Is This Likely To Get Any Better (bonding Pair To An Existing Single)

[nsudac]

Until recently I had two guinea pigs, both female. Sadly one of them died a few weeks ago, so I've been on the lookout for a new companion for the one left behind.

Today I went to a rescue centre, took my guinea pig along, and they matched her up with a pair of females. Admittedly the bonding process wasn't very long but they justified this with "females always get along fine"... apparently not the case.

Since I've got them home both of the new arrivals have been picking on my existing guinea pig. My guinea pig is very timid and so has largely ignored their dominant behaviour (head butting, teeth chattering, occasional lunges) but it's now got to the point where they have commandeered her hidey house and won't let her in, and she's just spending her time in the other corner of the cage - somewhat defeating the original objective of getting her companion(s).

Can anyone offer me any guidance as to whether this situation is likely to get any better? I don't really want to take them back to the rescue but will be tempted if my guinea pig is going to be confined to the corner of a cage she previously had the run of

Thanks for any advice.

 

[yorkiegirl]

I'm a complete novice when it comes to these things, but I do know that you need more than one hidey for guineas when bonding. One per guinea I think? Can you put another hidey in there tonight?

 

[piggyfan]

It is difficult with a trio as one is usually left out. It helps to have three of everything. I do not think much of that rescue as bonding takes time. I hope things calm down. It is still early days.

 

[Wiebke]

Make sure that you have three of everything (hideys, bowls at least a body length away from each other etc), especially during the dominance phase where the hierarchy is being established. Unfortunately, it looks like your girl will be at the bottom. Commandeering the best space and first choice of food is very much typical dominance behaviour.