Share Cage On First Night?

[HawkAlexandre]

So I got a baby female piggy two weeks ago and today introduced a brand new female. They seemed to get along fine. A little bit of humping, chasing, etc., but overall they seemed pretty good together. Should I keep them in two separate cages?

 

[HawkAlexandre]

The first one seemed a bit territorial and the new baby hasn't eaten or drank yet as far as I know. Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[Betsy]

Hi and to our friendly forum.

You new baby will be eating and drinking just when you are not around. She is just scared of a new place. It takes a while for them to settle in.

Have a read of these threads they should help you:-

How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Good news: Your two sows have bonded and are currently working out the hierarchy (dominance phase). Please do not separate and let them get on with working through the process of establishing a working social group.

You will find the necessary information in the bonding guide that has been linked into @Betsy 's post. It describes the whole bonding process with the behaviours and dynamics that come with every stage. You will hopefully find it very helpful in understanding what is going on.

More about sow behaviour: Sow Behaviour

 

[*kate*]

I think the bonding behaviours can be quite worrying but, once you understand their ways, then they can just be allowed to get on with it unless there is all out real fighting!

I bonded my 2 in a neutral area for about 20 minutes, they were fine. I then moved them into the permanent enclosure and left them to it.

I'm 5 weeks down the line now and there is still the occasional bit of chasing etc but it's over in seconds

 

[HawkAlexandre]

Thank y'all so much! They have bonded very well!