Hi, we recently got some piggies then our smaller one got a URI shortly after we got her she has been separated from her cage mate for a week and a half while we wait for the vets to give us the all clear. They are now on treatment for ringworm as the smaller one has got it, likely from being unwell or stress because of illness. The vet has said we can reintroduce them as their both being treated (for ringworm), we have already got neutral ground sorted and there is a wire window in the cardboard partition in the cage so they can see each other. Mostly wondering about buddy baths? And also looking for some reassurance that there could be a positive outcome their still very young (13 weeks ish).
Thanks
Hi and welcome!
I am very sorry that your piggies have come with so many issues! Please make sure that you double-check the gender before you put them back together. That is another problem area we see the sorry results from sadly all too often.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)
Please take the time to read our ringworm care guide carefully. It is well worth following our recommendations as we have by now found pretty much all the possible ways in which infection and re-infection can happen. Ringworm is nasty in that it is so highly transmittable (including to humans) and in that the inivisible long lived spores can get pretty much everywhere and cause more trouble down the line. Our guide should help you to get on top of it once and for all.
Ringworm: Hygiene And Pictures
How are they being treated for their URI and the ringworm? With good care and proper medication both problems can be got over with and your babies can go on to having a happy and healthy normal life span.
Please do not separate your piggies if at all possible; the stress of a separation can lower the immune system further and make it actually harder to fight an illness; at their age they are already dealing with an immune system still under construction, the loss of their families and coming twice into a new environment which is totally alien to them. Thinking on this score is changing quite considerably now as the importance of companionship is becoming clearer.
You introduce piggies always on neutral ground. Brace for some dominance behaviour, but at this young age they are simple desperate for company so they should go back together without any issues. A buddy bath is not necessary; it is just yet another added stress factor in a bonding. Sadly another 'fail safe' trick that has not stood the test of time!
You will find these guides here helpful so you can learn to spot all the crucial interactive behaviours and dynamics:
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Sow Behaviour
All these guides are part of our new owners guide collection, which you may find very helpful. We are addressing all the areas we get the most questions and worries about from our new owner members, from settling in, interacting and understanding your piggies, to care, diet and housing tips, learning what is normal and what not as well as links to recommended vets and rescues in several countries.
New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection
Since we have got members and enquiries from all over the world we find it very helpful if you added your country, state/province or UK county to your account details so we can give you the best advice with what is relevant and available where you are instead of having to keep it as general as possible. You can access your account by clicking on your username on the top bar. Thank you!
