Introducing piggies to each other

[Guinea pig slave]

We have 15 piggies housed in pens divided by grids but have discussed opening our top level up so Bruce and his wifepig, Sheila could possibly live alongside our herd of six girlies. They have lived next door to each other for months now and 'chat' through the grids etc. so considered giving them much more space. It would give them a run of 12ft x 2.8ft and upper levels and just involve removing one grid to access the two pens - may pop a chewtube through the grid to make it more fun for them. This would mean they could have lots more hideys (all new from Christmas and not been near the piggies yet) and the obvious thorough clean and changing things around for neutral grounds. If it doesn't work, no harm done - we just replace the grid and keep them separate. I have a couple of days off next week so will be here to supervise and keep a sharp eye on them.
This is a pic showing the separate pens and Bruce and Sheila calling for the girls next door

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[piggyfan]

The best way to introduce them is on neutral ground. They will squabble to establish a new hierarchy but this is normal and looks worse then it is. You only need to intervene if blood is drawn. Offer a huge space so they have plenty of room to get away from each other. Once it settles you can put them in their new home but make sure it is clean and free of any markings or they will fight again to defend their home. I really hope it goes well. Good luck.

 

[Guinea pigs <3]

Oooh how exciting! I only have limited experience of bonding (which you all know about rolleyes) but I think as Piggyfan said it might be better to introduce them all on neutral ground. I'm not sure how it works with bigger herds - does it make bonding easier or more difficult? Certainly from what I've seen on here there have been lots of people who have introduced one or two piggies to existing bigger herds so i'm sure there will be plenty of advice to come!

Do you know who is your top sow in the group of girls? Maybe have a look through Wiebkes old threads as I know she has managed some difficult bonding with dominant piggies!

Will check back to see how it goes! You do of course have the advantage that Bruce and Sheila have already had time to meet the other girlies through the grids and i'm sure if it all works out they'll be much happier within a herd - Bruce wont know what's hit him!

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Amelia is our the top piggy, around 15 months old, has a beautiful nature but definitely rules the girls. I don't know if she would like having a huspig or another girlie around so we can only try
Have a new roll of vet bed in storage and lots of new Christmas accessories so fingers crossed on Monday, can open the pen up rolleyes
Will keep you posted p

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Well...after thorough deep cleaning and the recommended steps to follow, we removed the grid. The younger girlies thought it was great but Sheila made it known to them she was top piggy by giving their backsides a few nips, Bruce just sat there not quite knowing what to do with these other ladies sniffing around him.
Olivia, who can be a bit of a bossy girl groomed Sheila's face so we thought it may be successful until Amelia had to come and investigate :...
Ruling the herd although very sweet natured, she was not having any of it - puffed up, strutted and chattered at Sheila. Lots of bum sniffing and rumbling but Amelia launched herself at Sheila and I had to step in and prevent what could have been a full blown fight It was obvious, both would have fought for dominance :...
The grid is back in place now - they are friends still through the bars, nose sniffing and pinching each others hay but have to remain separated
They've had lots of new toys and extra cuddles for the ordeal, feel guilty for putting them through that but all is back to normal now
Would love another rescue (maybe a young neutered boar) but for now, will leave this strong little bonded herd as they are |)

 

[Guinea pigs <3]

Eeeek! Bonding piggies is so scary sometimes :... ! I must say though that Mabel launched herself at Finley on at least three bonding occasions which did result in a mini fight with Mabel having a cut to her chin and lip...they are now best of friends mallethead

So it might still be a possibility, depends if your nerves can take it! I was all for stopping my bonding attempts as I thought it was stressing them all out too much but Jenny came to the rescue and the rest is history! Piggies eh?! mallethead

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Eeeek! Bonding piggies is so scary sometimes :... ! I must say though that Mabel launched herself at Finley on at least three bonding occasions which did result in a mini fight with Mabel having a cut to her chin and lip...they are now best of friends mallethead

So it might still be a possibility, depends if your nerves can take it! I was all for stopping my bonding attempts as I thought it was stressing them all out too much but Jenny came to the rescue and the rest is history! Piggies eh?! mallethead

Don't think I could do it again, shame really as they would all have so much more room but never mind...
Just cannot believe my sweet little Amelia became a fluffy fireball for a few minutes, butter wouldn't melt :x

 

[jeni]

I have introduced in the past 2 years to my trio a older female ( who sadly passed away) and then another older female pig and earlier last year a lone boar. I may have just been lucky but each time I cleaned their space and made sure they were all in the run. I then rubbed them all down with lavender from the garden, I was told that if they all smell the same they don't know who is who! I will do this again when I get another. Sorry yours didn't work out but keep this tip in mind for next time.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

I have introduced in the past 2 years to my trio a older female ( who sadly passed away) and then another older female pig and earlier last year a lone boar. I may have just been lucky but each time I cleaned their space and made sure they were all in the run. I then rubbed them all down with lavender from the garden, I was told that if they all smell the same they don't know who is who! I will do this again when I get another. Sorry yours didn't work out but keep this tip in mind for next time.

We adopted Amelia early last year and got her a little friend a few weeks later from the same rescue - took four baby girls on from someone who couldn't keep them and after quarantining and vet checks, they were introduced. All went smoothly and the girls very happily live as a herd of six |)
It would have been nice if it had have worked out as they would have had a 12ft pen with lots of hidey corners, ramps etc. but sadly, not meant to be
Good for the summer as well if they could have shared an outdoor run but never mind |)
They could have gone from this...7ft in length:

to this..12ft in length:

OH has widened it for them instead so they still have a nice big home with an upper level

N.B. photos were taken around Feb. of last year in preparation for Amelia's homecoming and we hadn't furnished it |)