Neutral territory

[Nicinoonoo]

If you have a bonded pair or trio can they socialise with other piggies in a neutral territory like a run or should they always stay apart? Many thanks

 

[VickiA]

If you have a bonded pair or trio can they socialise with other piggies in a neutral territory like a run or should they always stay apart? Many thanks

The answer is no - they should not be mixed . Not under any circumstances unless you are attempting a bonding between groups with the intention of them permanently living together.
Each time they meet they have to work out the hierarchy which involves dominance etc. That is hugely stressful for all the piggies.

 

[Wiebke]

Guinea pigs don't do play time.

For them, every meeting is either an interrupted full-on bonding session or a hierarchical dominance sort-out between territorial bonded groups that will not bond. Insisting on mixing can lead to fights because the losers cannot just walk away as they normally would. It is a very stressful experience for guinea pigs.

 

[Nicinoonoo]

Thanks. I’m thinking down the line if I got more piggies and what space I would need for exercise.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks. I’m thinking down the line if I got more piggies and what space I would need for exercise.

You can time share a run with different groups. Always do boars-only bonds first and have a different fleece for them.