I read all the materials recommened and I have just one more question. I assume that the girls will come to my house already bonded as the breeder will keep them together. But I have read that young pigs can break their bond when they are getting into puberty. I'm a bit afraid of it and what if they start to fight and bite each other while I am away from home for about 10 hours (at work)?
And as for their new cage at my place... I know that they may sort out the dominance in their new territory but can you tell how long I should supervise them? Can I leave them alone for night, go to work the next day etc.?
Sorry for all those questions but I have no experince in young piggies. I had only well-bonded adult pair.
Hi!
- Unlike teenage boars in too small cages where they cannot get away from each other when their personalities do not match, sows may squabble if they their personalities do not mesh but they do generally not fight and bite. Coming into season can be high and VERY vocal drama, but it doesn't translate into fights.
- If they have already been living together at the breeder's, then you will see just a repeat of some dominance behaviour as they re-establish their group. Do not have any hideys with just one exit in the cage; especially not in the first two weeks, but make sure that you have at least two of each and that remove the pellet/ veg bowls between meals. This removes the potential trouble points.
Evicting the underpiggy from a hidey or food bowl is a normal part of establishing the privileges of leadership. It is mainly just throwing the weight around. Keep in mind that youngsters are very vocal and dramatic and discount 90% of the drama. As long as the behaviours you see are typical for the post-bonding dominance phase, there is no reason for you to worry.
The roughest bit is usually over after the first couple of days once they start the settling in process. Any seasons, especially the first few ones, tend to be stronger. Just keep in mind that the excess of emotion has purpose: sharing the experience served to cement the bond further.
- Take a deep breath! You will generally see soon after their arrival how things are going; and you can see that within a few hours.
If they are very skittish, they will just snuggle up together for comfort at first until they get their bearings in their new home. Please be aware that a home is a totally new and very alien environment for them. Place a blanket or sheet over the cage to give them a feeling of protection and leave them to it.
You can use the bedding in their carrier to rub down any furniture, bars, fleece and cosies to make the new cage smell of them and mark it as a 'safe' place.
Follow the tips in the guides below to avoid coming across as a hunting predator.
Before you put the girls in the cage, invite them into the group you are leading and tell them that they are cherished and loved (piggy whispering). This gives them a group identity, means that they 'belong' and also establishes you as a kind of super piggy.
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely
