introducing piggies in tub?

[willowfaery]

I heard somewhere that it is ok to introduce new piggies to each other in the bath tub. I'm not talking about them actually taking a buddy bath. The girl said you just put them in there with no water. I thought this sounded good in case Bonsai (or someone else) decides she wants to spray. I also thought this might keep everyone contained. Keep in mind that I have 3 pigs to introduce. Is the tub enough space? I don't want them to feel like they are being forced too close to each other too soon. I will put a towel on the bottom of the tub so they can grip better. And should I put all three in there at the same time? Bonsai and Tsunami are (for the most part) already introduced...although Bonsai still likes to spray. Willow is going to be the one to watch. I'm just afraid that they will gang up on her. Should I put anything else in the tub like a cardboard box with two entrances? I don't even know if there will be room for it though. Will someone just let me know if the tub idea is a good idea in the first place?

[porkchopsmom]

I don't know why you need to use a bathtub to introduce the piggies. I made a temporary enclosure that was away from the cage and made it large enough to put a couple empty soda boxes for hiding. I also put veggies in to kind of keep them distracted. While they were getting acquainted, I cleaned the cage with vinegar and put fresh washed fleece down. I hope this helps and your intros go well.

[Cherish]

I suppose it depends upon how much space you have.

They really need to be introduced in a completely neutral area, and if your guinea pigs are allowed to run freely around the house, it may be the only place that isn't already seen as being their territory.

If you don't have a neutral area in which you can set up a run, introducing them in the bath should be fine, as long as you put towels in (like you said) and don't leave them in the chilly bath too long.

[willowfaery]

Originally Posted by porkchopsmom

I don't know why you need to use a bathtub to introduce the piggies. I made a temporary enclosure that was away from the cage and made it large enough to put a couple empty soda boxes for hiding. I also put veggies in to kind of keep them distracted. While they were getting acquainted, I cleaned the cage with vinegar and put fresh washed fleece down. I hope this helps and your intros go well.

That does sound like a better idea. How long should I leave them in the enclosure? Then, when I take them out, do I put them immediately in their big new cage (cleaned very well of course)?

[Pumpkin_RIP]

I also have a question (sorry if I'm kinda stealing your board) But I was wondering, when you have multiple cavy's like Willow does, should she/annyone intoduce them one by one, or all together to the new pig?? Thanks

[willowfaery]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_RIP

I also have a question (sorry if I'm kinda stealing your board) But I was wondering, when you have multiple cavy's like Willow does, should she/annyone intoduce them one by one, or all together to the new pig?? Thanks

No you're not "stealing" my board. That's a good question. I (as well as anyone using this forum) could use any information possible.

[PigWooBus]

I would introduce them all at once. I have 3 males, and when I brought the third one home I just got the first 2 out and put them all in a neutral area. You should watch them together in their neutral area for an hour (this is what I have always done in intros). If you haven't read this yet, http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm I would highly recommend it. It was very helpful to me when it came to introducing my pigs to each other (especially the parts at the middle/end about adding a 2nd or 3rd cavy and introductions).

[wiggley_narco]

Introducing all three at once is best. If you introduce two of them at first, they will only have to sort out the dominance issues a second time once you add the third pig to the mix.