Introductions Not Going Well.

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Coyotebd

Coyotebd

New Born Pup
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We were very excited today as this was the day our new cavy arrived. We've had Autumn for a couple of weeks now and things are going well. I've been giving her free range time every day, though she doesn't really take advantage of it. Also lap time every day with veggies as bribes.

Our new cavy, a four weeks old baby, came from the same rehome but since it had been two weeks I thought it would be good to introduce them on neutral ground. At first things were okay with the baby nosing Autumn for milk. I thing Autumn got frustrated and started asserting her dominance. There was a little rumblestrutting and one attempt at mounting. Mostly Autumn has been insistently sticking her nose in Summer's backside and nipping at her cheeks and chasing her around.

It looks like its bullying but I'm worried if it will stop. The strange thing is that while chasing summer autumn is making noises like she's purring. I assumed it was rumbling but it seems higher pitched. Autumn has been alone for two weeks. I wonder if she's accepted Summer and is now playing. Summer still acts like she's being assaulted. No visible injuries have occurred.
 
All sounds like normal sows sorting out the hierarchy. Noses in air, mounting, rumbling, chasing, nipping are all normal. As is the squeaking and wheeking. Just make sure all hideys have 2 exits and there is nowhere one can get trapped and that there are no wounds. Best to have 2 of everything to start with as even an older dominant sow can't guard 2 food bowls in different places. Just keep an eye on them but it sounds normal.
 
The older sow is definitely letting the little one eat. Just a second ago they were both startled and hid in the same spot with no fuss.
 
I've just gone through the same thing only it was my little four month old chasing my six month old and asserting dominance. After two days of the same behavior described they have finally settled a bit. Before aspen would not even allow bailey to eat but now there bickering has subsided. I'm assuming it may kick off again from time to time but that just seems to be their nature.
 
I hope you're right. I left them together overnight. They each have a tunnel to hide in. This morning Autumn was still chasing Summer around. Summer is being given access to food but I can't imagine she's a terribly happy cavy. Hopefully by tonight they'll be better. Wife is home with a sick kid so at least we have someone there keeping an eye on things.
 
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