New couples, one doesn't seem to be doing well

[Elitah]

We have six piggis, three adults (Patch who is female, Sparky and Basil who are male) and three babies: Spotty and Cotton (female) and You (male). We had to separate the babies when they were five weeks old because even the vet couldn't tell us their gender. Their parents were siblings (Sparky and Patch) and we feared if the babies would start getting each other pregnant early, there would be trouble with the new babies. You was neutered about 7 weeks ago so last week we paired them up. Patch and Sparky have been together for months (Sparky and Basil were both neutered months ago) and we paired little Spotty up with Basil who was by himself since he didn't get along with Sparky. Those two are doing well, Spotty seemed to get on his nerves a little, but it's been less than a week now and they are really peaceful and seem to be doing absolutely well together.

The big problem is Cotton and You. They have a cage with two levels and a ramp. First problem is that they are not interested in the ram. They will step on it to get the food we put on it, but that's it. Second, they're not interested in each other. We had them on our laps together twice and You sniffs her, but Cotton just climbs up my arm and tries to hide. So we have a cage with two levels and each of them has their own level and won't have anything to do with the other. I'm not sure what to do about it. Put them both on one level and see what happens? I'm just worried You might start biting Cotton and she is quite shy.

 

[first_time_piggie_mum]

Bump

 

[Glynis]

Have you read thru the bonding thread? that's got some fab advice i'll put the link on for you

as for the ramp when i added one to my girls house i put food on the ramp and let them reach for it......then i put it up higher........ i also physically walked the girls up and down it a couple of times (just held them and moved them up and down the ramp so they knew it was safe) it didn't take them long....... also put their fav veggie up the top level, they soon sniff it out drool

here's the link love:

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562