We had a pair of bonded female pigs and one unexpectedly passed away. Several weeks later, we rescued two female guinea pigs that apparently had lived together for a year. Our original pig is ~150g lighter than the ones we currently rescued. And yes they’re all girls (per the vet.)
I’ve been doing a lot of reading as to how to best introduce them. We’ve read everything on here and am not sure because of the dynamics of 1 being introduced to two.
We got them 5 days ago and the two new girls are very skittish. For the most part, we let the two new ones alone and are spending time with them. Paige, the current pig, has been by their cage on the daily floor time and they’ve been rumblestrutting and teeth chattering at each other but there’s been a lot of standing and sniffing.
When would you think would be a good time to try a neutral clean cage for introductions? We are a bit worried because of the size difference between current pig and the two new ones.
How to introduce two new guinea pigs to our existing pig
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bpatters
- And got the T-shirt
You don't introduce in a new cage. You do it in a neutral area that smells nothing like any pig, and that has nothing in it but piles of food scattered around and at least two water bottles.
You introduce the same way you do when you're introducing singletons, except that it usually takes longer. The size difference shouldn't matter at all.
Do it at a time when you've got HOURS to give to it. Don't rush it in the least. I always wait until they're tired enough that they've settled down for at least one nap and then have tired themselves out again.
No hideys in the cage with only one door, and break up the lines of sight in the new cage with fleece forests or fleece draped across the corners.
Here's the bible on introductions: https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html
You introduce the same way you do when you're introducing singletons, except that it usually takes longer. The size difference shouldn't matter at all.
Do it at a time when you've got HOURS to give to it. Don't rush it in the least. I always wait until they're tired enough that they've settled down for at least one nap and then have tired themselves out again.
No hideys in the cage with only one door, and break up the lines of sight in the new cage with fleece forests or fleece draped across the corners.
Here's the bible on introductions: https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html
Our tentative idea was to use expandable fencing to make a neutral area of roughly 20 sq ft, with clean towels and ample food and water.
But since this is less than a week since we adopted them, is it too soon?
But since this is less than a week since we adopted them, is it too soon?
Females tend to get along with each other better than males. Were these new pigs treated for mites at any time before you got them? If not, you may want to read about how to treat for mites in the medical guide. You can get a full round of treatments (3) within a two week period (the ivermectin has to be applied every 7 days). It is also the proper amount of time for quarantine to make sure your new pigs are healthy before introducing them to your original pig. Unfortunately, by putting your pig next to the new ones during floor time, you have already broken quarantine protocol, so if the new pigs do have mites, you will have to treat all three pigs.
Also check to make sure your cage will be big enough for three pigs.
Also check to make sure your cage will be big enough for three pigs.
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