I have two adult sows. I just adopted a 6 week old sow. Have had rheir cages close by for 2 days and now have them in a neutral floortime area. I am not sure how I will know when it is safe to put them in their cage together. They have gone back and forth between ignoring eachother, and chasing and rumbling. There have not been any spats but the older girls have harassed her a bit. It started out with her trying to mount them and climbing on them. She is not doing much of that since the first few minutes. Any advice is appreciated.
New Baby Intro help please
- Thread starter Islander4
- Start date
Hi! It sounds like acceptance has happened; the hierarchy has been established and they have progressed to the dominance phase. You can transfer to the cage anytime or leave them together in the bonding pen overnight if you prefer. Please make sure that there are no hideys with just one exit at first, and that there are at least as many hideys or one more as there piggies. The same goes for any food bowls.
Please take the time to read this guide here; you should find it helpful. One of the bondings discussed in more detail is bonding a young guinea pig into a pair/group.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Thanks! I did read all the guides. Thanks for your reply. So you think the chasing and rumbling is not a cause for concern? They have eaten from the same hay and veggie piles a few times. Also, I did as you said with the hides and have multiple water bottles and food bowls for their cage.
No, it is typical behaviour for the dominance phase when you read the guides again on that issue.
