I'm bonding my original guinea pig(Cookie) with a new guinea pig(Bubbles) after cookies cage mate passed. I've had them in their neutral area for about 5 hours, they haven't really fought and when they did it was very quick, no blood. They coexist pretty well and they don't go after each other but there is occasional teeth chattering from both of them and an occasional nip. Are they ready to be in the same cage? Bubbles is currently napping and cookie was earlier, they don't fight over hay or water or food.
Are my two girls ready to be in the same cage?
- Thread starter kurt
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Welcome to the forum
Can you clarify, have they had an actual fight?
Nipping is a gesture of power, not fighting.
It’s important to not rush this part is the bonding process. If you are concerned; then leave the in neutral territory for longer.
Moving them to the cage will set off a new round of dominance so you want them comfortable before moving them. So essentially the longer you leave them in neutral territory, the better. Even leaving them in neutral overnight can be wise
Can you clarify, have they had an actual fight?
Nipping is a gesture of power, not fighting.
It’s important to not rush this part is the bonding process. If you are concerned; then leave the in neutral territory for longer.
Moving them to the cage will set off a new round of dominance so you want them comfortable before moving them. So essentially the longer you leave them in neutral territory, the better. Even leaving them in neutral overnight can be wise
There only fight was a one lunge and then Bubbles walked away. No rolling or anything. I'm not super worried about them fighting and feel comfortable leaving them in the room for a few minutes alone but wanted a second opinion. I will say they're fine being next to each other and walking around and napping but they don't really groom each other or snuggle but neither did cookie and her old cage mate.
Most, even very well bonded, piggies will not ever groom or snuggle together - it’s not really something they do
Hi
Lunging is a defensive behaviour that is a strongly worded 'stay out of my personal space. Whether it builds up to a fight, depends on whether the other piggy heeds the warning and doesn't answer back or if they react confrontational.
And no, it is human interest that selects how realistic the videos you get to see on social media actually are. Many don't represent th much less cute and exciting normality, which doesn't doesn't make for good click bait.
Piggies don't usually cuddle all the time, sleep together or hang out together unless one of them is a baby or has an emotional dependency.
You may find these links here helpful:
Lunging is a defensive behaviour that is a strongly worded 'stay out of my personal space. Whether it builds up to a fight, depends on whether the other piggy heeds the warning and doesn't answer back or if they react confrontational.
And no, it is human interest that selects how realistic the videos you get to see on social media actually are. Many don't represent th much less cute and exciting normality, which doesn't doesn't make for good click bait.
Piggies don't usually cuddle all the time, sleep together or hang out together unless one of them is a baby or has an emotional dependency.
You may find these links here helpful: