Rebonding after separation

[gumblina]

Hello!

One of my pigs, Phoebe, has been ill recently. I've been to the vet and she is on Baytril and Critical Care as she wasn't eating. She's now started eating again, so I'm keeping an eye on her weight and supplementing her diet with Critical Care if needed.

I have to go away for work for two days, and my friend is going to take Phoebe for that time. Phoebe lives with two other guineas, and they will be staying at home. My boyfriend will be feeding them, but isn't able to give Phoebe her medication.

As it's only for two days, will I need to go through the introduction process again? Phoebe joined the other two about 8 months ago, after I adopted her (from the same friend who will be babysitting her!). She's gets on fine with the other two, and is actually top of the pecking order.

I don't want to plop her back in their cage and have them treat her like a stranger!

Thanks

[yodelpig]

You may see a renewal of the dominance (especially as #2 may not like to give up her top slot), but hopefully they will settle down again well.

Please let them meet in a neutral spot like the bathroom or kitchen floor, or the bathtub first; that puts everypig on an even footing. Makke sure that you give your girls a day or two at least to settle down together before moving them to your friend.

[3piggles]

Hello and welcome! Have fabric things with Phoebe, a bed, cuddle cup, piece of fabric, that can be put in with the others when you get back. That will give the other girls a chance to adjust to having her scent back in the cage. Then I would introduce them on neutral ground while you clean and rearrange the cage, just to get the others out of thinking of the cage as theirs. As Yodelpig said, there will be some steps to re-establish dominance, in case she's forgotten who's boss. Good luck, and I'm so glad Phoebe is feeling better!

[gumblina]

Thank you both for your advice! I'll make sure I follow it and get Phoebe back in with minimal drama!