New piggies

[Tishtash]

Around 6 weeks ago we lost our almost 6 year old Peruvian, leaving behind one younger piggie (Maggie aged 3)

straight away we noticed Maggie was struggling with being alone & the hunt started for a guinea pig to adopt... it seems there is a shortage of Guinea pigs in the UK at the moment to adopt or buy (many pet shops and rescues near us have not been selling / rehoming during the pandemic) however we finally found 2 female babies!

We have obviously followed advice with introductions and have now tried them out in a neutral space!

Maggies seemed a little unsure of the space at first but is now showing a lot of interest in the babies (one in particular) she is following them & trying to lick / sniff around their faces (the babies seem a little unsure about this) & when the babies get startled she snuggles over them, although they’re so little I’m scared she’s squishing them! She has been squeaking and making chirping sounds which she hasn’t done since she lost her old buddy & the babies squeak back! All are munching away together & she even let one of the babies have some romain lettuce!

Can anyone advise if this is all positive behaviour?

 

[PigglePuggle]

This all sounds very positive, sounds like your older girl's maternal instincts are kicking in! You may encounter problems once the babies hit their teenage phase from about 4 months-12 months, and try to challenge her, but for now it all sounds very good. But please do double check that both the babies are female, mis-sexing is unfortunately very common in piggies coming from pet shops or breeders, if the piggies are very small it can be difficult to tell!

 

[Piggies&buns]

This all sounds fine. She won’t squash them

 

[Wiebke]

Around 6 weeks ago we lost our almost 6 year old Peruvian, leaving behind one younger piggie (Maggie aged 3)

straight away we noticed Maggie was struggling with being alone & the hunt started for a guinea pig to adopt... it seems there is a shortage of Guinea pigs in the UK at the moment to adopt or buy (many pet shops and rescues near us have not been selling / rehoming during the pandemic) however we finally found 2 female babies!

We have obviously followed advice with introductions and have now tried them out in a neutral space!

Maggies seemed a little unsure of the space at first but is now showing a lot of interest in the babies (one in particular) she is following them & trying to lick / sniff around their faces (the babies seem a little unsure about this) & when the babies get startled she snuggles over them, although they’re so little I’m scared she’s squishing them! She has been squeaking and making chirping sounds which she hasn’t done since she lost her old buddy & the babies squeak back! All are munching away together & she even let one of the babies have some romain lettuce!

Can anyone advise if this is all positive behaviour?

AWWW - feel blessed!

Here is a video diary about the first baby days in which you may recognise many of the behaviours and sounds you are describing. Don't worry, the babies are not in any danger whatsoever!
first-baby-days-a-video-and-picture-diary

Here is our detailed bonding guide, which will explain many of the key behaviour in social interaction so you can understand better what is going on: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Tishtash]

This all sounds very positive, sounds like your older girl's maternal instincts are kicking in! You may encounter problems once the babies hit their teenage phase from about 4 months-12 months, and try to challenge her, but for now it all sounds very good. But please do double check that both the babies are female, mis-sexing is unfortunately very common in piggies coming from pet shops or breeders, if the piggies are very small it can be difficult to tell!

yes definitely will get them double checked, when wegot Maggie a few years ago she had accidentally been placed with males and was sold (unknown to us) already pregnant & had a litter of 4 at only 5 months old... wondering if the fact she’s had babies of her own before has helped her be good with these two! Glad they are all good signs though and it seems like she’s pleased with our decision to get her new companions as she’s been lounged out in her own very relaxed making lots of noise which she hasn’t done for weeks! She had just been hiding in her house till now

 

[Tishtash]

AWWW - feel blessed!

Here is a video diary about the first baby days in which you may recognise many of the behaviours and sounds you are describing. Don't worry, the babies are not in any danger whatsoever!
first-baby-days-a-video-and-picture-diary

Here is our detailed bonding guide, which will explain many of the key behaviour in social interaction so you can understand better what is going on: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Thank you I will have a watch

 

[Tishtash]

This all sounds fine. She won’t squash them

Thank you it’s comforting to know these are all positive signs