Pups and Dad

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Frances B

New Born Pup
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Our 3 boar pups have moved in with dad since they reached 3 weeks yesterday. We introduced them gradually over a few days on neutral ground. Dad’s been great. A few hip sideways pushes for the biggest pup who’s been challenging him a fair bit - mounting him, rumbling etc.
Since yesterday evening Dad isn’t letting two of the pups into his house. He lets the smallest one be with him. We saw this tendency from the beginning, the smallest one (who hasn’t shown any dominance signs) with him more and getting on with him.
So should we keep the two biggest pups in with Bruno (dad) or move them over and try with Bob (our other male who’s recently castrated and on his own until mum can go back in with him.)?
Bruno’s not being aggressive, just not letting them close. The result of this is that they sleep alone (either each pup on their own or the two together).
Grateful for any thoughts. The two biggest pups are the ones we plan to re-home (assuming we find good homes) and so the combinations of pigs are only until they are old enough to go to new homes.
Long term plan:
Cage 1: Bob and Buzz (mum)
Cage 2: Bruno and smallest male pup (currently in with him)
Cage 3: our 2 hand-fed and smallest pups (both boars, currently still in with mum for a little longer, since they are so small)
 
Yes one more larger house and smaller houses with pup-sized entrances in case they needed to get away. Then there is also a fleece cuddle “pouch”, soft beds etc. And several big heaps of hay.
We gave them lots of options in case Bruno didn’t take well to them.
We’ve just had a feeling too from day one of introducing them. The big pup has been on Bruno the whole time with dominance stuff.
Then they’re all a bit off after the fireworks last night. We had loads very close to us in neighbours’ gardens. We did what we could (closed curtains, extra cuddles etc)
 
Can’t help wondering if I am giving too many human feelings to this. The pups are still gaining weight, they’re eating, they’re together most of the time daytime. They’re basically just not allowed in his house. Should I worry about loneliness/being separated from mum and then sleeping/spending time on their own?
 
Its fine provided they’ve got somewhere else to go and provided there is no aggression.
 
Hi

It is normal behaviour. The two larger boys are seen as weaned and are treated as full (but junior) members of the group while the youngest is still considered to be in need of 'baby' protection. Please provide one hide of some sort (each with two exits) for each piggy.

It is a myth that piggies sleep snuggled up like rats or mice; the group generally sleeps close to each other in nooks and crannies (first choice to the leader). Only babies or very closely bonded piggies (often with one of them having extra emotional support needs) will sleep together in safe circumstances.
You may find this article series I have written in 2020 for Guinea Pig Magazine helpful and very interesting in order to understand developments better: Journey through a Lifetime: The Ages of Guinea Pigs
 
Aw, that’s such good news, glad Bruno is enjoying the company, thank you for letting us know
 
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