Bonding Tips on Bonding

[rachrachrach]

I recently rescued a female for my boar. He's rumbling a lot & keeps being so sweet to her but when he gets close she nips him. At veggie time she steals food right from his mouth. Other than that, they're ok being in the same cage...but on opposite ends. I really want them to bond because I love both of them so much. :weepy:

I tried giving them a bath together, which was a disaster. They've both been bathed fine separately, but this time she was a mess, pooing all over & being erratic & only nipping at him more. I tried to stop her & got bit myself!

When I vacuum they huddle together, which leads me to believe that they can be ok.

I just really want them to bond & be pals. Any tips?

 

[akstrohm]

Just give them time. There is nothing you can do to make them love each other--if they get along, that's good enough. They still appeciate each other's company. Many pigs will interact but don't cuddle or spend all their time together. Don't give them baths unless absolutely necessary--it dries their skin out and is stressful.

 

[rachrachrach]

Just give them time. There is nothing you can do to make them love each other--if they get along, that's good enough. They still appeciate each other's company. Many pigs will interact but don't cuddle or spend all their time together. Don't give them baths unless absolutely necessary--it dries their skin out and is stressful.

Yes, I know. I only did it this time to try to bond them. Trust me, my boar I've had for a year gets a bath when he needs one (he's a long haired) & when I got her she was filthy & was in need of a bath & nail clipping, as there was poo all over her feet & her nails curled under.

They don't really get along... whenever they get near each other she nips him. I can't help but feel motherly towards the boar I've had since he was a baby. I don't want her to hurt him. I want them to get along. I was asking for tips for bonding.

 

[akstrohm]

They are doing fine. A little niping is okay, as long as she is not drawing blood. Just wait and see what happens. But don't be too surprised if they don't become best friends--many pigs just aren't like that.

 

[rachrachrach]

They are doing fine. A little niping is okay, as long as she is not drawing blood. Just wait and see what happens. But don't be too surprised if they don't become best friends--many pigs just aren't like that.

That's so sad. I think I'm my male's best friend. Is there anything I can do to promote it?

 

[fieryone]

I don't think so. It's just like with humans. You won't become best friends with someone you don't click with. That doesn't mean that you don't enjoy their companionship. None of my 3 girls are close buddies. They're roommates but they don't cuddle or anything. Heck, two of my girls don't seem to like each other at all even though they don't fight. They do bicker at each other all the time, though

 

[rachrachrach]

Oh wow. Do you think I did him a disservice by getting another piggy? I thought they did better in 2's. i wanted to hear and see all the cute things they can do when they're not alone.

 

[PiggieMom]

You definitely didn't do a disservice for him. Keep in mind that over time they may grow more attached to each other. The behavior you've described sounds like the normal dominance behavior, the nipping will calm down once she's sure she's in charge. But even if they never get super cuddly, guinea pigs tend to be happier and healthier when they can just smell and hear other guinea pigs. They don't need to snuggle to have a healthy relationship. Don't try to separate them when they're nipping unless she draws blood. They need to settle who is dominate and who is submissive. If they can't work that out on their own, they might never move past this stage.

As far as the food stealing: that's one of the things that has always cracked me up about my pigs. It's healthy for them to play tug of war and "steal" food as long as everyone eventually gets to eat their share.

Try not to worry. None of the pigs I've ever had were cuddly with each other, but when one passed away it was clear that they were missed. Sometimes it's hard for people to see what animals get out of their relationships because they don't always show their feelings like we expect them to.

 

[rachrachrach]

You definitely didn't do a disservice for him. Keep in mind that over time they may grow more attached to each other. The behavior you've described sounds like the normal dominance behavior, the nipping will calm down once she's sure she's in charge. But even if they never get super cuddly, guinea pigs tend to be happier and healthier when they can just smell and hear other guinea pigs. They don't need to snuggle to have a healthy relationship. Don't try to separate them when they're nipping unless she draws blood. They need to settle who is dominate and who is submissive. If they can't work that out on their own, they might never move past this stage.

As far as the food stealing: that's one of the things that has always cracked me up about my pigs. It's healthy for them to play tug of war and "steal" food as long as everyone eventually gets to eat their share.

Try not to worry. None of the pigs I've ever had were cuddly with each other, but when one passed away it was clear that they were missed. Sometimes it's hard for people to see what animals get out of their relationships because they don't always show their feelings like we expect them to.

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for your insight. I so wanted my boar to be in charge, but if the cards fall this way I'm totally cool with it. It's good to hear this isn't a relationship that could be bad. Thanks again!

 

[PiggieMom]

No problem. I've done a lot of introductions and I remember how much I fretted and worried about the first one. These little buggers can make your head spin!

 

[fieryone]

As far as the food stealing: that's one of the things that has always cracked me up about my pigs. It's healthy for them to play tug of war and "steal" food as long as everyone eventually gets to eat their share.

All 3 of mine steal each other's food all the time. They'll have a huge pile of veggies, grass, or hay in front of them and at least two of them always have to have one specific piece. I think it's funny

 

[akstrohm]

Yes, you definitely did the right thing by getting two pigs. This is the type of relationship most pigs have, so it's normal and still very much beneficial to them. Don't worry about your boar not being in charge--he will still be quite happy as the submissive pig.

 

[Piggly is I]

My girls are the same way, they like to cuddle sometimes, but then they get into little fights with their heads raised and stuff, but they never hurt eachother.When their scared they dont care who their with.

 

[_Lisa_]

My female is definitely more dominant than my male pig, and she is the head of the house even though we had him first! I wish they'd be better friends now too, but we've had them together for 4 months & she just likes being Queen Bee with her Minion instead of two peas in a pod.

 

[wheekers01]

Is one neutered/spayed? I second what everyone has been saying here! They might still learn to get along! Give it time! You did the right thing getting two!

 

[rachrachrach]

Is one neutered/spayed? I second what everyone has been saying here! They might still learn to get along! Give it time! You did the right thing getting two!

Aw, thanks. Yes. The girl is spayed. I really hope they do!!!