Introducing young adopted pigs to an older pig

Tiny Bubbles

Tiny Bubbles

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We adopted two young guinea pigs on the eve of November 1st (Peppy-Pie and Ginny-Bear). They are under one year old (so we were told). We have a guinea pig who is about 6-7 years old, Tiny Bubbles (we have had her for five years and we think she was 1-2 years when we brought her in). All are girls.

We are hesitant to introduce these new girls to our older gal, but we are not against the idea fully. I know that it is recommended that we wait 14 days before introducing, but I wonder if 13 days would be a safe bet to at least put them in the same room together (in their separate pens). I understand the 14 days is to rule out any possible diseases, infections, etc. I am only throwing out 13 days as I know that I have two relatively consistent days to watch them after putting them in the same room.

I also realize that just by putting them in the same room will not aid with actually introducing them (if we decide to do so), but maybe we could get a feel for how Tiny Bubbles would react to hearing and seeing other piggies. Tiny Bubbles has always lived alone here, and to our knowledge, she lived alone before we adopted her.


Any input is appreciated!
 
@Wiebke is probably one of the best members to advise you on this subject. She should be online tomorrow, If she sees this she will guide you I'm sure. 👍
 
Tiny Bubbles said:
We adopted two young guinea pigs on the eve of November 1st (Peppy-Pie and Ginny-Bear). They are under one year old (so we were told). We have a guinea pig who is about 6-7 years old, Tiny Bubbles (we have had her for five years and we think she was 1-2 years when we brought her in). All are girls.

We are hesitant to introduce these new girls to our older gal, but we are not against the idea fully. I know that it is recommended that we wait 14 days before introducing, but I wonder if 13 days would be a safe bet to at least put them in the same room together (in their separate pens). I understand the 14 days is to rule out any possible diseases, infections, etc. I am only throwing out 13 days as I know that I have two relatively consistent days to watch them after putting them in the same room.

I also realize that just by putting them in the same room will not aid with actually introducing them (if we decide to do so), but maybe we could get a feel for how Tiny Bubbles would react to hearing and seeing other piggies. Tiny Bubbles has always lived alone here, and to our knowledge, she lived alone before we adopted her.


Any input is appreciated!
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Hi!

13 days are OK; most problems would have made an appearance by then. You have to be practical.
If you can please introduce in a divided run and give the girls time to meet each other through the bars first for a few hours or overnight. That is taking some of the stress out of the bonding proper. Otherwise place the cages next to each to each to other.
The acceptance rate of two young girls by an adult sow is generally higher as it means group leadership and therefore a promotion in status; but it all depends on the individual personalities and bonding dynamics. However many bondings you have done, you can never predict them!

What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

All the best!
 
Thanks!

My gut told me that 13 days should be fine...but I am an ‘over-thinker’! I wasn’t sure if there might be a certain disease that takes a full 14 days to show it’s ugly head! :)

We will move their pen into Bubble’s room on Wednesday, place them next to each other...I will let you know how they all react!
 
Hope it goes well.
I can highly recommend the bonding guides - they saved my sanity when I bonded 2 pairs.
Forum members were also very supportive and kind when I had panic moments.

Some years ago I bonded a bereaved older sow with 2 young sisters. She took to them instantly and started mothering them. We did have a bit of noise and chin offs but it worked well and happily for 3 years until I lost one.

Keep us posted
 
We are attempting to introduce the three girls today. They have been together for about one hour. So far, the two new girls have been exploring and sticking together for the most part. They have been sniffing Bubbles, and licking (nipping?) her ears, every so often, after which Bubbles runs away. Bubbles seems very fearful and unsure. Not sure that this is working out for them...?
 
....also, Bubble’s fur on the back of her head is standing on end, her entire body appears “puffed up,” her breathing is somewhat rapid, and she is trying to stay close to the corner. She honestly looks terrified.

I think we are going to call it a bust...Bubbles does not seem to want anything to do with these girls. :no:
 
Bill & Ted said:
Aw, such a shame x
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It really is a shame...we were hoping this would have gone differently. We just put them back into their pens as, for the last 25 mins, Bubbles was not only hiding from them, but also whimpering and backing up whenever they approached her. I do think the new girls were excited to meet Bubbles...the feeling was just not mutual.
 
Would she be ok with side by side cages, perhaps she would like to company just not housed with them. She’s an old lady and she’s probably set in her ways x A bit like me really 😉
 
Bill & Ted said:
Would she be ok with side by side cages, perhaps she would like to company just not housed with them. She’s an old lady and she’s probably set in her ways x A bit like me really 😉
Click to expand...
Yes, Bubbles seems content with that type of set up. Their pens are in the same room, so they can see, smell, and hear each other. I do think that you are right...Bubbles is set in her ways! :nod:
 
Aw, never mind I’m sure she is perfectly happy with her set up and she can see hear and sniff the other piggies, so not a problemx
 
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