Specific Bonding Situation: Adding a bonded pair of sows to an established singleton sow

[cookie_ladyfriend]

My poor girl Willow's cagemate passed, and I want to bring her a sister. However, I am really struggling to find another singleton sow.

My understanding is that adding a bonded pair (of sows) to Willow's environment could result in the pair alienating Willow. This would mean I either have to wait for another singleton to become available for adoption, or I have to get three more sows. Is this correct?

I read through all the bonding info in the pinned posts and couldn't find anything on this particular situation. My priority is doing right by Willow.

NB: we have no shortage of space, their cage is an 11ftx30in table that can be split if need be.

 

[LucyP]

So sorry for your loss.

It sounds like whoever comes in would be joining a nice home, and OMG, who wouldn't want to be besties with Willow, look at her little face!

I am sure others will be along to advise you.

All the best

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm sorry for your loss

Yes that is correct - we never guarantee wheat will or won’t work but generally speaking adding a single sow to a bonded pair is one which is less likely to be successful.

When adding to a bonded pair you have to add in a way that doesn’t disrupt the hierarchy of the existing pair.
So if willow is older than them or if the pair don’t want anybody else added to them then the bonding is likely to fail.

This is the guide which explains the situation

Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

How old is willow?

 

[cookie_ladyfriend]

Thank you

When adding to a bonded pair you have to add in a way that doesn’t disrupt the hierarchy of the existing pair.

To clarify, what I'm asking is kind of the inverse — adding a bonded pair to a singleton. Willow (just under 2 years old) has her established cages at home. So what would happen if we added two new pigs to the established environment of a singleton? Would they take over the space and alienate her? This is my concern.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.

Have you considered a neutered boar as a companion for beautiful Willow ?
I have a sow / boar pair and they are a joy.

 

[cookie_ladyfriend]

So sorry for your loss.

Have you considered a neutered boar as a companion for beautiful Willow ?
I have a sow / boar pair and they are a joy.

Hey, interesting thought! I had not considered that, probably because I've never had a boar before, but it makes great sense and would make the search easier. I also think Willow would enjoy having a husband

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you

To clarify, what I'm asking is kind of the inverse — adding a bonded pair to a singleton. Willow (just under 2 years old) has her established cages at home. So what would happen if we added two new pigs to the established environment of a singleton? Would they take over the space and alienate her? This is my concern.

You would still be adding a single to a pair from the pair’s point of view. A bonded adult sow pair (or even an already bonded sow trio) will already have a dominant sow in situ. A dominant adult sow is almost never going to give up her position so that means that if willow is also dominant, then the bonding will fail before they ever get to the main cage as willow and the dominant in the pair will clash.
If willow does happen to be prepared to back down and become bottom of the hierarchy and also that the bonded pair are also young enough to be prepared to allow another piggy in*) then everything may be fine going forward; but there is the risk that the pair will remain more closely bonded to each other than to willow and consequently the risk that willow will get left out.
*older bonded sows can become unwilling to accept change or any newcomers at all

This is why you add in a way that doesn’t upset any existing hierarchy and positions. So in willow’s case, adding two (or even three) baby sows would stand a better chance as willow will naturally become the dominant without contest from the babies. They will fit in under her and she won’t be at risk of them alienating her - they will all look up to her.

It’s also why adding a boar is often the easier option.

What happens in any bonding comes down to the piggies so while we can give general advice on what stands a better chance, unless a bonding is tried it’s not possible to know with any certainty how it will go.

 

[cookie_ladyfriend]

You would still be adding a single to a pair from the pair’s point of view. A bonded adult sow pair (or even an already bonded sow trio) will already have a dominant sow in situ. A dominant adult sow is almost never going to give up her position so that means that if willow is also dominant, then the bonding will fail before they ever get to the main cage as willow and the dominant in the pair will clash.
If willow does happen to be prepared to back down and become bottom of the hierarchy and also that the bonded pair are also young enough to be prepared to allow another piggy in*) then everything may be fine going forward; but there is the risk that the pair will remain more closely bonded to each other than to willow and consequently the risk that willow will get left out.
*older bonded sows can become unwilling to accept change or any newcomers at all

This is why you add in a way that doesn’t upset any existing hierarchy and positions. So in willow’s case, adding two (or even three) baby sows would stand a better chance as willow will naturally become the dominant without contest from the babies. They will fit in under her and she won’t be at risk of them alienating her - they will all look up to her.

It’s also why adding a boar is often the easier option.

What happens in any bonding comes down to the piggies so while we can give general advice on what stands a better chance, unless a bonding is tried it’s not possible to know with any certainty how it will go.

I understand now, thank you for the great explanation and the guidance.