Medi Has A New Friend But Doesn´t Care About Her So Far

[Pampeliska]

As many of you know, almost two weeks ago I lost my beautiful girl Pampeliska (thank you for all the messages, they really helped during the worst moments). I thought a lot about whether to get new piggy and I felt like my second girl Medi needs it. She is 4 years old and have spent all her life with Pampi. She was grieving a little but actually got over it quite alright, but I still didn´t want her to be alone while we are in the work.

So even though I don´t feel entirely ready for a new piggy, yesterday I brought home my new girl Quarta. She is 2 years old chocolate piggy and currently very very scared but she seems to be sweet.

I have not introduced girls yet as there was no time for that yesterday but they are now in separate enclosures close to each other so they can see and smell each other. I was hoping that Medi would be interested in a new friend but when I showed her Quarta she just turned her back to her and did not seemed bothered at all. I am slightly confused by that, but hopefully, it will be resolved later. Wish us luck.

Little Quarta in her new home:

 

[Jesse's pigs]

Congrats on the new addition! And I hope the bonding goes well I'm sure a new friend is the best medicine for a grieving piggy like Medi. She may not seem interested now but I bet when you start the bonding that will change.

 

[Wiebke]

As many of you know, almost two weeks ago I lost my beautiful girl Pampeliska (thank you for all the messages, they really helped during the worst moments). I thought a lot about whether to get new piggy and I felt like my second girl Medi needs it. She is 4 years old and have spent all her life with Pampi. She was grieving a little but actually got over it quite alright, but I still didn´t want her to be alone while we are in the work.

So even though I don´t feel entirely ready for a new piggy, yesterday I brought home my new girl Quarta. She is 2 years old chocolate piggy and currently very very scared but she seems to be sweet.

I have not introduced girls yet as there was no time for that yesterday but they are now in separate enclosures close to each other so they can see and smell each other. I was hoping that Medi would be interested in a new friend but when I showed her Quarta she just turned her back to her and did not seemed bothered at all. I am slightly confused by that, but hopefully, it will be resolved later. Wish us luck.

Little Quarta in her new home: View attachment 73719

Give your two girls time to get used to each other through the bars for a few days. Even next door company will help.
Don't push it.
Piggies react very differently, but whether they prefer to have their very own territory or like to share it with somepig, they still profit from the constant stimulation that a new companion brings.
I have taken in a friend's 8 year old sow at the beginning of the year that was initially seemingly fine after the last of her companions passed away, but that over time got depressed. She's not keen on sharing her little queendom, so she's next to a 6 year old bereaved single sow of my own with the same problem - and neither girl is depressed anymore since they have each other to interact with through the bars!

Take time to please read our bonding guides. Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[Pampeliska]

Give your two girls time to get used to each other through the bars for a few days. Even next door company will help.
Don't push it.
Piggies react very differently, but whether they prefer to have their very own territory or like to share it with somepig, they still profit from the constant stimulation that a new companion brings.
I have taken in a friend's 8 year old sow at the beginning of the year that was initially seemingly fine after the last of her companions passed away, but that over time got depressed. She's not keen on sharing her little queendom, so she's next to a 6 year old bereaved single sow of my own with the same problem - and neither girl is depressed anymore since they have each other to interact with through the bars!

Take time to please read our bonding guides. Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

Thank you Wiebke! I read the advice and we will see how little Quarta (she came with the name) will do today or tomorrow

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you Wiebke! I read the advice and we will see how little Quarta (she came with the name) will do today or tomorrow

Give it as much time as necessary, even if it is a few weeks. It has to be right for the piggies!

 

[Pampeliska]

Ok, so after the two days in separate enclosures girls started to show interest in each other so we decided to introduce them yesterday. At first, everything went smooth, they had food, sniffed each other a little but then something changed and we had awfully lot of teeth rattling and literally flying fur. I decided to separate them and not to continue for that session as it didn´t seem to go well. I am quite surprised that younger, smaller and new Quarta actually went for dominance quite hard. I am also worried, poor Medi has some health problems and I don´t want to put her through this fighting right now. I know that she needs the company but right now I am starting to doubt my choice...

 

[Pampeliska]

Also, most likely because of loss of Pampi I can´t connect with Qarta right away and when I saw her fighting Medi, even though I know it´s natural behavior, it made me kind of upset and sad for the sweet Medi. I am worried I rushed things little bit for both of us

 

[Wiebke]

Also, most likely because of loss of Pampi I can´t connect with Qarta right away and when I saw her fighting Medi, even though I know it´s natural behavior, it made me kind of upset and sad for the sweet Medi. I am worried I rushed things little bit for both of us

Give the two more time to settle down. Guinea pigs, especially when they have never been with a mate before, often show fear-aggressive behaviour when meeting piggies. This often leads to problems or a fail if you push it too early.

Medi has got another piggy next door to keep her from becoming depressed, but give the two of you time to grieve and to make friends with Quanta. It is always so much more difficult when you can't let your piggy choose their new mate themselves.