Bonding 5 Sows: Will I or Won't I? A Slight Rambling of a Forum Post

[BasicPiper]

So I currently have 5 sows of assorted ages that are currently living separately:

• Single sow about a year old
• Bonded 3-4yo with a 2yo
• Two 2mo old babies

I have the means to combine their separate enclosures into a 2x11 C&C cage, but I don't really have much experience with bonding groups.
I understand the basics of course, but I'm not sure that this is something even worth trying.

The single sow and bonded pair live next to each other and I catch them chattering at each other through the bars every once in a while, is that a red flag in and of itself?

Would I just pop all 5 into a neutral space? Is there a specific order I should put them in? What is the likelihood (just a generalization) that this would work out?

ANY advice, tips, guidance, ideas, information, ANYTHING, would be appreciated!

 

[piggieminder]

Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides

There are some useful guides in the link above. I don't have sows but if the dynamics work I think one big herd sounds lovely. I'm sure your single girl would appreciate some/a friend.

 

[BasicPiper]

Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides

There are some useful guides in the link above. I don't have sows but if the dynamics work I think one big herd sounds lovely. I'm sure your single girl would appreciate some/a friend.

Thank you! I'll have to take a closer look at the group section haha.
Regardless of what happens, I will be bonding the single with the two younger ones so right now it is mostly a matter of if I want to try and add in that bonded pair.

 

[Piggies&buns]

This first guide explains the process
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
This guide explains more about what is or isn’t likely to work - of course all piggies being individual means that what looks to what might not and vice versa!
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

All you can really do is try it and see what happens!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! I'll have to take a closer look at the group section haha.
Regardless of what happens, I will be bonding the single with the two younger ones so right now it is mostly a matter of if I want to try and add in that bonded pair.

If your single and the pair are chattering at each other as neighbours, I would not recommend to try and bond. It is most likely not going to work out as they seem to have decided that they don't like each other.

Please take the time to carefully read and re-read our detailed and comprehen bonding and behaviour information. You will hopefully find it both very helpful and interesting as you go along. The bonding process is much more complex than most people would expect.

 

[Tara95]

Best of luck! I have a herd of 5 who recently bonded and it was successful I really hope it works for you too! I had a lot of advice on the forum and read the guides but I also watched lots and lots of bonding videos on youtube and some were pretty messy but worked out in the end! It's all about not seperating too soon unless there's full on fighting and biting. Little adventures has a few bonding videos (a herd of 5) and Scotty's animals has quite a few vids too. I'm hoping the amount of space you have works in your favour. I have a similar sized home for my 5 and they can always get away from each other if needed, and they have lots of hidies so there's never any issues over territory (touch wood). I also sprinkle the food everywhere to try and prevent any arguments over food. Best of luck!