Introductions 2 and add 1 makes 3

[Krelean]

We have an established pair of females. Got a 3rd from a friend of a friend yesterday. Have been doing intros with the 3 and our two are wheeking at one another and doing this nose to nose thing and then the sideways blocking thing.

Why are our two battling and they are not battling with the new one? Will it stop or is this a sign that the 3rd one is a bad idea?

 

[lemonham]

If there isn't any blood, leave them together. You will know fighting when you see it. There will be high pitched (scared) squeeks and there will be lots of nipping.
I know that it is scary but you need to let them work it out. Just watch over them to make sure no one is biting.

 

[adorelfn]

I learned this the hard way the other day. Mine were rumbling at each other too. It scared me to death when they started fighting but it didn't last long...everyone is fine now. These members were lifesavers for me bc I was so anxious. I agree don't separate or freak out. They're just posturing.

 

[Krelean]

The newbee is so scared, she is underweight and is the same age as our Lucy. Lola is about 8 mo older.

My question really isn't about being afraid of what they are doing, but why are my two girls having an issue? Is this normal? The newbee is just off hiding in a corner while my girls are wheeking at each other. WHY are they doing this???

 

[Frapplove]

They might be trying to reestablish dominance with each other because of the new addition.

 

[Krelean]

anyone else have any input?

 

[CanadianComforts]

Having had a large female herd I can only lend my personal opinion.

To me is sounds like the pair is trying to reastablish their dominace, which once they do they will also try and show new pig who is boss. Basically with the new pig there they don't know where they stand with each other let alone with the new pig. They will sort it out with each other first. Once that happens you may or may not notice it again with new pig. This is all normal.

Like everyone has said, no blood, leave them all together.

 

[Inle_Rabbit]

I agree with @CanadianComforts it is the same thing I observed when I added a 3rd to an established pair of boars. In fact the established pair never ended up doing the dominace thing with the new one just between each other and assumed that the new one was just bottom of the piggy totem poll.

 

[Krelean]

The new one could care less. LOL. We will just watch them and hope all works out well. No blood, no extreme issues, they just are facing off.

 

[Krelean]

Well, we put the new pig in the girls cage, the girls are chattering-teeth. why?

 

[bpatters]

Did you read Guinea Pigs Social Life The introductions section is about halfway down.

 

[CanadianComforts]

That is another way to show who's boss. I would highly suggest reading the link Bpatters posted.