Pretty odd case

[Pettlebiscuit]

Afternoon All,

I've been checking these forums for advice for a good year or so since we first got out beloved little girl Milky Jo (who passed away last month due to a twisted cecum). She was paired with our other girl, Toffee Sue. Since Milky's passing, Toffee really has come out of her shell (Milky ran the roost) and showed no signs of grieving, she was eating, drinking and engaging with us fine.

We knew that although she is loving and full of character, in the long run leaving her alone wasn't fair, so we decided to adopt from a local rescue a male neutered boar roughly the same age.

We adopted him 4 weeks after his surgery and they have been living side by side in a divided pen for the remaining 2 weeks. We made a bonding pen from leftover c&c grids and bought a new blanket for the base to introduce. Hay and veggies have been laid down and the piggies are meeting for the first time.

I have read through practically every guide and thread on here with regards to bonding but can't find anything specific to our scenario, so here comes the breakdown/question:

Buzz (our new boar) was doing the usual, rumblestrutting, chasing, trying to mount, bit of teeth chattering, smelling Toffee's bum and chin raises at first, but then things calmed down. Of course the episodes flared up again but now Toffee is rublestrutting back and lunging every so often.

Buzz has stopped trying to mount but has never let Toffee anywhere near his bum. Is this against guinea pig etiquette and will it cause Toffee to be resentful? They seem to be laying down alot (Toffee in particular) now and Toffee genuinely seems interested in him, trying to sniff him etc but Buzz won't allow her near him.


Any insight to this would be really appreciated as never had to bond before.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Siikibam]

It sounds like normal dominance behaviour and them trying to sort out the hierarchy. Have a read of the dominance behaviour and see where they are. But I would say it sounds okay.

Also bear in mind that this will go on for two weeks after they move into their new digs.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Pettlebiscuit]

It sounds like normal dominance behaviour and them trying to sort out the hierarchy. Have a read of the dominance behaviour and see where they are. But I would say it sounds okay.

Also bear in mind that this will go on for two weeks after they move into their new digs.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Thanks for the reply/advice.

It's odd, Toffee went to sniff Buzz again, he got a defensive and she jumped out to about 15cm in front of him and laid down on her side as if to sleep! Hopefully this is encouraging.

 

[Swissgreys]

This is very encouraging. It shows that she is interested, but in no way going to push things with him.
I know it's early days but it does all sound rather promising so far.