Sister Separation

[McGoo_E]

Hi there! I am a new piggie mama as I recently adopted two 4-week old girls, Ruth & Harriet (now 5 1/2 weeks old). When they first came home with me, I used to snuggle them separately sometimes and noticed that the one I left behind would start "wheeking" after a while, and the one I was cuddling would start "wheeking" right away too. I would then put her back in her cage, thinking they missed each other. Now that they are getting more comfortable with me, they've started to get more expressive including lots of fun behavior as well as when they are separated, the one who's alone starts "wheeking" almost right away, once again quickly followed by the one I'm with. They stop once they're together again.
Question 1) Do you, more experienced, owners, think I'm interpreting this behavior correctly or do you have other ideas?
Question 2) Any advice about how to help them be more comfortable when separated for practical purposes?

 

[HeatherRose]

A lot of my piggies prefer cuddle/laptime with another guinea pig, so I get them out in pairs (I have 8). They do sound like they really like each other which is good.

 

[Betsy]

This is called contact calling. Piggies are social creatures and like to have company of others. A lone piggy feels vulnerable and afraid. It's better if you can have them out for cuddles at the same time as @HeatherRose has suggested. I've had my piggies for over 3 years and although they have never had any cause to think that harm would come to them, they still hate being separated from each other. When they are being put in the run/back in the hutch if they are apart for more than a few minutes they start calling to each other.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there! I am a new piggie mama as I recently adopted two 4-week old girls, Ruth & Harriet (now 5 1/2 weeks old). When they first came home with me, I used to snuggle them separately sometimes and noticed that the one I left behind would start "wheeking" after a while, and the one I was cuddling would start "wheeking" right away too. I would then put her back in her cage, thinking they missed each other. Now that they are getting more comfortable with me, they've started to get more expressive including lots of fun behavior as well as when they are separated, the one who's alone starts "wheeking" almost right away, once again quickly followed by the one I'm with. They stop once they're together again.
Question 1) Do you, more experienced, owners, think I'm interpreting this behavior correctly or do you have other ideas?
Question 2) Any advice about how to help them be more comfortable when separated for practical purposes?

Hi!

Your little ones are basically just weaned babies that will cry for their mommy or any other adult in their group if they get separated or lost.
Please separate them as little as possible at this very young and vulnerable age and rather take them out together if at all possible.
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

As babies start spreading their wings and becoming more independent and exploring their enviroment, they are also becoming more vocal. The peak is around 4 months when they are at their most vulnerable to predation and accidents because they have the reach but not yet the experience.
Guinea pigs have evolved in the undergrowth of thick grasslands following paths. The group can't see each other, so every member is chuntering when on the move; to give an audible update of their whereabouts and status. Being noisy when active allows the rest of the group to keep track of their youngsters, have an idea of what they are up to and to be able to locate and rescue them if necessary.

They are also at the age where they learn from their elders what is safe and unsafe in their environment by choosing one as guardian and following them around, tasting what they eat, how they drink, as well as the the intricacies of the complex cavy social interaction by copying them. The weeks between weaning until the onset of the teenage months are basically school time for youngsters during which they are especially desperate for the reassuring company of others.

Guinea Pig Facts - An Overview
'Popcorning' and 'zooming' - joy and exuberance (videos)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs (with several videos - watch the chuntering)

 

[McGoo_E]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice and education! Much appreciated!