Using Olbas Oil?

[Xilvey]

Hi guys!

I was told today that if you put albus oil in your cage, it will neutralize smells so that there's nothing to bicker about, especially when introducing new guinea pigs.

I personally would of thought it would be really bad for their little lungs and if guinea pigs are gonna get along they will, and if they wont they wont.

What are peoples opinions on this? Has anyone tried it?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys!

I was told today that if you put albus oil in your cage, it will neutralize smells so that there's nothing to bicker about, especially when introducing new guinea pigs.

I personally would of thought it would be really bad for their little lungs and if guinea pigs are gonna get along they will, and if they wont they wont.

What are peoples opinions on this? Has anyone tried it?

Unlike vicks, olbas oil is not noxious to guinea pigs as such, as long as it is used in very small quantities at a safe distance where they are not at risk of coming into direct contact with it (which means NO spraying around the cage!).
We only recommend using it as a supportive measure in addition to antibiotics and appropriate vet treatment for guinea pigs with acute and severe breathing problems, and then only 2-3 drops in some steaming water in a bowl next to the cage.

I can guarantee you that this sadly still handed round trick WILL NOT influence the ultimate outcome of any bonding apart from confusing and irritating (and therefore additionally stressing) any poor piggies subjected to it. Whether they get on or not ultimately depends on character compatibility - and no substance can change that! Please accept that not every guinea pig will necessarily get along with any other of its kind, the same as we humans have very distinctive preferences when it comes to to getting with others, as much as guinea pigs are very social animals and not wired to live on their own.

There are some definite dos and don'ts for introductions. You may find our bonding threads much more helpful; they take into account natural guinea pig behaviours and instincts (and help you to understand them) and do not try to force a bond where there is never going to be one with blatant disregard to animal behaviour.
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Illustrated Bonding Behaviours And Dynamics
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.

 

[Xilvey]

Great information! I thought it
Would have no effect on bonding haha

 

[Wiebke]

Great information! I thought it
Would have no effect on bonding haha

Masking the smell or bonding baths at that usually work for about half an hour and then all hell breaks loose once the dominance phase starts, which is a central part to any piggy bond, so it is not something you can do away with and expect your piggies to have a functioning hierarchy/relationship.