Introducing a new guinea pig?

Cliecost

Hi, I couldn't find a better place to put this question.

I have a guinea pig who is about 3 years old. We got him at the same time as another who dies about a year and a half ago.

Since then he has been on his own. Still seems quite happy and loud like a normal pig.

I would like to get another because I feel 2 are better than 1 but I am wary of how unsociable guinea pigs can be with another pig they don't know.

Looking online it says as long as they're both male and one is a baby pig then it should be okay following the normal introduction regime.

My question is has anyone had any experience in this? Have you found it to be simple or a nightmare?

Thanks for any help.

Upsidedown_Bear

There is a Pets & Pet Care board here
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=143

JIL

It doesn't always work.
But I was in the same situation as you. I watched the young guinea pigs in the pet shop and went for the more timid of the pack. You need to get a young one.
Then put them together and watch. Try and put a retreat in the cage that only the small one can get into.
Some people bath both pigs together then they smell the same.
Be prepared though its not an easy process. The older pig will show its dominance and will mount the smaller one.
It goes on for a few days and then it settles down.
There's loads you can read up on beforehand on line. I did and it was helpful.
I still have the older pig, the younger one died suddenly a couple of months ago as he is nearly six and seems content I won't be getting another. I really can't do with all the commotion again and he is old in pig terms so he just gets lots of attention.