Hi
I'm after some advice regarding bonding. We have 2 sows who have been together for 2 years (ages 2 and 3). They get on well, aren't super close but have no issues and make a lovely pair. Due to a bereavement in my sisters pair of guinea pigs she was left with a single sow (unsure of age but not a baby). We have had a try at bonding them which hasn't been very successful and I was wondering how long to continue trying for? Or if its gone pear-shaped straight away is that usually it? We have had the new sow for 4 days at the time of writing this and have had 4 attempts at bonding.
The younger sow from the original pair is very dominant and spends the majority of the time shuddering, teeth chattering, chasing and trying to mount. The new sow stands in a corner frozen before it gets too much and she runs away which usually escalates in a crazy chase. There has been a big squabble/fight the second meeting they had which we separated. The original pair have also started turning on each other when it has all got a bit much and I'm worried their relationship will change if we continue. I don't want to give up too soon however do not want the Guinea pigs under any more stress than they have been already. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Claire
I'm after some advice regarding bonding. We have 2 sows who have been together for 2 years (ages 2 and 3). They get on well, aren't super close but have no issues and make a lovely pair. Due to a bereavement in my sisters pair of guinea pigs she was left with a single sow (unsure of age but not a baby). We have had a try at bonding them which hasn't been very successful and I was wondering how long to continue trying for? Or if its gone pear-shaped straight away is that usually it? We have had the new sow for 4 days at the time of writing this and have had 4 attempts at bonding.
The younger sow from the original pair is very dominant and spends the majority of the time shuddering, teeth chattering, chasing and trying to mount. The new sow stands in a corner frozen before it gets too much and she runs away which usually escalates in a crazy chase. There has been a big squabble/fight the second meeting they had which we separated. The original pair have also started turning on each other when it has all got a bit much and I'm worried their relationship will change if we continue. I don't want to give up too soon however do not want the Guinea pigs under any more stress than they have been already. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Claire