Hi all! So I'm planning on introducing a new baby guinea pig (around 1-month old+) to an older guinea pig (around 10 months old+). What are some signs I should look for that might signal the introduction might be going bad? and signals that are good?
What to look for when introducing a new baby guinea pig to an older guinea pig
- Thread starter Haru825
- Start date
Siikibam
Forum Donator 2022/23
Are they boars or sows? I will link a guide in below that talks about the levels of dominance. There will be some rumble strutting, chasing and squealing in submission (from the younger one) which is all normal. You have to be careful not to break it up too quickly.
What you have to do is make sure the introduction is done in a neutral place - neither of them should have spent any time in it. Once they’re bonded you have to thoroughly clean the cage and rearrange it before you move them back in. Setting of the hierarchy will continue for a further two weeks. You have to be sure to see to the dominant pig first - it’s essential you respect their hierarchy.
Have you had the young piggy a while or just getting him? Piggies younger than 4 months need that social interaction more than ever, so quarantine can be skipped for them. Have a read of the guides below so you know what you may see.
One last thing - if your piggies are boars then be aware that bonding can be a little more difficult when in their teenage months (4-14 months).
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
What you have to do is make sure the introduction is done in a neutral place - neither of them should have spent any time in it. Once they’re bonded you have to thoroughly clean the cage and rearrange it before you move them back in. Setting of the hierarchy will continue for a further two weeks. You have to be sure to see to the dominant pig first - it’s essential you respect their hierarchy.
Have you had the young piggy a while or just getting him? Piggies younger than 4 months need that social interaction more than ever, so quarantine can be skipped for them. Have a read of the guides below so you know what you may see.
One last thing - if your piggies are boars then be aware that bonding can be a little more difficult when in their teenage months (4-14 months).
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Hi and welcome
Please take the time to carefully read the green guide links. The bonding guide is taking you step-by-step through the whole complex bonding process with all the attendant behaviours and dynamics for every stage - the good and the bad ones. It is the most comprehensive bonding guide you will ever find with plenty of pictures and videos.
Please take the time to carefully read the green guide links. The bonding guide is taking you step-by-step through the whole complex bonding process with all the attendant behaviours and dynamics for every stage - the good and the bad ones. It is the most comprehensive bonding guide you will ever find with plenty of pictures and videos.
Both piggies are boars, I'm going to be getting the younger piggie soon he's going to be around a month old
Please read the bonding guide and also the chapters on baby and boar bonding with the included videos. Be aware that you are bonding the baby with a teenage boar and that not all babies are necessarily accepted.
Make sure that you double-check the genders of both piggies before putting the boars together. Because sub-adult piggies (under 4 months) rely heavily on company and guidance and are not wired to be alone, you will have to introduce straight away and if necessary treat both piggies for any developing imported health issues if there are any.
Babies should be ideally 6-8 weeks old and have the body weight to cope with the massive change in circumstances.
Sexing-separating-baby-boars-and-rehoming-babies
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
All the best!