Behavior changes after new cage mate

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Elliemay

Post   » Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:30 pm


About a month ago we brought home another girl guinea, Peanut, to be a cage mate for Ellie. We did all the suggested steps, quarantine, introduction through a separated fence and finally full introductions and cage sharing in a new space with washed and new bedding. Ellie is about 2 - 3 years old and peanut is 9 months, so it seems that a hierarchy was easily established. We have noticed a change in Ellie's behavior though ever since Peanut was introduced. Ellie has always been a bit on the cranky side which she displays with Peanut. She will chase Peanut away from food sometimes and just seem to get grumpy if Peanut does something she disapproves of. But over all Ellie just seems to be not as energetic, explorative and doesn't make that purring sound as much when we pet her.

Can anyone share their experiences with introductions? Is it possible that Ellie is just still adjusting to the change or could she be depressed?

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:46 pm


How large is the cage? Do you have multiple food bowls? Is it designed so a guinea pig can't easily get cornered? Have you tried hanging a piece of fringed fleece across the cage to break up the view?

Elliemay

Post   » Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:20 am


The cage is a 3 x 2 grid with two water bottles, food bowls,two hay feeders and two hidey houses, one of which is big enough for both. We do have it arranged to avoid any cornering. I like the idea of the fringed fleece, I think we will give that a try. Thanks!

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Lynx
Celebrate!!!

Post   » Wed Jun 14, 2017 12:05 pm


A 3X2 grid is pretty minimal. If you can make it longer, that may help too.

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