Bonding

[Flamestriker]

Hello all

My two little girlies are in the early bonding phase. Smudge chases Poppy around the pen and then both settle down for a nibble at food before it starts all over again in several minutes time. I have two of everything in the cage, and the submissive Poppy is eating and drinking. Sometimes they eat together, although Poppy has a favourite tube she loves as she is shy. Smudge is bold and the braver of the two sisters.

Their cage should be here in several days time from Zooplus, and they will be disturbed again. But at least the cage will be neutral ground, and they will have two of everything in their cage too.

My question is can I pick them up, either separately or together, for cuddles? They are as cute as buttons and I love just watching them but I want snuggles!

 

[Swissgreys]

How long have you had them, and how old are they?
Are they from the same litter?

I would be easier to offer advice if we had a few more details, but if they are both eating and drinking then a bit of chasing is normal.
As long as there are two of everything and at least 3 hideys with 2 exits each (so everyone has a choice and no one can get trapped) then they will soon settle down together.

 

[Flamestriker]

I think that they are sisters from the same litter as they were dumped on my doorstep. I would think that they are too young to have been from different litters. Vet said between 6-10 weeks old, but they are small. Poppy is slightly larger than Smudge.

Smudge is dominant, which is why I have two of everything, but she is hogging one of the water bottles. Poppy is eating, sometimes out of the same bowl as Smudge, but there is a lot of chasing and scuffling and squeaking. I know that little ones can be vocal. Smudge constantly makes a noise, and my OH is sure that she likes the sound of her own voice.

I have a bendy log, and two tunnels. All have 2 exits. There are two pellet bowls and two water bottles.

 

[Flamestriker]

I have not had them very long, and they are going in to a cage tomorrow as its being delivered! There they will have two of everything in there as well (I have been doing a lot of piggy shopping lately!

 

[Flamestriker]

How long does this dominance thing last? Smudge is clearly the dominant of the two, and often chases Poppy. She is awake before Poppy as well. I am sure I saw forced nose lifting by the other last night. Smudge tries her best to stop Poppy from getting to the water bottle, but sometimes doesn't stop her from drinking, which is confusing me. Her dominant displays seem to be every half hour or so, and sometimes they both end up eating together. I think they are both seeing how far they can be pushed? Or do you think that they are not going to get on? I don't want Poppy bullied, and I do have two of everything in the pen.

When the new cage arrives and is set up should I put them in it with just some hay? Or should I set up the cage properly, with hidies, food bowls, etc and such?

Or should I keep them in the pen for several more days until they have calmed down?