Introducing Piggies

[JonahandJoey]

Hi
I've had a male guinea pig, Jonah for almost three years now and decided to introduce some company for him for when I am at work/uni. I adopted a new male, Joey, three days ago and the boys each have their own separate C&C cage, although I let them sniff each other through the bars. Yesterday I decided to introduce them in a large neutral area.

They did all the usual behaviours I have read about; mouth touching, chin wiping, scent marking, mounting, squeaking quietly and following each other around with very minimal teeth chattering and no aggression. I gave them a couple more interaction sessions yesterday and they behaved very much the same. However, this morning when I put them together to socialise, there appeared to be more mounting by the older pig Jonah and the new pig Joey began chasing him around chattering teeth at him. Shortly after, Jonah started chattering back and Joey flew at him. There was no attempt to bite as far as I could see, but of course I separated them.

I am not sure of what to do next, whether to let them have more interaction sessions or to keep them apart completely. Does anyone have any advice please?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

Firstly, whenever you separate boars, they need to start back in square one. Once you commit to an introduction on neutral ground, you need to stick it out. The more often you separate the more upsetting it is for the guinea pigs, as it severely disrupts their bonding protocol.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-introducing-and-reintroducing-guinea-pigs.38562/

Personally, I wouldn't think that the bonding will be a success after they flew at each other. It doesn't look like they are character compatible as Joey seems to be quite dominant. Once piggies have made up their mind that they don't like somepig, they rarely change their opinion.

Which country are you in? It will have a major impact on your further options. Please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details/location and add your country, state (US/Aus/Can) or county (UK), so we can always give you the appropriate advice and information straight away and avoid misunderstandings.

 

[JonahandJoey]

Hi,
I'm in Liverpool in the UK. Yes, I did think Joey seemed more dominant. What would you suggest my next steps be?

 

[Wiebke]

Keep them side by side for a while and see whether they calm down. Switch bedding so their scent mingles. Don't try to rush things. However, if they are ultimately not character compatible, no trick you can do will change that or mask that for more than a very short time!

There are good rescues in Britain that offer dating single piggies with rescue piggy for character compatibility; that means that you only come home with a piggy when there is mutual liking and always have the rescue to fall back on. You can find our list of recommended good standard and safe to use UK rescues on the top bar. your closest rescue would be Rainbow Rescue in Southport. https://www.facebook.com/kaylee.rainbowrescue?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

 

[JonahandJoey]

I got both of them from the adoption centre in a Pets at Home store (3 years apart of course) and when I adopted both pigs I was advised the same thing; that the pig was dominant and did not get on very well with others. I think this is why neither Jonah and Joey were sold in a pair with a littermate, as the store usually recommends. Both times the assistant suggested that the pig has separate housing from any others due to its nature. As a result, I don't think I would push to find a housemate for either of the boys- not in the near future anyway. It would be nice if they could enjoy playtime together- i will try out the tips you have given. If it doesn't work out, they can at least speak through the bars, and I spend time with them every day also. I have also read the thread you posted before, thanks for the advice!