Living side by side before an introduction

Wheekyone

Wheekyone

New Born Pup
Joined
Feb 22, 2022
Messages
4
Reaction score
5
Points
140
Location
Dorset
Hi all,

I'm in the process of trying to put two guinea pigs together. One is recently bereaved, so we have collected a potential friend from the local rescue.

How long is it ok to leave them side by side for before attempting an introduction? If I leave it too long will that negatively affect the chances of success?

They've now been side by side for a week. I've scent swapped, and switched them between enclosures. I was hoping to introduce tomorrow but now I can't be around as much as I would like over the following days due to a change in work duties, so am wondering if it's ok to leave them getting to know each other through the bars until next week when I will have more time to focus on bonding?


I've only done one set of introductions before which failed, so I'm very nervous and want to get it right for these two.

Thank you
 
My local Rescue recommends at least 2 weeks living side by side to get to know each other through the bars. As you are in Dorset you may have heard of Mandy's Guinea Pig Rescue they have a very good reputation around here. My piggies go on their holidays there.
 
Wheekyone said:
Hi all,

I'm in the process of trying to put two guinea pigs together. One is recently bereaved, so we have collected a potential friend from the local rescue.

How long is it ok to leave them side by side for before attempting an introduction? If I leave it too long will that negatively affect the chances of success?

They've now been side by side for a week. I've scent swapped, and switched them between enclosures. I was hoping to introduce tomorrow but now I can't be around as much as I would like over the following days due to a change in work duties, so am wondering if it's ok to leave them getting to know each other through the bars until next week when I will have more time to focus on bonding?


I've only done one set of introductions before which failed, so I'm very nervous and want to get it right for these two.

Thank you
Click to expand...

Hi

It doesn't matter how long they are next to each other; it can be days or weeks. What matters is that you have ideally 2 days' time for the introduction and can ideally leave your piggies in the bonding place overnight in order to allow them to get the roughest bit of the group establishment over with before you move them to their joint cage.

It is worth taking your time because it cuts down on the dominance during the bonding and during the post-intro group and territory establishment that happens in the roughly two weeks after the bonding. If the bonding doesn't work out, then they an continue to live as next door neighbours.

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

PS: Please be aware that guinea pigs are territorial, which most owners are not aware of. For this reason, scent swapping is one of the 'magic wand' bonding tips that have in practice not borne out; having the scent of not-group members carried in or being stuck in another piggy's territory is in fact stress building and not stress lowering. The other party is much more likely to be perceived as a hostile intruder rather than a neutral stranger in my personal experience with trying out all those tips that make the rounds over the years; it rather has impeded and not helped my own bondings.
Reacting to group or territorial changes: Dominance and group establishment/re-establishment
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top