First introduction of Guinea Pigs... Is this good?

Question

Okay today I went to pet smart and got a young female guinea pig. I already have a one year old female guinea named Chichi too. Well I introduced them on my bed because I heard that it has to be nuetral space. Well Chich didn't pay any attention to our new guinea at first but then she started sniffing her. Her first sniff started at the throat and she looked like she was getting really into her so I seperated them for a few minutes and tried again. Chichi then started sniffing her behind and pressing her nose deap into the new ones side. The new one sniffed chichi a bitt and sniffed her belly and tried to go underneath Chichi also. Chichi then sniffed into the new ones ear. I took them apart cause I thought Chichi was gonna bite her but I wasn't for sure. She didn't show any sign of aggression but she just sniffed really hard.

Are these good signs or bad? This is my first time introducing Guinea Pigs.

And BTW what are some good names for a light tan and gray female Guinea?

Answer 1

They were just getting to know each other. It was a good sign if they were ONLY sniffing one another. Did you hear any hissing sounds or were either of them clicking their teeth together? <(indicating signs of aggression)

I always thought nugget or toffee is a good name for a female piggie. She sounds beautiful by the way   :-)

Answer 2

They all sound like good things.  Don't worry if a little nibbling goes on.  I've research introducing some animals myself as I'm going to be introducing chinchillas soon.  Fighting is normal when things are just getting started.  They let each other know who is boss.  

I've read that separating them while they're fighting leads to further fights in the future and causes stress.  I suggest you let them nibble at each other and only separate them if blood is drawn.  Otherwise, they are doing just fine.

Something to keep handy might be a little bit of flour.  Put flour on any open wound to help clot it and stop the bleeding.  It's perfectly safe and used on a variety of animals, I've even used it before on my chinchilla. (:

I would research a little more about it, but it sounds to me you're doing a good job.  You certainly researched enough to know about the neutral grounds, so I applaud you for just being cautious.  ^^

A website that might be useful for you include:

http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm

Quote:

Some standard dating game behavior is (any s*x combination):

    Safe, non-combative, dominance behavior

    Rumblestrutting

    Butt sniffing

    Butt nudging

    Chasing

    Butt dragging (they are leaving their scent)

    Mounting (any which way: rear mount, head mount, side mount, flying leap mount!)

    Nose face-offs (higher in the air wins, one must lower their nose to be subservient to the other)

    Teeth chattering: a little (signal of dominance)

    Raised hackles (hair on the back of the neck and along the spine)

    Posturing for possible attack, battle for dominance is escalating

    Teeth chattering: sustained (signal of anger, aggression, warning)

    Nips, light bites, may result in little tufts of fur in their teeth

    Wide yawn, but this is no yawn, they are showing their teeth

    Snorting (like a strong puff or hiss)

    These behaviors may sound serious and they should be monitored VERY CLOSELY, BUT do NOT separate the pigs exhibiting this behavior, yet. This is when the average pet owner loses it and pulls the pig out. Most of the time, this behavior will continue for a while until one backs down.

    Fighting with intent to harm

    Bite attacks are no longer warning nips, they are lunges with intent to harm.

    Combination of raised hackles, loud and angry teeth chattering, rumblestrutting in place with the head staying in one position while facing the other guinea pig doing the same thing. Usually a signal of a biting attack. But they may back down before they engage.

    Both pigs rear up on their haunches, face to face. This is a clear, brief signal of their intent to launch full attacks at each other. Separate if possible before the attack.

    Full battle. The pigs are locked together in a vicious ball of fur. This is very serious. Separate immediately, but be careful. Throw a towel over them and use a dustpan or something other than your hand to separate them. Unintended bites from their very sharp incisors can cause serious damage.

Answer 3

Did you double check the s*x of the new one and your existing one? Pet stores often missex them.

Also, you want to quarantine next time http://www.guinealynx.info/quarantine.ht...

The pet store ones are often sick too. I'd keep a close eye on them.

And read over http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm...

Answer 4

They are bound to be a little wary of each other at first, but by sniffing each other, its like they're saying " 'ello ello! who are you then?"

Because they are both female, and one is abit older, so probably larger, she will most likely to become the dominant of the pair.

They most likely will fight a little to begin with, but don't worry, unless they become very violent or one cuts the other.

Don't seperate them if they do fight either, unless they get very vicious.

Make sure they have the oppertunity to get away from each other. Everyone needs abit of 'me' time lol!!

Also make sure they have plenty of foodl=, so theres no competion, and plenty of room, so they are not forced onto each other.

Good luck and they both sound beautiful!!

How about the name Honey?

Or one that begins with 'Ch' so the names go well together ..

likee ..Chachi? Charlie? Cheerio? Chico? Cheeky? Chance? Choncey?

I love the name SPOCK for a guinea pig!