Two new herd members; who do I bond first or altogether?

[Tara95]

Sow New Herd member 1) I will be adopting a 13 month old sow who has never lived with other guinea pigs she has however had playdates with other female guinea pigs and doesn't appear to be aggressive so I'm told and is "shy and friendly" with other guinea pigs.

Neutered boar New herd Member 2: Winston who has been living next to the herd of sows for 9 weeks and has two sisters in the herd will be ready to bond in exactly two weeks.

It has been suggested that I bond them all at the same time but this could be chaotic, especially the new female who has never lived with another guinea pig might be very overwhelmed by all these new sows as well as Winston who I don't know how he'll react (I imagine with lots of humping although I can't be sure) which could startle the new guinea pig.
In my head, the plan would be to introduce the herd of sows to the new female first as what I've read on here seems to imply that the females have a separate hierarchy that the male is not part of. If bonding is successful and she is a secure member of the herd (I may have to wait a week or two before things are fully settled?) This could mean delaying Winston's introduction for a week or two while the sow hierarchy is successfully established). When the bonds are judged to be stable and she is not stressed anymore I could then introduce Winston to the herd of sows.
or is there another way?
Any advise would be appreciated,
Many thanks,

 

[Wiebke]

Sow New Herd member 1) I will be adopting a 13 month old sow who has never lived with other guinea pigs she has however had playdates with other female guinea pigs and doesn't appear to be aggressive so I'm told and is "shy and friendly" with other guinea pigs.

Neutered boar New herd Member 2: Winston who has been living next to the herd of sows for 9 weeks and has two sisters in the herd will be ready to bond in exactly two weeks.

It has been suggested that I bond them all at the same time but this could be chaotic, especially the new female who has never lived with another guinea pig might be very overwhelmed by all these new sows as well as Winston who I don't know how he'll react (I imagine with lots of humping although I can't be sure) which could startle the new guinea pig.
In my head, the plan would be to introduce the herd of sows to the new female first as what I've read on here seems to imply that the females have a separate hierarchy that the male is not part of. If bonding is successful and she is a secure member of the herd (I may have to wait a week or two before things are fully settled?) This could mean delaying Winston's introduction for a week or two while the sow hierarchy is successfully established). When the bonds are judged to be stable and she is not stressed anymore I could then introduce Winston to the herd of sows.
or is there another way?
Any advise would be appreciated,
Many thanks,

Hi!

Your way means that the whole herd has to go through the rather disruptive process of establishing a full group hierarchy twice. In my own experience, acceptance is often easier granted when you introduce more than one piggy at a time.

 

[Tara95]

Hi!

Your way means that the whole herd has to go through the rather disruptive process of establishing a full group hierarchy twice. In my own experience, acceptance is often easier granted when you introduce more than one piggy at a time.

Thank you, that's very interesting! You're obviously right but in my head that would not have dawned on me so I'm so glad I asked before going ahead with it. I'm not 100% sure when the female guinea pig is arriving as her owners are saying goodbye depending on when she arrives would I still need to wait the full two weeks to quarantine her? As I'm hoping to introduce Winston ASAP in two weeks. Or should I delay Winston's bonding of the sows until she is fully quarantined? Just seems a shame to delay bonding of two lone piggies. As Winston could be waiting an extra week or two for her to quarantined.
Many thanks,

 

[T-Rex]

Like I said. I’m no expert but I think I’d personally do it all in one go. It can take a few weeks for things to settle down so I wouldn’t like to them have to go through it all again. And maybe the initial bond will still be fragile and then you would be going through it all again and it could be more stressful.
Plus its going to be stressful on you too! I know I’m constantly thinking about my guys and every noise wondering what’s going on and if everyone is ok and happy!

Its potentially going to be chaotic either way.

Exciting though!

 

[Tara95]

Like I said. I’m no expert but I think I’d personally do it all in one go. It can take a few weeks for things to settle down so I wouldn’t like to them have to go through it all again. And maybe the initial bond will still be fragile and then you would be going through it all again and it could be more stressful.
Plus its going to be stressful on you too! I know I’m constantly thinking about my guys and every noise wondering what’s going on and if everyone is ok and happy!

Its potentially going to be chaotic either way.

Exciting though!

Thank you you were right! I think I'm just worried/overthinking. As Winston has been on his own for two months and the female has been on her own her whole life, I really don't know what to expect or if bonding is even possible. Fingers crossed it works out! and thank you for advice.

 

[T-Rex]

I’m the queen of overthinking too!
Winston has been by the girls so he’s going to be ok to wait a bit longer I’m sure if needs be. Fingers crossed the new girl will bond well with the herd and enjoy finally having some piggy friends.
I have found it very stressful, especially the two days in the bonding pen. And I very nearly thought it wasn’t going to work at all when Jasper was just teeth chattering all the time! Luckily my husband talked me round and made me be more patient. So my advice is take it steady and give them time and try not to overthink it too much!
l’ll keep an eye out. I’m no expert but since I’m going through it myself I’m happy to chat things through with you anytime! We’ve been going through very similar stuff recently!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, that's very interesting! You're obviously right but in my head that would not have dawned on me so I'm so glad I asked before going ahead with it. I'm not 100% sure when the female guinea pig is arriving as her owners are saying goodbye depending on when she arrives would I still need to wait the full two weeks to quarantine her? As I'm hoping to introduce Winston ASAP in two weeks. Or should I delay Winston's bonding of the sows until she is fully quarantined? Just seems a shame to delay bonding of two lone piggies. As Winston could be waiting an extra week or two for her to quarantined.
Many thanks,

Which background is the new sow from? If she has been in contact with other piggies recently or is not from a well kept background, then I would quarantine and give her some days next to the group and Winston after that. You can keep Winston alongside the group ow in a small bonding pen in a corner of the group cage for better acceptance in the meantime. It is always worth not to rush the bonding when you are doing it at home and let any new piggies settle in and meet their new friends through the bars. You can also assess their personality a bit better.
Be aware that single sows or those coming out of a life-long pairing may be more fear-aggressive when meeting new piggies.

 

[Tara95]

I’m the queen of overthinking too!
Winston has been by the girls so he’s going to be ok to wait a bit longer I’m sure if needs be. Fingers crossed the new girl will bond well with the herd and enjoy finally having some piggy friends.
I have found it very stressful, especially the two days in the bonding pen. And I very nearly thought it wasn’t going to work at all when Jasper was just teeth chattering all the time! Luckily my husband talked me round and made me be more patient. So my advice is take it steady and give them time and try not to overthink it too much!
l’ll keep an eye out. I’m no expert but since I’m going through it myself I’m happy to chat things through with you anytime! We’ve been going through very similar stuff recently!

It will work out it's just been unfortunate you've had the stress of the neuter complications and now a sick new piggy! I hate to say it but these things always happen in threes! I'm still waiting for my 3rd..lol.

 

[Tara95]

Which background is the new sow from? If she has been in contact with other piggies recently or is not from a well kept background, then I would quarantine and give her some days next to the group and Winston after that. You can keep Winston alongside the group ow in a small bonding pen in a corner of the group cage for better acceptance in the meantime. It is always worth not to rush the bonding when you are doing it at home and let any new piggies settle in and meet their new friends through the bars. You can also assess their personality a bit better.
Be aware that single sows or those coming out of a life-long pairing may be more fear-aggressive when meeting new piggies.

She's kept indoors and she seems very spoilt and pampered. The family seem really nice and genuine and because she's a Silkie, she has regular baths and grooms, I hope this will not impact the bonding process as she does look very different to them with long hair. I trust that she's well kept but obviously would not want to rush the bonding process/ take risks with health. and will do thank you for your advise as always

 

[Wiebke]

She's kept indoors and she seems very spoilt and pampered. The family seem really nice and genuine and because she's a Silkie, she has regular baths and grooms, I hope this will not impact the bonding process as she does look very different to them with long hair. I trust that she's well kept but obviously would not want to rush the bonding process/ take risks with health. and will do thank you for your advise as always

Be aware that if she is not used to other piggies, she can struggle quite massively. Have a living-alongside option at the ready if things don't work out.

Here is our long-haired piggy haircut guide. They don't need lots of extra baths; it is not good for their delicate skin microbiome. Long hairs is not an issue with other piggies. They recognise each other as piggies. I have got/had plenty of mixed pairs and groups. It all boils down to character compatibility and whether she can/is willing to fit into your group or not.

 

[Tara95]

Be aware that if she is not used to other piggies, she can struggle quite massively. Have a living-alongside option at the ready if things don't work out.

Here is our long-haired piggy haircut guide. They don't need lots of extra baths; it is not good for their delicate skin microbiome. Long hairs is not an issue with other piggies. They recognise each other as piggies. I have got/had plenty of mixed pairs and groups. It all boils down to character compatibility and whether she can/is willing to fit into your group or not.

Thank you I have a C & C so would be able to seperate them easily if needed. Hopefully she'll be okay though.Hope there isn't a high chance of her not getting on with the others as she's only a year old hopefully not too set in her ways! But I'm prepared for it! Have viewed the guide thanks! How often do I need to cut the hair? Many thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you I have a C & C so would be able to seperate them easily if needed. Hopefully she'll be okay though.Hope there isn't a high chance of her not getting on with the others as she's only a year old hopefully not too set in her ways! But I'm prepared for it! Have viewed the guide thanks! How often do I need to cut the hair? Many thanks

I have a long haired piggy.. The hair around his bottom is always kept short to keep him clean. I cut the hair on his sides fairly regularly so it doesn’t drag in bedding too much (They’re bedded on hay). The hair on top Of his head is kept shorter to keep it out of his lovely eyes! In winter I do let him get a little longer (not so it drags though), but in summer i clip him as short as he will tolerate!

 

[Tara95]

I have a long haired piggy.. The hair around his bottom is always kept short to keep him clean. I cut the hair on his sides fairly regularly so it doesn’t drag in bedding too much (They’re bedded on hay). The hair on top Of his head is kept shorter to keep it out of his lovely eyes! In winter I do let him get a little longer (not so it drags though), but in summer i clip him as short as he will tolerate!

Thank you