’m worried they’ll hurt eachother as they teeth chatter quite aggressively and lunge at eachother, but this only happens inside! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

What size is the c&c cage?
Did you introduce them properly on neutral territory for several hours before moving them all back to the cage?
Did you thoroughly clean the cage out and rearrange it before placing all the piggies back in it?

Lunging is a defensive - stay out of my space - behaviour, not aggression.

This guide explains bonding and the behaviours which you do and do not want to see

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

What you cannot do is keep him separated inside but allow them to be together just outside - they either have to be together and bond properly or you have to decide that they really won’t accept him and whether that may mean splitting your herd up so he can be with the ones who do like him, and the ones who don’t remain together as a sow herd.

 

[Katy412]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, they were introduced in a neutral space and monitored in there for several hours, with no overly concerning behaviour. The whole cage was cleaned, everything washed before his arrival. The cage is 10x2, with a 3x2 added at the side, so there is plenty of space for them to move around.
While in the run in the garden (which is smaller than their indoor cage) they are sharing food, laying next to eachother, he keeps licking them, which they are fine with, but then it’s a completely different situation once placed inside
He’s currently on a trial with us from a rescue centre, so if it really doesn’t work out, we can return him, would be such a shame because he’s a lovely friendly boy.