when do I move to next step of introductions?

[JennyC]

We have decided to try and bond our boar with another male one more time. It seems to be going better this time, but the dominance bahaviors are definately there. What is confusing me is that just as they seem to finally be done and settle down next to eachother eating, it starts all over again. Comet is chasing rocket around, nudging his butt and rocket has not stopped crying. Then they calm and lay down, then its off to the races again. When would it be acceptable to move them into the cage? Its been about an hour. Also, comet keeps popcorning before he approaches rocket. I thought this was a happy thing?

 

[Pigjes]

If the cage has been cleaned thoroughly, if there is no biting for blood, you can try moving them into the cage after a few hours if you are certain that they won't fight.

 

[MerryPip]

They will continue to keep trying each other out, it's normal for them to check and reassert their authority. What it should not turn into is bullying.

It sounds like they do have some bond with each other if they will lie down together but it is still early days. You could try them in the cage together. Make sure it's all clean so your original lad won't decide it's all his territory, make sure you have two food bowls, water bottles, hideys etc as well so they can get some time out awasy from each other and not fight to eat. You will have to keep a close eye on them for a while to make sure that Comet is not being too pushy with Rocket.

Best of luck. Boar bonding is not an easy business and often letting them pick their own partner from a selection with the guidance and help of a reputable rescue is the best way.

 

[JennyC]

Thanks for the replies. After about 2 hours we put them in a clean cage. I'm anxious and not sleeping well lol. There has been no fighting since a short snit first thing in the cage but rocket cries quite pitifully when comet comes into the house where he is sleeping, I don't believe comet is hurting him, I think rocket is scared. We do have two of everything, but they seem to continue settling into the same house once rocket calms down. I have caught both out eating at the same time so I am hopeful. If anyone has experience with a bullied piggie please let me know what to watch for and what may be rocket simply complaining. here's to getting some sleep!

 

[Wiebke]

Boar bonding will take several days until they settle down fully. The most critical time once a bond has been established is waking up after a sleep and the first night together. yours sounds like it is going the right way.

You may find this boar bonding thread here useful; it contains videos and many descriptions of what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviour. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?59233-Boar-Dating-Service-Wales

 

[JennyC]

That thread is great and so funny! Unfortunately I had to separate the boys this morning. Rocket's cries became more shrill, and when I went to investigate it was clear comet was keeping him from both bowls and all the water. Comet also became very agressive towards me when I interviened, and chattered his teeth and lunged at my hand. I'm not sure we will be able to keep comet if this behavior continues, and I will be left with a solo piggie who was an intended companion lol.

Also, I did look and we actually have no guinea pig rescues in our state, and no one who does dating. What a pity. If anyone is in the southern us and knows something I don't let me know.

 

[Wiebke]

Could you keep them side by side? They will still appreciate each others company while having their own territory.

As you can see from Suzy's thread, it is not quite as easy to match boars even when dating, and without it is rather doubtful that Comet will behave better with the next piggy. BUT he is just a normally hormonal boy for his age, who was wound up when you intervened. He will calm down once he reaches adulthood, and is not going to bite you at will.

Please be aware that getting rid of comet will be a death sentence for him, as he is unsaleable/unrehomeable with the moniker of being unbondable AND aggressive. The US is an unforgiving place for discarded pets, as there are simply too many of them.

 

[JennyC]

Yes, you can tell she puts a good amount of time and energy into the process. I am going to house them side by side today, and try adding a bit of Rocket's bedding to where Comet is now. We will see, Comet is extremely hostile at times being a rescue and he tried to attack my daughter's bonded pair throught the bars to the point I had to move him out of the room. We were lucky with our other two, Moon and Pluto as they bonded right away, and are sailing through puberty together without issue.

 

[Wiebke]

Give Comet time to settle down; he may be able to bond as an adult, but I wouldn't force any more intros on him at the moment. He is obviously not ready for them.

Would it be a possibility to move Rocky next to Moon and Pluto and see whether he can get on with them eventually once Moon and Pluto are firmly settled adults?