Guinea pig bonding

[CarlaAnn]

so, this post isn't really for me but for my friend.

After trying to convince her she will finally get a second guinea pig. I got my two at the same time so I dont know how to actually bond. I'm going to look for some guides and probably send them to her, but have you found that having the guinea pigs live side by side in separate cages helps them bond better when the time comes? Or does it all kinda like restart in a way when you put them in the other pen to bond? Kinda like forgetting they ever new eachother type thing?

 

[Wiebke]

so, this post isn't really for me but for my friend.

After trying to convince her she will finally get a second guinea pig. I got my two at the same time so I dont know how to actually bond. I'm going to look for some guides and probably send them to her, but have you found that having the guinea pigs live side by side in separate cages helps them bond better when the time comes? Or does it all kinda like restart in a way when you put them in the other pen to bond? Kinda like forgetting they ever new eachother type thing?

Hi!

Keeping alongside each other to allow the new arrival to settle into their new home and make friends through the bars is a good way in the run-up of a bonding. However, it depends on where the piggy is coming from and on the age of them. Babies have an overwhelming need for company that surpasses any other consideration like a quarantine or a slow introduction.
If possible, adopting from a good standard rescue that allows you to bring your piggy and let them choose which new friend they are getting on is more effort but it also takes away many of the headaches and pitfalls that can await the unwary.

Please be aware that mutual liking and character compability is key to any successful piggy bond, and that there is nothing you can do to make two piggies that don't click become best of friends; as little as you can make an arranged marriage between people that do not suit each other a happy or necessarily as lasting one.

Please take the time to read these guides here. Our bonding guide is very comprehensive and covers the run up right through the different stages of the introduction and bonding as well as the two weeks post-intro dominance phase in which the group is consolidated.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes a chapter on single bought piggies, the challenges they can pose as well as a chapter on how to best go about companionship)
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

Unless a new piggy is coming from a good rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care (and by far not all rescues or shelters fall into that category!), this guide here applies: New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

Link to lists of recommended good standard rescues for several countries: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues