We have two bonded pigs (Riot - 11 months and Noodles - 15 months old) and decided to add a third (Grumbles - 6-7 months old) about 2+ months ago. We did (and continue to do) plenty of research to make sure we did this as properly and effectively as possible. We did the proper introductions, kept them separate for 2+ weeks with plenty of bonding time, and when things seem peaceful then moved them into a very large and clean neutral cage after giving them all a quick bath. This went well enough for about 2 weeks. Riot and Grumbles weren't the friendliest but pretty much ignored each other, never really attempted to dominate or bond, and nothing ever escalated. We then started noticing that Riot and Grumbles were getting very hostile with each other, ended up have big blow outs and scraps, and were starting to get covered in very small cuts and scratches, etc. There was no rumble strutting or any other visible dominance behaviour beforehand and it would instead just become heated instantly. There was never any serious blood loss or injury but because it seemed to be quickly escalating each time and we aren't able to monitor them at all times, we decided to add a barrier between the cages so that they were separate but could still interact and then continued with long monitored visiting sessions for about 2.5 weeks. Neither was performing standard dominance behaviour on the other but they have slowly became neutral with each other again. The third pig isn't a problem. He interacts with both of them, ignores them when they are scrapping, but isn't really attempting to dominate either of them.
Since things were seeming more peaceful, we decided yesterday to try and have them all live together again. We made the cage completely neutral again, the cage is well over the recommended size for three pigs and they have plenty of room to run around, have 2 or 3 of everything (water, food bowls, hay, etc,) and have enough "houses" and hiding spaces for each of them. Since we have added them back Riot is very relentlessly chasing the newest pig every time he sees him aggressively enough that shavings are flying everywhere. It's pretty much non-stop. The new pig never chases him back and neither are performing any of the other standard dominance behaviour on each other. The only pigs that are rumble strutting around each other at all are the two that are previously bonded. The newest pig is still leaving the houses and coming out of hiding very cautiously and slowly and has had plenty of access to the food and water as the cage is very large but it usually at some point ends in him being chased around relentlessly. The part that is confusing to me is that while the newest pig looking a little hesitant as he wanders around the cage, there has been very minimal teeth chattering or squealing or other sounds of destress, there has been no violent encounters, and Riot (who is doing the chasing) seems to be making happy chutting and weaking noises as he's chasing the poor new guy around at full speed. The third pig isn't involved at all. He completely ignores them and just continues to munch on his hay as if there wasn't a huge race going on around him. The only time he shows any reaction is when one of the others accidentally crash into him and then he gives them a warning nip.
I'm not sure what to make of this as they don't seem to be bonding or getting along but they also don't seem to fully hate each other. I am worried it is stressing the new guy out but can't tell based on the other behaviour. Not sure what to do. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Relentless chasing.
How large is the "very large" cage? Also, what type of hideys? If they are the kind with only one opening, I suggest that you remove them and replace them with plastic stools that have openings on all 4 sides. All these pigs are very young and may still be maturing. Even with doing proper introductions, there is no guarantees that three pigs will get along. Especially male pigs.
The biggest concern here is that even the smallest "nick" can develop into a full blown abscess in a guinea pig. You can't allow them to continue to bite each other. So if this continues, you may have to have one live side by side in a separate roomy cage.
The biggest concern here is that even the smallest "nick" can develop into a full blown abscess in a guinea pig. You can't allow them to continue to bite each other. So if this continues, you may have to have one live side by side in a separate roomy cage.
Yeah, I guess we with our name choices it's kind of a case of self-fulfilling prophecy isn't it?! ;)
Thanks for the advice. The cage is a 3x5 Grid C&C cage and all the hidey's have a minimum of two exits because we were worried about the newbie getting corned. We are going to be picking up some of the 4 exit stumps as soon as we are able to find them and have been checking for any new injuries very regularly (which fortunately there have been none of yet.) The hanging fleece advice was excellent and has been helping immensely. It is still ongoing but has definitely settled down some. I am hopeful.
Thanks again!
Thanks for the advice. The cage is a 3x5 Grid C&C cage and all the hidey's have a minimum of two exits because we were worried about the newbie getting corned. We are going to be picking up some of the 4 exit stumps as soon as we are able to find them and have been checking for any new injuries very regularly (which fortunately there have been none of yet.) The hanging fleece advice was excellent and has been helping immensely. It is still ongoing but has definitely settled down some. I am hopeful.
Thanks again!
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