"Mixing" males and females (or: I think I'm addicted)

[time4mercy]

[FONT=Arial]Hi everybody,[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]I'm looking for input on keeping males and females in the same household.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]I have two intact males who are around 3 or 4 years old. I am considering fostering other piggies in the future. However, I'm a little concerned that the smell/presence of female pigs might cause my guys to be unhappy and possibly fight. How likely is this to happen?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]I could keep the second group on a different floor of the house, which would probably be a good idea for quarantine purposes anyway, although everyone would get more attention and activity if all were living on the main floor. Or, I could stipulate male foster pigs only.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]BUT (and here is where I both realize and admit that I, ahem, have a problem!!!). . .[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]1) All the talk of babies on this forum has made me especially willing to foster the next pregnant sow that comes into local rescue.[/FONT]

and

[FONT=Arial]2) There is a sow at a local SPCA (posted on Petfinder) that I have kind of fallen for, big time. (OMG OMG OMG, what the heck am I thinking???)[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman] [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]She would, of course, need a buddy. (This is BAD. . . I can't believe I already need GP rehab.)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]When you're done laughing at me, please advise.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]<sigh> [/FONT]

[LucyJane]

Ha ha ha!! Just kidding - actually, thanks for posting this, because I have the same question. My boys get along soooo well; sometimes I think they have velcro hips. I wouldn't want to upset that. Also, not just adding girlie pigs, but would adding a non-related male (my boys are litter mates) cause them to start having dominance struggles? They don't now, and I like it that way!

Would being together with a new pig/pigs but in a divided cage help?

And I'm with you - my husband thinks I need a pig-intervention!

[Toadies]

Mercy - I have no answers but I think you're great!

[clotho]

If you are going to foster piggies, you definitely need to quarantine them for at least 3 weeks before letting them in the same room as your piggies. You wouldn't want to take any chances!!

I have males and females in my household - separate cages - but all in the same room. The boys rumble more and get a little more feisty with each other when the girls all go into heat at the same time (there are 6 of them LOL) but they do ok and don't fight too much.

LucyJane only you can decide if you want to take the chance adding another male to the mix. I did it and it worked out ok. If it doesn't work out, you will have to be ready and able to provide adequate space for the one who doesn't get along - and perhaps find them a friend too. Divided cages work ok too (same sex). If you ever do a divided cage with unaltered females and males on opposite sides - make absolutely certain it's secure and that there is a top on the boys' side. Males have been known to climb to get to a female in heat.

Good luck deciding! By the way, I fostered a pregnant female recently and I have to tell you - it's TOUGH to give the babies up for adoption!!!

[zingo-pig-hops]

Many rescues keep there female and male guinea pigs in the same room. I assume that they don't have any problems, because then there would be a bunch of male piggies with abcesses.

[fourboys4now]

I think we need to start a support group for us who are addicted to guinea pigs. I just got 2 more boys, so I now have a total of 6. My husband just looks at me like I'm crazy, and asks again "These are the last 2 right?" I just smile because I hate to lie! My first four did very well together, but I have read other people's posts about more than 2 causing a lot of fighting. We've been really blessed with them getting along so well. Good luck if you decide to get a pregnant sow, how exciting babies would be! I would keep all the babies if I fostered a pregnant piggie!

[time4mercy]

Aw shucks, Toadies. Now I'm all bashful.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm still trying to figure out what would be best for the piggies. I know what *I* want, but I'm not sure if I'm being "grown-up" and realistic about it. Money is not the issue. Space is not the issue. But is it fair to everyone?

I want her: Adopt Nickel - Guinea Pig Small&Furry [Mix]. I really, really do. And I've heard that piggies who are not young are not as likely to do well/be adopted from shelters. It says she's 3.

A little voice in my head says that I could save her from the shelter, and at worst, foster her (and friend) for the rescue group I got my boys from. Am I being reasonable, or am I letting my heart override common sense?

Any thoughts? Be harsh. Please help.

[fourboys4now]

If space, money, and time to take care of them is not an issue, then I think why not bring two more home. I saw Nickel in the link and she is the cutest thing! As long as you are able to love and care for each one and you are not overwhelmed by so many to take care of, then go for it. Of course pigtures will be demanded when and if you bring new ones home!

[Poochy Poppy]

I am SOOO relieved that I am not the only one who has such a "wheekness" for these wonderful animals! How can you NOT love them?!

We currently have four (two male, two female), with "the boys" sharing a cage. "The girls" live alone for the moment, although my Poppy is pregnant and ready to pop any day. Her husband died about a month ago, so these babies mean the world to us.

In looking at all of the information about space needs, I'd really like to make a larger cage (we have the standard 18" x 30" cages), and was also wondering if the boys and girls could live side-by-side in peace. (One of the boys gets particularly wound up when near one of the girls.) Would they adjust to being so close?

(Sorry if I haven't posted this in the right spot, but I've never been part of a forum before. )

Also, any suggestions as to how to get my husband to understand the need for much more room for our piggies to run around? He likes to look at the bottom line, and will see our investment in the cages we already have, as being flushed down the drain.

If you have any information on the C&C cages also, I'd appreciate that!

Thanks for any input!