Added a third pig, things not going well

BrittCaveys · Dec 24, 2017

Pigs not getting along

Please help. I need advice but I am trying to figure out how to post stuff because I am having a similar problem and can't seem to figure out how to post my own forum.

I have 3 sows and the first two get along perfectly. I adopted a third because I fell in love with her at the rescue I volunteer at. After I quarantined her for two weeks I introduced them. They were getting along great. No fighting or anything. Sometimes dumpling the newest one would defend the little one Zara when my other Bridgette picked on her and they would get face to face and try to put their heads over the other but never any aggression. About 2 weeks ago I was cleaning their cages (I am expanding my cage and waiting for the extension before putting them completely together). And they were in their play pen like they normally were when Bridgette and dumpling started going at it. They were growling and chattering their teeth and dumplings fur went completely up and she would sway her hips back and forth while growling. I watched to see if they would work it out and knock it off but it ended up in a fight. I separated them as soon as it happened but now dumpling and Bridgette just won't get along.
Dumpling puffs up her fur and sways and growls whenever she's even near the other two. I gave them maybe 4-7 days away from each other for a break before seeing if they would be okay again and it's been two weeks now and they just keep trying to go at it. If I have to when I finish expanding my cage I'll keep it two parts but I feel bad with dumpling not having a friend to play with. She gets along with the other one as long as Bridgette isn't around but Bridgette and Zara are so close so they will stay together.
Is their any options to help them get along better? Or would I be better off looking for a young pig that dumpling won't have to fight to be dominate so she has a friend? Or would she be okay being alone?
Im newer to the guinea pig pet life and really don't know what to do.

bpatters · Dec 25, 2017

@BrittCaveys, you start a new thread by picking a forum and clicking the "Post New Thread" button at the top of the page.

The main option in helping them get along is to stop putting them together and then separating them again. Guinea pigs are wired to establish dominance when meeting another pig, and every time they meet, that process starts all over again. Then you separate them and put them together again later, and, it's dominance time again. So either put them together and leave them together, or leave them separated until you get your cage enlarged. Here's the bible on how to introduce pigs: https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html

Introducing a third pig to an established pair can be tricky, and it's possible to wind up with three solo pigs, none of which will live with either of the others. When you do the introductions, do it at a time when you've got hours to give to it. The last time I introduced a pair and a singleton, it was eight hours before I felt comfortable moving them from a neutral area to the cage, and then another three hours before I felt comfortable leaving them to go to bed.

Here's some recommended reading material for new pig owners:

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/113176-Information-for-new-guinea-pig-owners
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/107827-What-NOT-to-do-for-your-guinea-pigs!

BrittCaveys · Dec 26, 2017

bpatters said:
@BrittCaveys, you start a new thread by picking a forum and clicking the "Post New Thread" button at the top of the page.

The main option in helping them get along is to stop putting them together and then separating them again. Guinea pigs are wired to establish dominance when meeting another pig, and every time they meet, that process starts all over again. Then you separate them and put them together again later, and, it's dominance time again. So either put them together and leave them together, or leave them separated until you get your cage enlarged. Here's the bible on how to introduce pigs: https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html

Introducing a third pig to an established pair can be tricky, and it's possible to wind up with three solo pigs, none of which will live with either of the others. When you do the introductions, do it at a time when you've got hours to give to it. The last time I introduced a pair and a singleton, it was eight hours before I felt comfortable moving them from a neutral area to the cage, and then another three hours before I felt comfortable leaving them to go to bed.

Here's some recommended reading material for new pig owners:

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/113176-Information-for-new-guinea-pig-owners
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/107827-What-NOT-to-do-for-your-guinea-pigs!

Thanks!

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BrittCaveys · Jan 3, 2018

bpatters said:
@BrittCaveys, you start a new thread by picking a forum and clicking the "Post New Thread" button at the top of the page.

The main option in helping them get along is to stop putting them together and then separating them again. Guinea pigs are wired to establish dominance when meeting another pig, and every time they meet, that process starts all over again. Then you separate them and put them together again later, and, it's dominance time again. So either put them together and leave them together, or leave them separated until you get your cage enlarged. Here's the bible on how to introduce pigs: https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html

Introducing a third pig to an established pair can be tricky, and it's possible to wind up with three solo pigs, none of which will live with either of the others. When you do the introductions, do it at a time when you've got hours to give to it. The last time I introduced a pair and a singleton, it was eight hours before I felt comfortable moving them from a neutral area to the cage, and then another three hours before I felt comfortable leaving them to go to bed.

Here's some recommended reading material for new pig owners:

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/113176-Information-for-new-guinea-pig-owners
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/107827-What-NOT-to-do-for-your-guinea-pigs!

The links you gave me really helped! They are now in their new cage happy as can be and getting along great. It only took 4 hours too! The only thing they are working out right now is when they get treats. The two bigger ones try to steal it from one another until the other tells them to back off. Other then that they are the best of friends. Thank you for your help!

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