Lone female and intros?

[blade100]

Ok so I have a lone female that I got yesterday. She's been on her own for 3 years.
I want to get her a friend at some point when I get a bigger cage.
But I'm scared on how it will go and what's normal behaviour when meeting guineas?
I have 14 male rats all living together in a huge cage and I've had rats for 13 years so have done many intros and know what is aggressive behaviour and what's just normal and nice.

Do you think rosie would accept a baby or same age adult?
What's the best way for them to meet? Neutral ground? Does the cage need to be scrubbed down so no smells?
What is aggressive behaviour in them?

Thanks amy

 

[Wiebke]

The safest way of introducing single guinea pigs that have been on their own for a long time and are difficult to judge, is to take them piggy dating at a good guinea pig rescue. There they will meet potential companions under the watchful eye of an experienced rescue person, so you do not run the risk of bringing back a piggy that your girl doesn't click with.

Generally, with sows you will know pretty soon whether acceptance happens or not; usually within the first 20 minutes or sooner. Once acceptance has happened (once they have decided that they get on with each other), the piggies will then move straight into the dominance phase (i.e. the hierarchy sort out). Boys take longer until you know whether their bond will be stable or not.

Otherwise, here are links to sow behaviour: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38561
and a collection of tips on how to best introduce guinea pigs:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562