Bonding A Baby Sow With An Older Guinea Pig

[charlrose1992]

My oldest guinea pig is 3.5 years and her friend which was also a girl died a few weeks ago, she has been really depressed and lost her appetite so I have introduced her to a new pig who is 6 months old and also a female.

I introduced them yesterday and things went well, there was rumbling and humping but they didn't fight so I have put them together in a large c and c.

The youngest guinea pig won't stop humping the older guinea pig (she is definitely a girl) and she is also following her around and seems to just want to be near her all the time.

The older guinea pig rumbles when it happens and walks away into her house but doesn't really seem to mind, she gives her a gentle peck if she goes too far with it.

I was wondering how long I should expect this behaviour to go on for? My older guinea pig seems happier and her appetite has come back.

 

[Wiebke]

My oldest guinea pig is 3.5 years and her friend which was also a girl died a few weeks ago, she has been really depressed and lost her appetite so I have introduced her to a new pig who is 6 months old and also a female.

I introduced them yesterday and things went well, there was rumbling and humping but they didn't fight so I have put them together in a large c and c.

The youngest guinea pig won't stop humping the older guinea pig (she is definitely a girl) and she is also following her around and seems to just want to be near her all the time.

The older guinea pig rumbles when it happens and walks away into her house but doesn't really seem to mind, she gives her a gentle peck if she goes too far with it.

I was wondering how long I should expect this behaviour to go on for? My older guinea pig seems happier and her appetite has come back.

Just sit back and let things settle. By the sound of it, the youngster has come into season and has had a mad one being in new company. Once that is over, you should be back to the normal group establishing dominance. However, the fact that your older girl has borne with it excess comparatively patiently, is boding very well for a happy bond. While this behaviour has been on the wild side, going through it together has been an occasion to strengthen the bond much more quickly. It is not unusual for newly bonded sows to have stronger seasons than normal for the reason. Piggies often exchange signs of affection to reaffirm their bond after a wild day or two.

You may find the information in these links here helpful:
Sow Behaviour
Illustrated Bonding Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[charlrose1992]

Just sit back and let things settle. By the sound of it, the youngster has come into season and has had a mad one being in new company. Once that is over, you should be back to the normal group establishing dominance. However, the fact that your older girl has borne with it excess comparatively patiently, is boding very well for a happy bond. While this behaviour has been on the wild side, going through it together has been an occasion to strengthen the bond much more quickly. It is not unusual for newly bonded sows to have stronger seasons than normal for the reason. Piggies often exchange signs of affection to reaffirm their bond after a wild day or two.

You may find the information in these links here helpful:
Sow Behaviour
Illustrated Bonding Behaviours And Dynamics

Thanks a lot that makes me feel a lot better. The younger one is the most lively youngster I've ever had, and I think she is very excited at having a friend and so many new things to play with and experience, she was kept in very poor and damp conditions prior to rescue. Percy is a very patient and tolerant pig and was great with her departed friend when she was unwell so I am hoping her patience will carry through. Percy is quite sturdy and big as well so I am sure she won't feel any threat from the younger one.

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks a lot that makes me feel a lot better. The younger one is the most lively youngster I've ever had, and I think she is very excited at having a friend and so many new things to play with and experience, she was kept in very poor and damp conditions prior to rescue. Percy is a very patient and tolerant pig and was great with her departed friend when she was unwell so I am hoping her patience will carry through. Percy is quite sturdy and big as well so I am sure she won't feel any threat from the younger one.

It is very likely that she will mother her. The overexcitement is bound to wear out at some point. Right now, it is sheer happiness that she cannot contain and that her body is very strongly responding to, too. Percy feels that and is happy to have a happy companion again.

 

[Freela]

It sounds like they are working out. The younger pig is probably just extremely pleased to be there and is demonstrating it the only way she can! She may also be in heat, which can aggravate this kind of behavior but doesn't last very long in most cases.