NEW PIG INTRO?

[LittleGems]

Hey guys,
I will be getting a new pig soon for my Bella as her friend sadly passed away last month I’ve heard that they need to be introduced in a certain way but I’m not really sure how. Any suggestions or tips? Bella is currently 3 yrs and her new will be the same. Thanks

 

[piggieminder]

Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides
The best way to find Bella a new friend is to go to a reputable rescue who will do the bonding for you, that way you go home with a compatable piggy. Have a look in the rescue locator above for one near you. If like me you don't have one within many miles of you have a good read through these guides I found them a huge help when I was in your position. I read them through several times before going ahead with bonding and then have them open again for a quick refresh as the bonding is going ahead. I've had two very succesful bondings following the guides. Good luck on finding your piggy a friend.

 

[fanniephina]

I'm so sorry about you and your Bella's loss.

It is very exciting getting a new friend for her :-). The info here on bonding and behavior has lots of valuable information. I added 2 sows to my little one after her cagemate was found to have been mis sexed and we had to separate. I had a fairly easy time of it actually but was prepared for it to take a week or two for full success. It's recommended to have a separator in the cage and let them get used to each other. I did let them meet on neutral ground for some minutes at a time after they were sniffing each other fairly easily through the separator. This didn't take but half of the day for our intros but it can be longer. I cleaned out the cage completely with disinfectant and the fleece, rearranged the cage and then put them together. I did take out any furniture but one very open safe place for one to go to and my cage is also fairly large with 3 of everything made it tons easier. I don't use many hideys but have fleece forests only because they have seemed to prefer those so these really helped out in the loft areas.

Biggest thing is to watch and not get nervous at normal dominance behaviors. Don't intervene and let them work it out. This part only took hours with mine but it can take some weeks to totally work out. Just be patient and you'll be fine. Your Bella will have a fond friend very soon :-).

 

[Merab]

Hope all goes well with the bonding for Bella.
She’ll be happy to have a friend.
There’s good bonding information on the forum.
I bonded mine before finding this forum but had read all I could find.
The piggies hadn’t read the instructions and within minutes of first meeting the 2 babies Merab walked into their cage and after a short time of posturing and some noise they all bonded happily.
I still love to watch them when there are displays of affection between them.
That was about 3 years ago.

 

[Wiebke]

Hey guys,
I will be getting a new pig soon for my Bella as her friend sadly passed away last month I’ve heard that they need to be introduced in a certain way but I’m not really sure how. Any suggestions or tips? Bella is currently 3 yrs and her new will be the same. Thanks

Here are our very detailed bonding tips that cover the whole period from the pre-bonding tips to the end of the dominance around 2 weeks later phase by phase and for most scenarios: Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

Please always have a plan B at the ready (living as next door neighbours if they do not work out) when you cannot let your guinea pigs choose their new mate by taking them rescue dating. You are about in with a 50% of success when you play matchmaker yourself.