Re-introducing A Guinea Pig

[Noelle Foto]

I just adopted my first guinea pig yesterday. She was previously owned and dropped off at pet store by its owners. All I do know about her is that she is about 6 months old. The cage that she was in did have another guinea pig in it and from the pet store associate told me, they came from the same place. Now if feel bad for splitting them up. If i go back to buy the other guinea pig that was originally with the one i adopted can i just put them together without quarantining them since they've only been apart for one day?

 

[Wiebke]

I just adopted my first guinea pig yesterday. She was previously owned and dropped off at pet store by its owners. All I do know about her is that she is about 6 months old. The cage that she was in did have another guinea pig in it and from the pet store associate told me, they came from the same place. Now if feel bad for splitting them up. If i go back to buy the other guinea pig that was originally with the one i adopted can i just put them together without quarantining them since they've only been apart for one day?

Yes, they should be fine. Please do get her companion! Sadly shop personnel do not respect existing guinea pig bonds and still sell guinea pigs into single situations, whether that is babies or returned piggies.

This guide will help you to read the behaviours as your girls re-establish their bond in new territory.

 

[Wiebke]

Sorry, here is the guide: Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

You may also find our new owners guide collection helpful; it addresses the most often asked questions from new owners and combines them with some important information.
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice

 

[Noelle Foto]

Thank you. I went back and bought the other one and they were so happy when I put them together again

 

[PiggieHerd]

Thank you. I went back and bought the other one and they were so happy when I put them together again

Thank you for getting her friend. This made me really happy!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. I went back and bought the other one and they were so happy when I put them together again

That is great news!

Guinea pigs are social animals that identify themselves first and foremost by the group they are a member of. Being on their own is their biggest nightmare. Ripping an established social unit apart without need is simply cruel. As you can see for yourself, it really makes all the difference - and you are going to enjoy two happy piggies instead of one unhappy one!

 

[Janice C]

Thank you. I went back and bought the other one and they were so happy when I put them together again

Oh I'm so pleased! I love a happy ending - especially when they'd originally allowed the adoption of just one.

By the way, did you check both sows?

 

[Noelle Foto]

Yes I did and they are. They were definitely fighting for dominance last night. I felt so bad and wanted to intervene but I know they'll figure it out on they're own.