Trouble Bonding Two ~1 Year Old Females

[glasre13]

Hey everyone!

First time poster/new owner of two adorable guinea pigs (Gerdy and Freyja!)

So, we're new to this. We adopted two female guinea pigs from two separate shelters. One is about a year old, the other is about 9 months old. We tried to do everything right: one is really social and outgoing, the other definitely is more timid. We quarantined them, and then transitioned them to living side by side after we built our CC cage.

After we put them in the CC cage together, we noticed some interaction. They both seem to love that the other is there, and will sniff/talk through the cage. One sleeps on the other side of the barrier when one is in the hammock! While all this was encouraging, we also noticed some teeth chattering/posturing at each other. No big deal, just every now and then it happened.

Today we went to introduce them (on neutral territory-- in their playpen with new bedding-- we put in the veggies and such as a distraction). We put them in, and within 30 seconds a really ugly fight broke out. Both seem fine- we got them apart pretty quickly. However, now I'm super discouraged!

I'm here asking about next steps. I know bonding may take time, but what do we do next? Do we wait a few days then try again? Is a fight a sign that they won't bond? Are there any recommendations for bonding strategies that we didn't try?

 

[Piggies&buns]

If it was a full on fight, then it’s likely they are not compatible so won’t have a successful bond. I’ll add in some bonding guides below, but if they dislike each other, then there isn’t a lot you can do. Sadly, living side by side and seemingly liking each other in that case is not a real representation of how they will be when physically together.

Keep them separated but side by side as having interactions through the bars will stave off loneliness.
If they definitely don’t like each other and won’t bond, then what will your long term plans for them be - get each one a new friend? If so, then if would be safest if you can find a rescue centre who can offer dating - that way, the piggies are fried with other piggies until they find one they like which will result in a good bond.

Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

 

[Wiebke]

Hey everyone!

First time poster/new owner of two adorable guinea pigs (Gerdy and Freyja!)

So, we're new to this. We adopted two female guinea pigs from two separate shelters. One is about a year old, the other is about 9 months old. We tried to do everything right: one is really social and outgoing, the other definitely is more timid. We quarantined them, and then transitioned them to living side by side after we built our CC cage.

After we put them in the CC cage together, we noticed some interaction. They both seem to love that the other is there, and will sniff/talk through the cage. One sleeps on the other side of the barrier when one is in the hammock! While all this was encouraging, we also noticed some teeth chattering/posturing at each other. No big deal, just every now and then it happened.

Today we went to introduce them (on neutral territory-- in their playpen with new bedding-- we put in the veggies and such as a distraction). We put them in, and within 30 seconds a really ugly fight broke out. Both seem fine- we got them apart pretty quickly. However, now I'm super discouraged!

I'm here asking about next steps. I know bonding may take time, but what do we do next? Do we wait a few days then try again? Is a fight a sign that they won't bond? Are there any recommendations for bonding strategies that we didn't try?

Hi!

If your girls have had a full-on scrap, then they have made up their minds they won't suit. Once sows have decided that another piggy is not welcome in their group (even a group of one), you have had it, whether that is another sow or another boar. They won't likely change their opinion for the next few years.
Any successful piggy bond stands and falls with mutual liking and character compatibility. There is no trick in the world that can change that fact; if there is no shared basis, then the bonding will inevitably fail. While companionship is to be desired, piggies are much more complex personalities than most people imagine.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

It is likely that one of them has got fear-aggression issues. Please be aware that sleeping next to each other on the edge of the territory is what I call a 'dominance lie -in' to demarkate the edge of the territory against a piggy from another group and not the desire for companionship. It is a very little known behaviour because it is generally misinterpreted.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (has got chapters on the challenges of finding a companion)
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

Please keep them as neighbours for ongoing stimulation and interaction through the bars. I would strongly recommend not to get any more piggies on spec but if you want to try bonding one or both, arrange a dating session at a good welfare standard rescue that offers this service, so you only come home with a companion (sow or neutered boar) if acceptance has happened and you have got the rescue to fall back on in case you run into trouble.
Rescue Locator

 

[glasre13]

Hi guys! Thanks for the responses! Just wanted to post a *positive* update!

We re- separated them after the initial tussle, and after y’alls advice and some advice from our vet, kept them in the same cage with the divider, monitoring for signs of aggression. After they stopped doing that entirely (no rumplestrutting, chattering, etc) and with plenty of switching toys around between sides, we reintroduced them again last night. And it worked! It was a long bonding process to be sure, but after some harmless dominance behavior, they snuggled up together and are now in the same cage!

I think our initial tension had a lot to do with how fearful our 9 month old was when she came to us, and it looks like with more adjustment she was able to bond with her cage mate.

Thanks again for your insights! They’re currently relaxing together near the hay rack.