My family had 5 girls, with two that were fairly dominant. This year we lost 3 of them, and I really wanted to have a new piggie. We got a pet store piggie and separated her, but she got through into the main cage. I thought I would let her have a try with the older pigs (4 yrs old) for today, but one keeps picking on her. She's really tiny. I'm not sure how old. We have a really large cage, so there is a lot of room. How long should I keep them separate? Will the older pigs ever accept the new one?
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New Piggie Issue
- Thread starter Hope444
- Start date
Siikibam
Forum Donator 2022/23
The first t things are this.
1. If the new piggy is younger than four months then she needs to be bonded with them as soon as possible. If she is older than four months then you need to quarantine her for two weeks, in a different room.
2. Introductions should always be done on neutral ground.
Where did you ‘try’ her with the older ones? And where were the rest? What exactly is your older piggy doing to the new one? If she’s being chased and jumped that is all normal.
If you just let her in their side then she may be seen as the intruder. It needs to be on neutral ground with no smells of any pig, a pile of hay in the middle and veg, but no hides.
The problem with just getting pet shop piggies is the fact that your current ones may not bond with the new piggy. In which case you need to have a plan b if things don’t work out. It’s always best, if possible, to take all piggies to a rescue so they can choose themselves their own friend. It’s also sometimes a possibility that they don’t want any piggies joining them. So that’s something to think about in your case.
Another thing is that trios can be hard to maintain, as you often end up with an outsider.
Have a read of the guides I’ve linked below and then see whether you’ll try again. Please make sure you piggy proof it as well. If she can slip through the divider she may be able to slip out of the cage.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...-stress-fear-and-antisocial-behaviour.167934/
s-behaviour-and-female-health-problems-including-ovarian-cysts.167978/
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Bonds In Trouble
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
1. If the new piggy is younger than four months then she needs to be bonded with them as soon as possible. If she is older than four months then you need to quarantine her for two weeks, in a different room.
2. Introductions should always be done on neutral ground.
Where did you ‘try’ her with the older ones? And where were the rest? What exactly is your older piggy doing to the new one? If she’s being chased and jumped that is all normal.
If you just let her in their side then she may be seen as the intruder. It needs to be on neutral ground with no smells of any pig, a pile of hay in the middle and veg, but no hides.
The problem with just getting pet shop piggies is the fact that your current ones may not bond with the new piggy. In which case you need to have a plan b if things don’t work out. It’s always best, if possible, to take all piggies to a rescue so they can choose themselves their own friend. It’s also sometimes a possibility that they don’t want any piggies joining them. So that’s something to think about in your case.
Another thing is that trios can be hard to maintain, as you often end up with an outsider.
Have a read of the guides I’ve linked below and then see whether you’ll try again. Please make sure you piggy proof it as well. If she can slip through the divider she may be able to slip out of the cage.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...-stress-fear-and-antisocial-behaviour.167934/
s-behaviour-and-female-health-problems-including-ovarian-cysts.167978/
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)
Bonds In Trouble
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Siikibam
Forum Donator 2022/23
She may be putting her in her place. There is a difference between a well placed nip and a bite. Sows tend to pull hair rather than bite like boars. Read the guides and prepare for bonding. You need to do it today if the new piggy is 4 months or younger.
Just move things about so it isn’t the same as it was before - you just want to make everything neutral for them. Have you put all fresh fleeces in?
Roselina
Forum Donator 2023/24
That’s a lovely piggture - wishing good luck that they become great friends 
I put them in the cage but the pig that keeps nipping at her is still doing it when she comes near the baby. The baby will just be sleeping or eating and she comes up to her and does that or chases her around.