Will Changing Fleece Or Vetbed Affect Hierarchy/dominance?

[Tbag]

Our vetbed is getting a bit worn and tired looking now so I'm hoping to replace it or switch to fleece at somepoint this year, my question is will this rather big change to the environment upset the fragile balance Wyatt and Ludo have found together?
It was very touch and go for the first few months and I wasn't sure they'd ever settle or fully accept each other, but now we've reached a general state of peace and harmony. They're not what you'd call the best of friends and don't interact with each other much on a pigsonal level (no grooming or snuggling) but they do seem to enjoy each others company. Theres often rumbling and a bit of chasing/humping but theres never any true violence beyond normal, if frequent, dominance behaviour. I'm just worried that a change of environment could upset things and start a dominance battle off afresh? Any advice?

 

[Wiebke]

Our vetbed is getting a bit worn and tired looking now so I'm hoping to replace it or switch to fleece at somepoint this year, my question is will this rather big change to the environment upset the fragile balance Wyatt and Ludo have found together?
It was very touch and go for the first few months and I wasn't sure they'd ever settle or fully accept each other, but now we've reached a general state of peace and harmony. They're not what you'd call the best of friends and don't interact with each other much on a pigsonal level (no grooming or snuggling) but they do seem to enjoy each others company. Theres often rumbling and a bit of chasing/humping but theres never any true violence beyond normal, if frequent, dominance behaviour. I'm just worried that a change of environment could upset things and start a dominance battle off afresh? Any advice?

You could try to soften the switchover by rubbing soiled vetbed into the fleece to give it that "ours" scent. It is generally the removal of the territory markers that is the crucial bit. Perhaps you could give it a little trial run with a just a fleece rag and see whether that is causing any problems in the cage?

 

[Tbag]

Ahhh thank you! Its encouraging to know its removing things that can cause problems as I had to replace one of their fleecy tunnels recently and that went without a hitch (all my worrying before changing it for nothing too!). I will do a test run, very good idea - I've also just thought that I could let them play on any new bedding during their floor time/grass time so its not a cage setting but they'll still make it their own and something familiar.

 

[Wiebke]

Ahhh thank you! Its encouraging to know its removing things that can cause problems as I had to replace one of their fleecy tunnels recently and that went without a hitch (all my worrying before changing it for nothing too!). I will do a test run, very good idea - I've also just thought that I could let them play on any new bedding during their floor time/grass time so its not a cage setting but they'll still make it their own and something familiar.

That may also be a good idea; something they can make their own.

 

[piggieminder]

We changed to a new bigger cage and new vet bed last week. I put all their hay baskets, tunnels, bowls etc. in without cleaning so their smells were in the cage and they accepted their new home without a squabble. It took 4 days for them to be completely relaxed and popcorn around but now they love their extra space.