Lots Of Toys When Introducing New Piggy?

[Eriathwen]

Ok, I tried introducing Shelly to Bramble the other month as it's clear Bramble misses her sister. This.went.terribly. I ended it after a few hours as I didnt want the stress to bring on another 'episode' of Brambles e.cuniculi and it was very clear Shelly did not want another guinea pig near her. Thinking back, she even knocked around Leonard before I realised she was a girl, her attitude to other pigs makes it more obvious how she managed to go 5 weeks with Leonard and not get pregnant!

So anyway, on Thursday I have a new, younger girl coming to be Brambles new friend and I'm hoping things go a lot smoother this time. Bramble will obviously feel less threatened as the piggy will not be a much larger, stronger adult. My question is, I have bought a range of new toys, tubes, foraging playthings etc for everyone and I was wondering if this would either A) Cause more conflict between the 2 pigs and cause fights, or B) Give them both plenty of distractions to actually avoid fights? There is plenty to share, 2 of everything etc so I'm hoping for the latter. But id be interested in hearing others' opinion on it.

Thanks guys!

 

[Wiebke]

Ok, I tried introducing Shelly to Bramble the other month as it's clear Bramble misses her sister. This.went.terribly. I ended it after a few hours as I didnt want the stress to bring on another 'episode' of Brambles e.cuniculi and it was very clear Shelly did not want another guinea pig near her. Thinking back, she even knocked around Leonard before I realised she was a girl, her attitude to other pigs makes it more obvious how she managed to go 5 weeks with Leonard and not get pregnant!

So anyway, on Thursday I have a new, younger girl coming to be Brambles new friend and I'm hoping things go a lot smoother this time. Bramble will obviously feel less threatened as the piggy will not be a much larger, stronger adult. My question is, I have bought a range of new toys, tubes, foraging playthings etc for everyone and I was wondering if this would either A) Cause more conflict between the 2 pigs and cause fights, or B) Give them both plenty of distractions to actually avoid fights? There is plenty to share, 2 of everything etc so I'm hoping for the latter. But id be interested in hearing others' opinion on it.

Thanks guys!

Lots of toys are not going to help a successful introduction. In fact, the less distraction and things they can exercise dominance over, the better!

We have got a very detailed and illustrated bonding guide here; it takes you through all the phases from the preparation and set-up to the end of the dominance phase about on average two weeks down the lane. You may find it very helpful.
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[Eriathwen]

Brilliant, thankyou! I'll put Bramble and her hopefully new friends new things to one side until shes settled in and theyre both more relaxed in a few weeks.
Ive been having a quick read of the guides but somehow missed that one, i'll read it now! Poor Barri in the video reminds me very much of how introductions with Shelly went. So its reassuring to know I made the right call to give up with that friendship!