Penny did not like Erin :(

squeaksandcarrots

squeaksandcarrots

Adult Guinea Pig
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So I just tried to get Penny and Erin to meet up. Erin seemed happy to see Penny but Penny definitely was not happy to see Erin. Penny began to chatter yet Erin made happy noises. I think Erin invaded Penny's space, which caused Penny to attack Erin. I saw a piece of Erin's fur in Penny's mouth and that's when I split them up. I didn't want things to get worse. Any advice on what I could do to help? And how long should I wait before letting them meet again?
 
Read the bonding guides - they are excellent.
I've just bonded 2 pairs and had nose scratches and fur in the mouth as well - however the guides plus advice from forum members helped me from total panic and I now have a functioning herd.

Good luck
 
:agr:
Please read the guides carefully and ensure you follow the advice given. It’s important to prepare your neutral space carefully for the introductions and allow them time and space to meet. Understanding the body language and behaviour is important. It’s worth trying again at some point,
 
My first attempt at bonding 2 pairs of ladies was a complete disaster (due to 2 short sighted piggies getting in a panic and colliding at speed which triggered a riot!) but somehow the next day we tried again and got a fairly functional herd. The most incompatible of my ladies have an uneasy truce where they sometimes eat hay together, sometimes avoid each other, sometimes teeth chatter and lunge at each other, but also sometimes secretly sneak up when their enemy is sleeping to lick their ears or sniff their bum or just sleep nearby :) female guinea pig politics seem to be very complex and also shift with their hormonal cycles so I would say its always worth another attempt!
 
My two live happily together but often squabble, pinch each other’s food, nip each other and sometimes even jump out on each other. Also regular rumbling!
 
Erin and Penny are currently bonding. It's going a lot better than yesterday! My first question is when do I know it is time to put them in the cage again? I've been watching them for about 2 hours now and it's certain that Erin is the boss. They haven't been fighting and Erin has shown friendly signs towards Penny and vice versa.
My second question is what does the squeaking mean in introductions? Erin has been making more a nervous squeak a lot and I'm confused what that exactly means.
 
Erin and Penny are now in the cage together, but they definitely are still bickering even though the introduction went well. Is this common? If so how long will it last? This is my first time putting 2 pigs together so I'm nervous about their behavior.
 
Today I bonded Penny and Erin and it's clear that Erin is the boss. I just reread the article on here about bonding behaviors and introductions. I missed the part where the dominance phase is typically 2 weeks, and when I read that I was heartbroken. I hate to see my two piggies fight. Part of me just wants to keep them separate so they won't fight, but I know I should keep going through with the bonding. It's going to be a rough couple weeks for all of us :(
 
@emlen23 If you think it's not going to escalate any further then try them in the cage.

If Erin is the boss then it could be a 'stay away' or 'you're annoying me' noise.
 
Our ladies do seem to be enjoying sorting out their herd hierarchy, with 4 we cant tell yet who will be most dominant- currently its whoever is in season or has wedged their bum in front of the entrance to the giant hay tray cage extension :) big fatty Clover is the most aggressive but little Puggle is determined to keep her first lady claim for little boar Theo. When we introduce Theo into the cage in 2 weeks time it will be very interesting to see what happens!
 
I think you’re meant to leave them to bond until they have fallen asleep together then woken up as when they wake up it might start all over again? At least that’s what you should do with boars but sows might be different?

Hutch needs to be thoroughly cleaned out with no smells of one or the other piggy.
 
Sow behaviour is fascinating. Just watch and wait. It will probably all work out as long as there is no full blown fight with blood drawn.
 
Nose scratches are quite common in my experience - from a misjudged swipe or a tooth or just in a flurry of getting away from each other. Mabel had one recently when Ralph moved in.
 
Jemimah ended up with a couple of nose scratches.
So long as that’s all it’s nothing to worry about.

Be prepared for the seasons though.
My herd is still new and Priscilla has just come into season.
She’s causing total chaos in between stopping to eat, nap and recoup her energy
 
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