When do I let my newly introduced guinea pigs live with each other?

ieatmylice

ieatmylice

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Hi, I currently have three male guinea pigs. The oldest is living alone, and the two younger ones are a pair. I'm trying to introduce all three to each other, and I'm having mixed feelings. I've already done some introductions and are desensitizing them to the smell of the others. (i.e. switching their beds after every spot clean) They have now gotten to the point where I feel comfortable giving them floor time together. When I first put them in their run for floor time, they rumble and chase some, but then settle down. Every couple minutes they will switch from being chill around each other to teeth chattering, annoyed squeaks and chasing. I know this is normal but sometimes they lunge, and it freaks me out.

I would love to see how they do overnight with each other, but don't know if it's too soon. This is my first time bonding guinea pigs and I just don't want to make a mistake that could cause serious damage. If you have any tips or suggestions please let me know. thanks :)
 
Please don’t bond them. Three Male piggies has a high failure rate and mostly ends up in fights. Boars need to be kept in pairs. The guide below explains.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

Unfortunately bonding cannot be done by a series of introductions in any event - it’s all or nothing, one introduction on neutral territory which is seen through to conclusion whether that be success or failure. However, as explained, a trio of males is incredibly difficult to get to work and would likely fail at some point.
 
I am just worried that my single male will be lonely, since another guinea pig isn't an option at the moment
 
ieatmylice said:
I am just worried that my single male will be lonely, since another guinea pig isn't an option at the moment
Click to expand...

If you keep your single piggy’s cage next to the pair of boars cage, then they will interact through the bars which prevents loneliness. If he is in a room entirely on his own then he will get lonely. Company is not just about physically living with another - piggy interaction is through sound and smell as well. It would be best long term if he can be bonded with a single suitable character compatible boar at some point though. But it has to be done the right way - boar dating at a rescue centre is the safest option as it ensures character compatibility.
Please don’t let the three of them have physical contact though - no floor time together etc. Those kinds of play dates just don’t work for piggies and particularly not three males.
 
:agr: with @Piggies&buns ' advice.

Here is more information on what you can do for a single piggy and how you best go about finding them a companion of their choice.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

While older boars in a household who know each other through the bars and whose testosterone has fizzled out may sometimes a welcome a bereaved long term neighbour when introduced on neutral ground, it is more often the case that the stress of a new addition comes down between the bonded pair and can lead to fall-out between them so there is a risk you can end up with three single boars that won't go together. The more sub-adults in the mix, the more unstable a boar trio.
 
Piggies&buns said:
If you keep your single piggy’s cage next to the pair of boars cage, then they will interact through the bars which prevents loneliness. If he is in a room entirely on his own then he will get lonely. Company is not just about physically living with another - piggy interaction is through sound and smell as well. It would be best long term if he can be bonded with a single suitable character compatible boar at some point though. But it has to be done the right way - boar dating at a rescue centre is the safest option as it ensures character compatibility.
Please don’t let the three of them have physical contact though - no floor time together etc. Those kinds of play dates just don’t work for piggies and particularly not three males.
Click to expand...
ok thanks, their cages are already right next to each other so that makes me feel better
 
ieatmylice said:
Hi, I currently have three male guinea pigs. The oldest is living alone, and the two younger ones are a pair. I'm trying to introduce all three to each other, and I'm having mixed feelings. I've already done some introductions and are desensitizing them to the smell of the others. (i.e. switching their beds after every spot clean) They have now gotten to the point where I feel comfortable giving them floor time together. When I first put them in their run for floor time, they rumble and chase some, but then settle down. Every couple minutes they will switch from being chill around each other to teeth chattering, annoyed squeaks and chasing. I know this is normal but sometimes they lunge, and it freaks me out.

I would love to see how they do overnight with each other, but don't know if it's too soon. This is my first time bonding guinea pigs and I just don't want to make a mistake that could cause serious damage. If you have any tips or suggestions please let me know. thanks :)
Click to expand...
I was in the exact same situation as you about a week ago. I just got a new rescue piggy and made a post about attempting to bond my 2 paired boars with the new single boar, I decided not to chance it and am very happy with how it turned out! Two days before I got the new pig, I bought a custom pig cage with a huge bottom space and a second story that is almost as large. I decided to take out the ramp and cover it with some wood (there is a built-in hidey that the ramp comes into) and move my single boy to the top rather than keeping a separate enclosure. Eventually I may pair a baby with my single pig but I am very happy with the new setup and happy that my single boar will still get interaction. :)
 
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