First Time Bonding

[Elliegirl]

Sorry guys, you're probably getting the same question over and over but there are so many threads I don't know where to start.

I have a 3 year old boar I have rescued from a neglectful home. He was neutered 7 weeks ago. I also have 2 sows about 8 months old.

Does anyone have any useful hints and tips for introducing them and helping with a happy bonding?

All help gratefully received xx

 

[maxdawn]

It would be best to read the stickys on bonding first. That will give you an idea about what questions you what to ask.
Hope bonding goes well x

 

[1GuineaPig1]

There are a lot of sticky's about bonding, you should check them out sometime. Meanwhile, first get them out in neutral territory, territory that no piggy had been in before. Then let them get to know each other , and watch out for the signs that you can find out here: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/dominance-behaviours-in-guinea-pigs.28949/
After a while, you can put some veggies in the space, and see how they get along. If the first time intro doesn't work, get them out for playtime together every day until they seem comfortable with each other.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

You may find this information thread here helpful. Mixed gender bonding is very much like sow bonding. Take your time with pre-intros, do the intros in a neutral space that is not part of any piggy's territory. Have no hideys or later only hideys with two exits until they have all settled down at the end of the dominance phase. You can separate overnight or if things are seriously starting to escalate and all piggies remain very tense. Your boy is very likely to go overboard, but be told off in no uncertain terms if no sow is in season or near it. Sows have a special whine to tell a boar that they are not ready to mate - yet (the last word being the one that the boars hear!). Prepare for a testosterone laden pee fest, so choose a wipeable place with a window.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-introducing-and-re-introducing-guinea-pigs.38562/

 

[Elliegirl]

Thanks guys, the links are really helpful, so much easier now you've shared them

They are out in runs next to each other currently and the boar is showing really encouraging behaviour and chatting away to them too! The girls are acting like he's not there!

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks guys, the links are really helpful, so much easier now you've shared them

They are out in runs next to each other currently and the boar is showing really encouraging behaviour and chatting away to them too! The girls are acting like he's not there!

That is pretty normal for when they are not season or near it.

 

[Elliegirl]

Well today is the day, they have all met with no wire between them for the first time. I've seen some hackles in my time but I have to say Dudleys are by far the most impressive! They are all side by side now eating kale and chatting away so all signs look good! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Dudley has had a pants 3 years of life but I think the rest of his days are going to be very enjoyable and with some company too!