Hello,
I adopted a blind and deaf
cavy last week, named Skittles. She is not a lethal, she is just disabled. Her coat is brown/black, her teeth look fine, and the rest of her is in tip-top shape.
Her cage is a pet store brand, but it seems plenty big for her, and I keep it relatively empty except for food, water, and a few safe objects to play with. I also bought her a big play pen for exercise time, which she really likes.
Here are my questions:
1) I work full-time, so I was considering getting her a laid-back female piggie companion to provide her with some company while I am at work, but every time I put my hand in her cage and touch her, she freaks out and runs away. Should I just leave her alone in there?
2) I have given her all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables, but the thing she'll eat is timothy hay, her guinea pig pebbles, red apples, and baby food. Is this a decent diet for her? I add vitamin C tablets to her water just to make sure she gets enough.
3) Whenever she is in her cage or in the playpen, she does NOT like to be touched or picked up. I always feel like I handle her to rough when I pick her up because she'll pull away and shake to get off. Once she's off the ground, though, she mellows out and she really likes it when I pet her, give her massages, or brush her coat. But then, after 30 mins or so, when I go to put her down, she'll get nervous again and try to get out of my hands as I lower her into the cage. After so much bonding and interaction, she still does not want to be touched after I put her in the cage or playpen. What is up with this behavior? Is she just not used to the routine yet? I treat her as gentle as could be, and I know she is happy when I pet her, so why does she behave that way in her cage/playpen?
4) I am thinking about getting her spayed. Would it be OK to get her spayed at 6-8 months old?
That's about it for my questions right now. I would really love to hear back from everyone, as I cannot seem to find answers anywhere else.
Cheers,
Rich