Babies/Pups How to Help my New Boy Settle In

[GuineaPigParent36]

So earlier today I picked up a new baby Guinea pig. He’s only three weeks old. When I picked him up I gave him a general health check and he does seem fine, he is a boy, and he has no skin/coat issues that I can tell. I did put him in a quarantine pen as recommended but he is so skittish. He froze and hid under his bed. I know it takes time but is there anything else I can do to help him settle in a bit better since he’s so young?
I know the two-week quarantine is recommended but should I modify it for him? When I got Apple a few years ago I didn’t know about the quarantine, I just added her in with Cinnamon so I’ve never had a tiny baby alone before.
On a separate note, I know alfalfa hay and young Guinea pig pellets are recommended because of the additional calcium but a few weeks before I planned to get him I stumbled across some information about high calcium in Guinea pigs. The main point was a lot of chalky white stains are a sign of excess calcium and too much/clumps can lead to bladder stones, especially in sows. So I worry how that would affect the older boar, who’s about three years old.

 

[4boipigs]

With a baby that young, it's best to get them with a friend asap. Older boars usually take to a baby fast and shouldn't fight them, but I would still follow the usual bonding process anyway.

 

[GuineaPigParent36]

With a baby that young, it's best to get them with a friend asap. Older boars usually take to a baby fast and shouldn't fight them, but I would still follow the usual bonding process anyway.

Thank you so much, I’ll definitely get them together as soon as I can.

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I also have had to bond babies to a senior. I was hoping they would all stay together, but as the babies hit puberty the usual boar trio problems surfaced. That said, after losing Pooper, Sly became the best big brother pig you could ever see. In a couple of cases, I have also ignored the quarantine specifications without incident. Not to say there won't be one, I just felt that it was worth the risk.

I would introduce them sooner rather than later.

 

[GuineaPigParent36]

Thank you to everyone for all the advice. I just bonded them and the minute I added my older boar Harley he didn’t even bother with baby even though they both saw each other. Baby made the first move and tried to nurse from Harley.

Harley rumbled a bit, looked at me confused and then accepted it all and went to eat hay. I don’t think I ever had a calmer intro, baby is super happy, and there were quite a few funny moments. 10 minutes in Harley was already grooming his new buddy. Now they’re in the cage and doing great.

 

[4boipigs]

Do be aware that things can go downhill at puberty! My sweet little boar Maple Leaf went from best friends to an aggressive monster once he hit puberty. His original partner died and now he refuses to get along with anyone.

 

[GuineaPigParent36]

Do be aware that things can go downhill at puberty! My sweet little boar Maple Leaf went from best friends to an aggressive monster once he hit puberty. His original partner died and now he refuses to get along with anyone.

Thank you, I’m hopeful that things will work out and I’ve done a bit of research about things that can help during puberty. I’m also going to upgrade their cage in a couple months so I’m hopeful that will help as well.