Question about cages... - Page 2 - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**OSUCavies** · #21 12-31-06, 12:48 am

since I do not have a scale, should I just monitor her eating closely?

**VoodooJoint** · #22 12-31-06, 12:48 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuineaLover12

I am upset about the responses, haha, but not because I'm angry with anyone, more out of concern.

I only asked because your story sound very much like one I read about on another forum. Only that person returned the animal like it was a broken watch and just replaced it with a new animal--horrible.

I have read at least 4 different threads on various GP forums in the last week about sick GPs from...can you guess? Petco. It's horribly how these poor animals in petstores are treated, how ill they often are and the poor customer has no idea the cruelty they are feeding. Not just at the petstore either but from the supplier, breeders, etc.

**littlebear** · #23 12-31-06, 12:49 am

I think you should be more worried about the baby pig not Layla. Like everyone is saying she probably does not have it, she just has a smidge of chance to have it but if none of the other simptoms appear. Just watch the sneezing if you notice it becomes obsesive I'd take her to the vet.

**Hansel** · #24 12-31-06, 12:49 am

Pigs sneeze every now and then just like us. If you start to notice multiple sneezes within a short time frame then you need to get her to the vet.

I would also suggest to spray perfume is another room, it can bother their noses! I konw it makes me sneeze

.

It sounds like you have a pretty good idea of her normal personality. If you notice any changes in her normal behaviour, that could be a cause for concern as well.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #25 12-31-06, 12:49 am

You wrote that you tried introducing the new pig to your existing one. So they were not in contact? Petco pigs come from pet mills and esp. around this time of year, they are more prone to URI.

**OSUCavies** · #26 12-31-06, 12:50 am

It's okay, Voo...I understand. But this is the first time I've ever been even slightly concerned about anything. I've had Layla for over a year and she's a happy girl. I even travel with her and have a cage for her at my mother's house for when I visit. So to say the least, she's my girl and I'm attached.

As far as Petco, this site has definitely opened my eyes. What could I even do to try to see if Petco is doing anything for her? I mean, I can't very well make them give her medical attention, but I want to make sure she's getting treated somehow. The sick pig (we named her Shelby) even though we only had her for a night, was so sweet and I want to keep her, however I'm scared for her return into my apartment due to all these problems you've mentioned with Petco.

**OSUCavies** · #27 12-31-06, 12:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabbitsncavyluv

You wrote that you tried introducing the new pig to your existing one. So they were not in contact? Petco pigs come from pet mills and esp. around this time of year, they are more prone to URI.

I put them on the floor together, but neither of them was super interested in the other and neither really touched the other. So I guess that they were technically in contact, just not CLOSE contact?

**VoodooJoint** · #28 12-31-06, 12:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuineaLover12

since I do not have a scale, should I just monitor her eating closely?

No, that won't really work well. You can get a scale easily at Walmart or a similar store either in the food or shipping/office supply (postal scale) aisles. Try to pick one up tomorrow.

Meanwhile why don't you tell us in detail what/how you feed Layla. Tell us what brand food, what kind of hay, what kinds/how much of veggies. Do you use things like vitamin drops in the water, give her salt licks or petstore treats? Anythng else you can think of?

We can help insure you are feeding her the best diet possible. That will do a lot to help her future health.

**littlebear** · #29 12-31-06, 12:54 am

If she does have URI I think stress is another sign, If you live next to a place with lots of fireworks (if you even do that in your state or country) try and go somewhere else for the night just to not agravate her anymore if she has it.

**OSUCavies** · #30 12-31-06, 12:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlebear

I think you should be more worried about the baby pig not Layla. Like everyone is saying she probably does not have it, she just has a smidge of chance to have it but if none of the other simptoms appear. Just watch the sneezing if you notice it becomes obsesive I'd take her to the vet.

The baby pig was technically my boyfriends...but she was going to be housed at my apartment due to more room. So he's more concerned than anyone, since she was "his". But now that we took her back (which I realize wasn't the right choice NOW, but at the time I thought it was?) and she is in Petco's hands.
But I want to try to do something to MAKE SURE she gets medical attention.

They are expecting us to buy her back...they said her paperwork would have our name on it? So that when she returned they wouldnt sell her to anyone else. I just hope they do what they say.

**Hansel** · #31 12-31-06, 12:54 am

Its not just Petco, every other pet store that sells animals has the same problems. If you want to see if she is getting the medical attention, go in there everyday and bug them about it and ask to see her.

Please read this thread:
Guinea Lynx :: Topic - Please help Shake Shake....... I dun wanna lose him

What happened to Vinci sounds about the same as your situation. He was able to get his(?) pig back and alive! Check it out.

**VoodooJoint** · #32 12-31-06, 12:55 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuineaLover12

As far as Petco, this site has definitely opened my eyes. What could I even do to try to see if Petco is doing anything for her? I mean, I can't very well make them give her medical attention, but I want to make sure she's getting treated somehow. The sick pig (we named her Shelby) even though we only had her for a night, was so sweet and I want to keep her, however I'm scared for her return into my apartment due to all these problems you've mentioned with Petco.

You can call Petco daily and ask for the Vet's number. Do not let them think for an instant that you are forgetting about her. If you keep the pressure on they may actually do somethin to help her.

Ask what they are treating her with, what they think she has, what the dose is. Write it all down and post the info here or on Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig (a GP medical forum). We can possibly be able to tell if their treatment is on the right track.

**OSUCavies** · #33 12-31-06, 12:57 am

I used to feed her Fiesta, but I've recently bought Geisler? It's just a gourmet guinea pig food, so it says on the box/packaging.

Her bedding is Soft-Sorbent...I've used that for some time and it seems to be the best as far as covering up smells.

I also give her Kaytee natural Timothy hay.

I always give her paper towel/toilet paper rolls to chew on. She loves those.

**littlebear** · #34 12-31-06, 12:57 am

VJ has excellent advice regarding making sure she aquires the proper medical attention because the crusty eyes is very serious. Also making sure they do not sell her to another customer is very serious. But I believe that the manager might not be so stupid this time and will not sell her back until she can use her eyes properly.

**VoodooJoint** · #35 12-31-06, 12:59 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuineaLover12

I used to feed her Fiesta, but I've recently bought Geisler? It's just a gourmet guinea pig food, so it says on the box/packaging.

Does it have colored bits in it? Seeds or dehydrated veggies?

Do you feed fresh veggies at all? Is so what and how much?

Any vitamin drops or salt licks ?

**OSUCavies** · #36 12-31-06, 01:01 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

Does it have colored bits in it? Seeds or dehydrated veggies?

Do you feed fresh veggies at all? Is so what and how much?

Any vitamin drops or salt licks ?

she's trying to chew on my mouse right now.

HA.

it has some colored pellets in it. I think it has seeds AND like a few dehydrated banana's or something.

I DO give her vitamin drops but I saw on your site not to. HOWEVER, Layla is SUPER picky. I've tried to give her oranges, lettuce, apples, celery...all that jazz.

The only thing she was remotely interested in was broccoli and she lost interest in that fast. We're talking about a picky guinea pig here.

And no on the salt licks.

So if I stop giving her vitamin drops, what should I give her for Vitamin C if she doesnt like fruits or veggies?

**littlebear** · #37 12-31-06, 01:04 am

Be sure to limit brocoli it causes gas in a pig. Also I reccomend switching her to Oxbowl the quality and ingredents are much better.

**OSUCavies** · #38 12-31-06, 01:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlebear

Be sure to limit brocoli it causes gas in a pig. Also I reccomend switching her to Oxbowl the quality and ingredents are much better.

where can i get that? Do I have to buy it online?

**littlebear** · #39 12-31-06, 01:05 am

Yes try this site to buy it, Ferrets and Ferret Supplies @ The Ferret Store They have great products and are very reliable.

**Hansel** · #40 12-31-06, 01:06 am

Oxbow Pet Products | Welcome

Or Kleenmama's Hayloft :: Home

I buy my hay and pellets from KM. Her and Oxbow are both great quality.