Guinea pigs not bonding

[Noranala]

Hi, I’m new to this site and looking for some advice. We got 2 female guinea pigs a few months ago. They are still quite nervous and seem to tolerate each other rather than have a close bond (they are always in separate areas and don’t seem to spend much time together). We were wondering if getting another 1/2 guinea pigs would help them have a friend to bond with or if they will be happy just the 2 of them. Any advice will be greatly received. Thanks.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Some piggies just aren’t cuddly with each other, if doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t get on. My two don’t cuddle together, dont sleep in the same beds etc, but they are absolutely fine together. You don’t report any of the typical warning signs of a problem in their relationship. I’ll link in a guide which details warning signs

Bonds In Trouble

Trios of piggies can be tricky as there is then often one who gets left out. If there genuinely are problems in their relationship (which it doesn’t sound as if there are - you don’t report any warning signs) then adding more piggies won’t solve their problems.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

I agree with @Piggies&buns ; adding more piggies doesn't solve a problem.

Unfortunately watching all those videos on social media gives you a distorted view of guinea pigs and is reinforcing unrealistic expectations. Social media are operated by humans and cater to what humans want to see; not how things are. People tend to show off the special things, normality is boring. Most piggies are not snuggling up with each other all the time or even unless one of them is very ill - but that doesn't make interesting videos... It does however not mean that your piggies are not well bonded and fine with other.

You haven't mention any of the behaviours that would point to a dysfunctional bond.

Here is more about social interaction and sow behaviour:
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

 

[hrsrdr]

I also agree, there's no need to get more guinea pigs. Obviously if you want to, thats fine, but it's not gonna solve the problem. As long as they're not fighting there is no problem though. If they start fighting, separate them for a few weeks and reintroduce them after.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
It’s lovely to know that you really care about your girls and want to what’s best for them.
As others have said most piggies don’t snuggle together.
Mine usually sleep in their own favourite hideys - but they have a strong bond which has grown over time.

We would love to see pictures

 

[Shelley anne]

Initially I had a male and female pair and I introduced a young one who was on the outer for some time. When Barnaby passed away I was left with the two females and slowly they have taken to each other. I think it takes time. But Bindy bosses Lola around sometimes and OMG when Lola is on heat, all hell brakes loose and Bindy gets upset with Lola. They argue from time to time over food or a particular piece of hay, they don't sleep together or snuggle but most of the time they are fine and hang out together eating grass. I think this is a good bonded friendship now.

 

[Piggylove82]

Initially I had a male and female pair and I introduced a young one who was on the outer for some time. When Barnaby passed away I was left with the two females and slowly they have taken to each other. I think it takes time. But Bindy bosses Lola around sometimes and OMG when Lola is on heat, all hell brakes loose and Bindy gets upset with Lola. They argue from time to time over food or a particular piece of hay, they don't sleep together or snuggle but most of the time they are fine and hang out together eating grass. I think this is a good bonded friendship now.

Not sure if it's OK to say, but I have no idea when my girly pigs are on heat . Is it something i SHOULD know?

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Hello.
Girls to bond are hard. I know lol.
Great advise on here and i wish you all the best.

 

[Wiebke]

Initially I had a male and female pair and I introduced a young one who was on the outer for some time. When Barnaby passed away I was left with the two females and slowly they have taken to each other. I think it takes time. But Bindy bosses Lola around sometimes and OMG when Lola is on heat, all hell brakes loose and Bindy gets upset with Lola. They argue from time to time over food or a particular piece of hay, they don't sleep together or snuggle but most of the time they are fine and hang out together eating grass. I think this is a good bonded friendship now.

How old is Bindy? Some sows are naturally more hormonal than others but in adult sows hormonal behaviour and bitchiness during seasons are generally caused by growing ovarian cysts.

Please have a read of our sow guide re. strong seasons and ovarian cysts: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

 

[Shelley anne]

Not sure if it's OK to say, but I have no idea when my girly pigs are on heat . Is it something i SHOULD know?

I don't think so, You're probably just lucky and your girls can manage it. My young one lola is a maniac when on heat and mounts the mature female and runs after her, to her annoyance. I can almost hear Bindy saying "Go away, go away!' She screams at lola. The next day all is normal again and they hang out like nothing happened.

 

[Shelley anne]

How old is Bindy? Some sows are naturally more hormonal than others but in adult sows hormonal behaviour and bitchiness during seasons are generally caused by growing ovarian cysts.

Please have a read of our sow guide re. strong seasons and ovarian cysts: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

Its Lola, she is just a young one, about 7 months old and has had four of these episode. Its just a day of maniac behavior and then its over. I recorded the dates it happened and sure enough shes on heat. It does make me wonder if I should get her fixed when shes the right age but I am nervous about the risks.

 

[Wiebke]

Its Lola, she is just a young one, about 7 months old and has had four of these episode. Its just a day of maniac behavior and then its over. I recorded the dates it happened and sure enough shes on heat. It does make me wonder if I should get her fixed when shes the right age but I am nervous about the risks.

Hi

Lola is right in the middle of her teenage months right now and at the age where teenage seasons are often at their strongest. They will eventually settle down in strength. Until then, you have to sit through them. they are NOT a bond breaker. Your other girl knows what is going on and is tolerant of them, as companions usually are.

Have you had a look at the videos from my strong seasons guide link in the sow guide in my last post? They feature a 6 months old sow as one of the two sows in season at the same time. When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)

 

[Noranala]

Thankyou for all your advice. I think for now we are just going to keep the two of them and see how they go. As requested I have tried to attach pics of the lovely Nala and Nora!