Gullfaks
Junior Guinea Pig
Hi,
I am considering to try and bond my bereaved 2 years old sow with a 1.5 years old sow from a rescue. The challenge is that they are both very nervous, and the sow I have now, she has been skittish since the beginning. If I take her out of her cage - she gets very scared. For a successful bonding it seems that having them both comfortable at first is very important.
Reading the bonding guides on the forum left me with a question:
As both the guinea pigs are very easily scared and nervous - I was wondering how I can create the most relaxed "first neutral meeting grounds" for them, while at the same time be able to see how they are doing with the bonding and if they start to fight. I guess they would prefer to feel as "hidden" and protected as possible.
Initially I was thinking to take a large cardboard box with many entrances and exits, and also put some hideys (and hay and grass in the middle as suggested in the guide) inside, so that they feel protected by the " cardboard roof" to hopefully be more relaxed - but still allow me to see whats happening and act if needed.
Another idea is to put many hideys out on the floor, and drape a large fleece blanket all over. This way they would probably feel the best - but thats not allowing me to observe the bonding.
Any experience or tips on how to make the bonding grounds the best for very nervous piggies meeting for the first time? How long should I potentially let them be side-by-side in individual cages first, perhaps a few days longer than generally advised?
Thanks a lot for all feedback!
I am considering to try and bond my bereaved 2 years old sow with a 1.5 years old sow from a rescue. The challenge is that they are both very nervous, and the sow I have now, she has been skittish since the beginning. If I take her out of her cage - she gets very scared. For a successful bonding it seems that having them both comfortable at first is very important.
Reading the bonding guides on the forum left me with a question:
As both the guinea pigs are very easily scared and nervous - I was wondering how I can create the most relaxed "first neutral meeting grounds" for them, while at the same time be able to see how they are doing with the bonding and if they start to fight. I guess they would prefer to feel as "hidden" and protected as possible.
Initially I was thinking to take a large cardboard box with many entrances and exits, and also put some hideys (and hay and grass in the middle as suggested in the guide) inside, so that they feel protected by the " cardboard roof" to hopefully be more relaxed - but still allow me to see whats happening and act if needed.
Another idea is to put many hideys out on the floor, and drape a large fleece blanket all over. This way they would probably feel the best - but thats not allowing me to observe the bonding.
Any experience or tips on how to make the bonding grounds the best for very nervous piggies meeting for the first time? How long should I potentially let them be side-by-side in individual cages first, perhaps a few days longer than generally advised?
Thanks a lot for all feedback!
