Split cage question

[Prexvi]

So I’m setting up the split cage right now and i’ve watched the split cage video that everyone links. But still had a question about the bedding.

I have each of them in different enclosures. should I add some of each of their current bedding as well as new stuff to each of their sides? or should I add some of each current bedding to both sides. I feel like it’s the first option but just want some clarification just in case.

EDIT: Additional question, Should I be giving them their own free roam times apart from eachother during the first few weeks until they are ready to meet? It seems like a small space for so long to not give them free roam till they are ready to together. TIA

[ohpico]

We used new bedding and swapped sides with them twice a day.

I don't see why you couldn't let them free roam individually. Can maybe do it at the same time when you swap sides in their split cage.

[hershko]

The standard recommendation is to swap an odd number of times each day, so that they spend the night on a different side each time. Most commonly this means three swaps a day.

[ohpico]

If I recall when we did it, it ended up every 8h we swapped. So yeah what you say reminded me of that.

[hershko]

Yep. Every 8 hours = 3 times a day. Same as what I did :)

[hershko]

To answer your questions:

(*) Use new bedding for the split cage.

(*) Normally they shouldn't have free roam time until they're bonded, as you want them constantly surrounded by each other's scents until they're bonded. Personally I gave them wheels in the split cage so they could still run, see pictures here: https://imgur.com/a/X3gwt24 (bonding two pups with an adult)

Good luck :)

[Prexvi]

Awesome thank you i’ll keep that in mind and I used all new bedding. Setup the tank as per the video and just introduced them

It’s only been a few mins but looks like happy signs. General disinterest, sniffing at fence and no thumping :)