Add one at a time or put two groups together?

[Alicia]

I have always wanted to have a big group of sows, but my hutch isn't big enough for more than 2. I have had an idea for housing, so they would have a 8ft x 6ft space, so I think I might finally be able to have a larger group of sows. I've just got to see if Mum agrees to it I've got 2 sows already, and I was going to add another 4 to have a group of 6. Is it best to add a guinea-pig 1 at a time to the group? Or should I just mix 4 with my 2 guinea-pigs? Marmalade and Edie have been in the shed before but not since early March so I don't know if they would still be territorial over it.

This wouldn't be for a while because I need to save up for fly nets, flooring, and maybe a vent or something so it will probably be June before I have my group (if Mum agrees to it)

 

[Wiebke]

It might be best to introduce them all at once in neutral territory, with plenty of space and time! It will be very lively and there can be the odd stand off until a hierarchy has been established, but that way, they have to do it only once.

Otherwise, you can introduce them in (bonded twos), provided any newbies are younger. However, you have always to keep in mind that it takes at least two to three weeks until things have settled down after an introduction, so many staggered intros can mean a lot of constant stress.

 

[Hachi475]

I agree with Wiebke, do it in neutral territory and get youngsters as the elders will put on a motherly role. DO NOT put them in your current piggies cage when introducing for the first time as they will get territorial and this may lead to a serious fight.

 

[All0about0the0animals]

As already said, introing the pair to a group is best on neutral grounds.

If you want to be extra careful, other than making sure the new space doesn't smell of either group, you can bath them all before intros so they all smell the same. Just one of many tips/tricks you can use to ensure as stress free intro as possible. There will likely be a few spats while they sort out status in the group. Try not to panic about this.