Play Floor time apart or together?

[kitgal421]

My boys live in separate cages, but they have recently been chewing their cage bars like crazy to get to each other. A friend suggested that I let them run around for a bit together, but I'm extremely nervous about that. The last time I tried to bond them they fought until there was blood and I was forced to separate them.

Until now my pigs have enjoyed floor time separately in my tiny bathroom. I live in a studio apartment so it's hard to find large safe spaces for them to run around in. However, I've been working hard during the holiday to piggie proof the main apartment.

I'm fine with them living apart as solo pigs. They really seemed much happier after getting their own cages back. Injuries can happen so quickly so I'm afraid to give them too much time together.

I figured you cavy savy people would have better advice. Should I let them have floor (or lap) time together, or just keep them apart?

 

[HannibalLecter]

There is no such thing as a "play date" for pigs. Once you introduce them, they will begin establishing dominance. If you then break them apart, they will need to do it all over again next time they meet. This will cause a lot of unneeded drama & stress on the boys, and will not be enjoyable at all.

If you want to try & put them together again, make sure to do a proper intro & don't separate unless there is bloodshed. Have them meet in a new, larger scent neutral area while supervised. Have completely new toys in it like paper bags filled with hay & cardboard boxes.
You can read about introductions & how they are successfully made here:
https://www.guinealynx.info/records/viewtopic.php?t=37

 

[go_ellie]

I agree!! You will have to start over with the intros. Play dates only cause drama and stress.

I say go for it. Do your research and try again. Only take them away if blood is drawn.

Good Luck!!