Introducing a new guinea pig...

[OliversMommy]

Hey, everyone! This is me, OliversMommy.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to introduce a second MALE guinea pig? I have one guinea pig, and his name is Oliver. He used to have a cagemate, Joey, but he has passed away. It has been a while since Joey's passing, and this weekend, if everything works out, I will be bringing home a new guinea pig... male, of course, as Oliver is NOT neutered.

I have read that male guinea pigs are a lot harder to bond than females. So does anyone have any tips on introducing the new guinea pig? I know that I am NOT supposed to just "throw" the new guinea pig into Oliver's cage. I also know that I AM supposed to take both pigs out and put them on "neutral territory". I also realize that sometimes they will fight to determine dominance... but how much fighting is TOO MUCH fighting? When I see blood? I just don't know.... Any tips??

Also, I will be constructing a new cage in a couple of weekends. It will be separated down the middle to keep Oliver and the new piggie apart; but since they will be right next to each other, they will, sort of, 'get acquainted' with each other.

Any suggestions/tips would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks, Guys!

 

[Deenanicole08]

I'm getting another female tomorrow for my female I have now. I had the same questions about how to introduce and what not. I read you should/must quarantine first for 3 weeks, keep them in 2 different cages and 2 different rooms and examen and watch the new piggie to make sure he's in good health before adding him.

Also I read this website and it helped a lot.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm

Hope that helps!​

 

[Paula]

When you're ready for introductions, do it on "neutral" territory, like a couch. It's best to let the boys kind of find each other and see how they do from there. If they get along, put them into a completely clean cage that doesn't have anyone's scent so no one feels they have anything to protect.

It is important that they be in separate rooms (quarantine) unless you got the new pig from a good rescue or you otherwise know he's healthy.

Congrats on your new boy.

 

[OliversMommy]

Thanks so much for the quick response, Deenanicole08 and paula.m.moore! Very helpful website and tips!

Okay then, when I get my new guinea pig, I will definitely quarantine him before introducing them.