Introducing Two Boars

[lumiina]

I have two guinea pigs: Hershey (the new one) and Snickers (the old one).

Snickers recently lost his cage mate to bloating, so we've bought him a new guinea pig to keep him company. Right now, they are in separate cages side by side.

Earlier today, I created an area of neutral territory for them, where there are some toys, hiding places, water and food. I was a little nervous, and had a blanket prepared to separate them just in case a fight broke out. But I was a little too nervous, because I have no experience introducing boars.

As for their reaction to each other, there was some loud purring, and they would sniff each other. The more dominate male mounted the other. Then, they both started chattering their teeth. I know this is a ritual to sort out dominance, but it made me nervous, so I decided to end the introduction and put them back in their cages.

How much chattering is too much? Should I keep working at introducing them? How often should I try to introduce them (every day, once a week?) and will it stress them?

I have read the sticky on boar interaction, and it was helpful. Similar to advice I looked at before attempting the introduction.

 

[Wiebke]

Please be aware that every time you separate you force the two boars to start right back at the beginning and you prevent them from working throgh their issues. Next time (which can be tomorrow, as there have been no fall outs) please make sure that you have several hours time and leave them to it, unless they start fighting.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

Here is a list of behaviours of mounting aggressiveness; anything mild to medium you have to accept. Bonding is very nerve racking and it is not easy for a beginner to just sit by - but that is what you have to.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28949

Have a look through this thread here to get more of an idea what is good and what is not; perhaps that can help you further: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59233

 

[lumiina]

Oh, I didn't notice the FAQ on introducing! Thank you so much for the advice and links. I will read it over thoroughly and try again tomorrow, this time letting them go through the whole process with no interruption. I'm happy I found this out now.

When I was a kid, I had two male teddy bear hamsters in different cages. I once tried introducing them (despite knowing that males don't get along!) and ended up interrupting a fight, both getting bitten and risking their safety. I guess I'm scared of repeating the same mistake, but hamsters are solitary creatures, while guinea pigs live in herds. So, it won't be the same.

 

[lumiina]

Although it's probably possible, I don't feel I can introduce them as a nervous owner. I tried again today, and there was much chasing, rumble-strutting, mounting, peeing, loud constant chattering and what not for an hour and then they lunged at each other twice. They both are very dominant pigs. It's too bad, but I'll just have them in separate cages side by side. I don't feel confident enough.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Although it's probably possible, I don't feel I can introduce them as a nervous owner. I tried again today, and there was much chasing, rumble-strutting, mounting, peeing, loud constant chattering and what not for an hour and then they lunged at each other twice. They both are very dominant pigs. It's too bad, but I'll just have them in separate cages side by side. I don't feel confident enough.

I don't know if there is a rescue in your area that could assist you with this. My friend had trouble bonding pet shop rabbits and a lovely lady from the local rabbit and guinea pig rescue came out and helped her try and bond them. Unfortunately it wasn't possible but at least she got help from someone who was confident with it

 

[Abi_nurse]

I agree with the above.

I understand boys can be hard to bond. I worry myself, after several failed bonds with both boys and girls. I understand your worry, i wouldnt seperate unless blood is drawn, boys can display quite a lot of dominance and agression before the hierachy is sorted out.

x.

 

[lumiina]

I didn't know about guinea pig rescues until I saw this forum. So perhaps there is one in my area that I can go to for help.

My mother was a veterinary technician and is a lot more confident with animals in general than I am. So I do think I will try one more time, with her help. They enjoy each other's company in two cages, going to the edge of the cage to sit by each other and talking with each other. I haven't bathed a guinea pig before, but maybe I will try this so that they don't smell like they are from different herds when they meet each other.

If there's an injury with blood, will it heal by itself?