Reintroduction Possible?

[Saralouise1985]

Hi, some advice would be great..
I have 2 lovely boys who my hubby bought me as a gift from pets at home when they were babies. At first they were fine, but a few months in started fighting. No blood was drawn but they had each other pinned in corners of their cage showing teeth and making a lot of noise. They were separated and have been living in separate cages ever since. They are now just over 3 yrs old. I feel bad that they are separate and don't have each other for company.. I am buying a 6x2 c&c cage (with 2 lofts) and wondered if I can try to re introduce them now that they are older and will have more space. Is it worth a try? I will be able to split the new cage if needed though.
I have never had a pair like this before who need to live separately... advice needed! X

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, some advice would be great..
I have 2 lovely boys who my hubby bought me as a gift from pets at home when they were babies. At first they were fine, but a few months in started fighting. No blood was drawn but they had each other pinned in corners of their cage showing teeth and making a lot of noise. They were separated and have been living in separate cages ever since. They are now just over 3 yrs old. I feel bad that they are separate and don't have each other for company.. I am buying a 6x2 c&c cage (with 2 lofts) and wondered if I can try to re introduce them now that they are older and will have more space. Is it worth a try? I will be able to split the new cage if needed though.
I have never had a pair like this before who need to live separately... advice needed! X

It is difficult to tell whether they will go back together, as they are now used to each having their own territory and a lot less likely to bond again. However, it is always worth a try as they never quarrelled so badly that there is absolutely not way back (i.e. serious bloody bites).
Please read the tips and further links in this thread here, which also contains tips on how to judge and stage re-introductions. Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[MerryPip]

It is really hard to know what the result will be. My gut feeling is that they are unlikely to accept each other again but at 3 years old they should be less hormonal and a bit more chilled out so it's not impossible. Neutral territory and as much space as possible (always the bigger the better for boars) I think will be key though as they will both have their own established territory in their cages...

@Wiebke has given you the best links to information that we have and the only other thing I could recommend would be approaching your closest recommended rescue (see our locator on the tool bar) for advice and support as they are likely to have a lot of bonding experience and know what to watch out for during introductions.

Unfortunately this is one of the risks of buying piggies from pet shops. Guinea pig bonds are strongly based on personality so when we come into a shop and pick two of the 10-20 piggy son offer, the chances of us picking a compatible pair are limited. It's a bit like us walking into a nightclub or bar, going home with the first person we set eyes on and then expecting to live for the next 50 years in perfect harmony in a bedsit. It's just not likely to happen. That's one of the reasons as a forum that we promote adopting from rescue where stable pairs are formed to suit both piggies with thought for compatible personalities. This is especially true for boys who wouldn't naturally live in groups in the wild and pairs need to be arefully picked for success.

If it doesn't work out of you decide not to try, there is nothing to say they wouldn't bond with another male, and again your local recommended rescue would be able to help. At age 3 they are in a good situation to bond as they are more stable hormone wise and more chilled than youngsters.

Good luck whatever you choose!

 

[Saralouise1985]

Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it.
I think I'm going to give bonding a try.. see how things go. I've read all the tips so feel ok about trying. If it doesn't work out then at least given it a go.