Older Piggy Bullying The Other? I Don't Know What To Think. Help.

[Carta Elisa]

I just brought home a 2 year old piggy to my 2 month old female Trixie.
The new girl, is extremely scared, although I was told she was friendly and close to humans.
This might be due to the stress I guess. After giving them floor time together fir about 1h30, which went very well I thought, I put them in the same cage.
Now the new girl is hiding in the little house I made for them and is stopping the other from entering. Every times she tries to come in the other nudges her pretty violently. I can see Trixie is now keeping her distance. Should I separate again? I'm worried. I must be doing something wrong.

 

[Merab]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Check the forum thread Behaviour and Bonding
This will give you good information and guidance about bonding.
One of the more expert members will be along to help soon.

 

[Wiebke]

I just brought home a 2 year old piggy to my 2 month old female Trixie.
The new girl, is extremely scared, although I was told she was friendly and close to humans.
This might be due to the stress I guess. After giving them floor time together fir about 1h30, which went very well I thought, I put them in the same cage.
Now the new girl is hiding in the little house I made for them and is stopping the other from entering. Every times she tries to come in the other nudges her pretty violently. I can see Trixie is now keeping her distance. Should I separate again? I'm worried. I must be doing something wrong.

Hi!

Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find them very helpful. During the dominance phase, which is what your two girls are now in, it is best to provide as many or more hideys than piggies and to only use hideys with two exits. First choice of prime spots and foods is the privilege of the leading sow, and it is firmly enforced while the group hierarchy is established; this process is not pretty, but vital to establish a functional group. Just try to provide some cardboard houses with two exits or use tunnels.
Please be aware that even the most closely bonded piggies still prefer to spend time away. One hidey is not enough.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour

 

[Carta Elisa]

Thank you so very much ! I'm going through the guidelines right now.
I have made a cardboard house and installed a tunnel as well. I am a bit relieved to know that even though it doesn't look nice it is still a normal process.
I'am on holiday for two weeks so will be able to watch them during the process and rearrange their environment if necessary.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so very much ! I'm going through the guidelines right now.
I have made a cardboard house and installed a tunnel as well. I am a bit relieved to know that even though it doesn't look nice it is still a normal process.
I'am on holiday for two weeks so will be able to watch them during the process and rearrange their environment if necessary.

The first few days are usually the worst; it should get less with every passing day.