A Question About Introductions...

[kyliebowers]

Hi guys,

I've got a quick question about guinea pig introductions if anyone can help? I've read through all the info on introductions and bonding and know about the importance of quarantine and how to actually stage the initial introductions... I'm just wondering whether there is any benefit/negatives to having the guinea pigs in cages next to each other before the introduction so they can see and smell each other before they properly meet one another? (Hope I haven't missed this info in another thread).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys,

I've got a quick question about guinea pig introductions if anyone can help? I've read through all the info on introductions and bonding and know about the importance of quarantine and how to actually stage the initial introductions... I'm just wondering whether there is any benefit/negatives to having the guinea pigs in cages next to each other before the introduction so they can see and smell each other before they properly meet one another? (Hope I haven't missed this info in another thread).

Thanks in advance!

The benefit with interaction through the bars is that the guinea pigs can get acquainted before any bonding, so there is less of a risk of overreacting when you introduce. it also allows you to judge how they react to each other - if there is teeth chattering pretty instantly, you do not want to stage an introduction there and then, obviously.
If you have the time, take the run-up slowly.

You only have to quarantine (ideally in another room and never next to each other) if your new guinea pig comes from a place that has no mandatory quarantine (shop, breeder, private intake). If you are dealing with a baby or with an acutely pining (not eating) newly bereaved piggy of yours, the need for company can outweigh these concerns. In this case, you have to be prepared to treat both piggies for any transmittable issues that could crop up.

 

[kyliebowers]

The benefit with interaction through the bars is that the guinea pigs can get acquainted before any bonding, so there is less of a risk of overreacting when you introduce. it also allows you to judge how they react to each other - if there is teeth chattering pretty instantly, you do not want to stage an introduction there and then, obviously.
If you have the time, take the run-up slowly.

You only have to quarantine (ideally in another room and never next to each other) if you new guinea pig comes from place that has no mandatory quarantine (shop, breeder, private intake). If you are dealing with a baby or with an acutely pining (not eating) newly bereaved, the need for company can outweigh these concerns. In this case, you have to be prepared to treat both piggies for any transmittable issues that could crop up.

Thank you so much for your fast and helpful response. That’s exactly what I needed to know

I have 2 girls already and am considering taking 2 baby girl pigs from a friend of a friend, in which case I would quarantine and take introductions slowly.

Thanks again!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you so much for your fast and helpful response. That’s exactly what I needed to know

I have 2 girls already and am considering taking 2 baby girl pigs from a friend of a friend, in which case I would quarantine and take introductions slowly.

Thanks again!

With babies (up to four months) you can introduce more quickly. they cannot challenge the existing hierarchy and are much more dependent on company than older piggies. Intros generally go well although you have to brace for some short-term heave duty dominance behaviour by the lower ranked older sow who is making sure that the babies cannot climb past her.

 

[kyliebowers]

Thanks again. Very helpful it will be strange to see my lower ranked pig displaying dominance behaviour!

 

[kyliebowers]

Hi @Wiebke,

Just want to say thank you for all of your help on this post, and in your helpful guides. I now have a happy little herd of four piggy girls