Bonding When should I try bonding them?

[Chiquita]

Hi everyone! I just got a new piggie to keep my first piggie company. They are both males, the newcomer is 7 months old and I suspect younger than my first. The lady I adopted him from suggested I try bonding them by using the bathing method. I am all for it but am not too sure when I should. I'm a law student and spend most of my day in school (about 12-13 hours daily). My concern is that if I try bonding them tonight, for example, I'm not going to be around tomorrow to make sure they don't fight or anything. Should I wait until the weekend when I can be with them and watch them after I've tried bonding them?

I even thought about trying to bond them and then dividing the cage while I'm not there. This way they can go ahead and have contact with each other without risking a fight. The only reason why I would want to "rush" this, instead of just waiting, is that the lady gave me the little one in a "pet shop" sized cage as a temporary cage and I feel awful seeing him there! Thank you for your time in advance

 

[RodentCuddles]

I would wait for the weekend. Also I always think of the bathing method as a last resort.
Don't bond them and then divide the cage, that will do no good as even when they get put together they will still have to argue to figure out their places.

What I think you should do is wait until the weekend, then set up a big neutral area with cleaned houses( 50/50 water/vinegar) and a few small hay piles.
Then watch both of the boys for a couple of hours, and if there is no blood drawn completely clean the cage and everything in what you are going to put them into, then put them in cage.

Rushing with introducing guinea pigs is never a good idea, as it is better to do it once and do it right.
Not sure if you have read both of these links:
Guinea Pigs Social Life
http://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=46468

 

[karwask]

RodentCuddles: that sounds like good advice.

Chiquita: I'm in a very similar situation. I have just found a bonded pair of females to introduce to my solo pig, my other pig died unexpectedly in June. I have had the new girls for a few weeks now, quarantined from the other pig, and have put them on Revolution to be sure they are mite free. It's time to do the introductions. I figured, same as you, that I want to be home for the full day so I can observe them and see how it all goes. I also am happy to have the luxury of being able to spend the next day with them and then the weekend to the greater degree, just to be sure all is well. I held off on doing it today as I don't have the time and will be working tomorrow.

Best of luck to you, do keep us posted.

 

[OllieandFriends]

Make sure that any houses you put in with them have two entrances/exits so no pigs can get trapped. You could even try just using cardboard boxes with two holes cut in them to make sure that they haven't been around any of the pigs.

 

[Chiquita]

Thank you for your replies guys I will def. just wait until the weekend then. Karwask: Let me know how your bonding session goes. I'll make sure to keep you all updated. I included a picture of Don Q (my 1st piggie) and the new piggie hanging out on my brother's lap. They are so cute together!

 

[Chiquita]

Hi everyone I wanted to provide you with an update on my boys. They were able to bond without the bath being necessary (which was a relief!) and now seem to be great friends. My only true concerns are that sometimes Don Q will go up to Rum (the new piggie) and start purring at him, sometimes even rubbing on him, and will walk away or around Rum - slowly - while purring. So I don't know if this is a sign of endearment or of dominance. Also, sometimes when Don Q is eating and Rum comes up to him, Don Q will start purring at him. Other times Rum will be the one eating and Don Q will walk up to him slowly while purring. Sometimes Rum walks away, other times he ignores Don Q and eats next to him. Should I be concerned or is this normal behavior?

I attached a couple of pictures so you guys can see them ^^ The first is of the boys cuddling on my shoulder, the second is the boys sharing a cabbage leaf, and the third is of Don Q laying outside of the igloo while Rum is sleeping inside (I thought it was so darn cute!!).

 

[Agrimony]

Very cute boys! With their coloring they look like long lost brothers lol I'm glad it sounds like everything is working out pretty well. Also a few displays of dominance are definitely normal behavior, as long as they arent fighting/drawing blood it sounds like a success.