New bonding advice?

Chloe04

Chloe04

Junior Guinea Pig
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Location
Staffordshire, UK
One of my boys passed away very unexpectedly last night. He was a little unwell but under vet treatment, and appeared to be getting better. I went in to feed them and found him just lay there, I’ve just been in absolute shock but haven’t been able to process it properly as I’ve had to just throw myself into sorting everything out.

My (year old) remaining boar is a very quiet, reserved little thing, my other pig was an huge character and really helped to bring him out his shell and keep him active, and I’m so incredibly worried about him being alone. I’m picking up a baby boar this afternoon with the hopes of pairing them together.

I’ve been told a two week quarantine before bonding, is this absolutely essential if Neo isn’t doing well on his own? I’m doing as much floor time and socialising with him as I can and checking on him regularly but I’m worried about him.

Will they both be okay in a 3x2 in seperate rooms until bonding? Should I be doing things like scent swapping? My boys came together so I have no idea other than when it comes to the actual bonding session.
Thanks in advance
 
I’m so sorry for your loss.

As you say the new piggy is a baby you must not quarantine. Babies under four months old require constant companionship and cannot be put through the two weeks quarantine.

The other circumstance in which you do not quarantine a new piggy is if a bereaved piggy is struggling being alone. The companionship needs always come first.

So, please go ahead and carry out the neutral territory bonding today.
Should the new piggy bring in any parasite/illness then you would need to treat them both.

This guide explains how to carry out a bonding.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have

Good luck for the bonding
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m so sorry for your loss.

As you say the new piggy is a baby you must not quarantine. Babies under four months old require constant companionship and cannot be put through the two weeks quarantine.

The other circumstance in which you do not quarantine a new piggy is if a bereaved piggy is struggling being alone. The companionship needs always come first.

So, please go ahead and carry out the neutral territory bonding today.
Should the new piggy bring in any parasite/illness then you would need to treat them both.

This guide explains how to carry out a bonding.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have

Good luck for the bonding
Click to expand...
Thank you so so much!
 
They’ve been together now for around two and a half hours in the bonding pen. We’ve had a small amount of chasing, lots of vocalising but baby pig has been popcorning, had zoomies, and they’ve both been grooming, eating hay, and have had a nap each.
When is safe to put them back in the cage? There is still some vocalising but no more chasing, just my older pig doing some strutting
 
Generally if they have had a nap and are still happy with each other once they’ve woken up then it is safe to move them to the cage.
You may see more rounds of dominance in a new environment.
Don’t forget , it takes around two weeks for the bond to be fully formed.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Generally if they have had a nap and are still happy with each other once they’ve woken up then it is safe to move them to the cage.
You may see more rounds of dominance in a new environment.
Don’t forget , it takes around two weeks for the bond to be fully formed.
Click to expand...
Thank you again, they’ve had a couple of naps each - the baby has had a few! I’ve just put some very open hides in the pen and all is well, will go set up the cage for them now but may move it into my bedroom for the time being so I can keep a closer eye overnight
 
I’m sorry you lost your boy. It shows how caring you are that you considered your year old’s needs so quickly!

I’m glad all went well with bonding them. Long may their friendship continue.
 
Siikibam said:
I’m sorry you lost your boy. It shows how caring you are that you considered your year old’s needs so quickly!

I’m glad all went well with bonding them. Long may their friendship continue.
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Thank you, I feel so awful about it seeming like I’ve “replaced” Sven so quickly, but I just know Neo wouldn’t cope more than a day on his own. Having had to throw myself into making sure Neo is okay, and sorting out Sven, I don’t think I’ve had much time to process it all. Neo is a very quiet, reserved boy and Sven always managed to bring him out his shell, without a friend I worry he’d just shut down.
The new baby is very outgoing and social, and is just what Neo needs! He’s very cheeky and is keeping him well on his toes, but the two of them have been found snuggled together asleep on multiple occasions since being together ❤️
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You are not replacing Sven, you are acting in Neo’s best interests. Baby has merely opened another box in your heart to fill with his antics and your love ☺️
 
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