2 male cavies: Starsky & Hutch

**GAcavies** · #1 03-12-07, 07:35 pm

A combination of moving, bad roommates, too many dogs and cats, and not enough time or money are making me feel very guilty for not giving them the attention they once received.
Starsky & Hutch were born June 2005 to a pair rescued from the pound. They are a bonded set of brothers with fun personalities. They are full grown and need a home that can provide a bigger C&C cage (they need an upgrade). Their current cage and accessories can come with as long as a new cage will be built. They love floor time but are not getting enough of it. Please help give these great guys a loving home! I travel a great deal between Atlanta, Athens, GA and Columbia, SC and am willing to transport them to a great home! I'd prefer someone with cavy experience and no young children.

**GAcavies** · #2 03-12-07, 07:56 pm

Here are some pictures of the boys. Starsky has the white racing strip and Hutch is solid ginger.

**Choco-latte** · #3 03-12-07, 09:19 pm

Is it that they are not good with children or is it a personal preference of yours? Just curious.

They are just adorable.

**GAcavies** · #4 03-13-07, 06:04 am

I haven't seen them interact with children. And they will bite if they want to be put down or something like that. Hutch likes to "taste" everything with licks and nibbles.

My fear is that oftentimes pets like guinea pigs are used as a tool to teach children "compassion". In my experience, the animal is the one who suffers. In other words, I'd be very selective --- such as taking into account the childrens' current pets and ages.

I've had these guys since they were 4 weeks old. The past 6 months I haven't been able to interact with them as much and feel just awful about it. They'd love a place where they could get more floor time and interaction.

**Getting.cavys** · #5 03-13-07, 01:13 pm

How young is young children. Also are males harder to look after than females. Also do they bite more than females.

**Getting.cavys** · #6 03-13-07, 01:15 pm

They are very cute and look so cuddly.

**GAcavies** · #7 03-13-07, 01:23 pm

While there are always exceptions to the rule, children over the age of 10 I think would be better with them. I will admit that I had my first cavy at age 4, but I did not handle her and was assisting my mom with wildlife rehabilitation shortly thereafter. If around young children (elementary school), they should not be unsupervised and should probably be handled only by an adult. Again, it depends on the child and the role of the parent/adult.

I've heard different things about hormones in males, etc. But in my own fact-finding and experience -- I have not noticed a difference in male vs. female. It is more dependent on the individual pig. For instance, Hutch is more people-friendly, while Starsky must trust you before he'll warm up to you. I don't think it has anything to do with gender. I think the same is true for biting. They are rodents and biting is always possible. Particularly if the animal doesn't want to be held, etc.

On occassion, they have little "spats" over territory. Part of this would be alleviated with a bigger cage. They never truly "fight" and I think it's just part of living with your brother -- a little "sibling rivalry".

**GAcavies** · #8 03-13-07, 01:24 pm

Thanks -- they are adorable -- even with the red eyes!

Hutch is the definite cuddle-bug. I think Starsky has a very funny ego -- thinks he rules the roost.

**Choco-latte** · #9 03-13-07, 07:11 pm

I have a toddler, SHe is 3 and I do not let her handle our Family GP's. She is supervised when holding them in her lap. SHe helps and assist in feeding and cleaning the cages because she wants to. They have not bit her, but Chocolatte bit me 3 times yesterday. Actually my pigs love her and come right up to her in thier cages. We also have a Cockatoo, 3 cats and a Lab/shepard. All are rescues.

**GAcavies** · #10 03-13-07, 07:18 pm

Now, that would be a positive kid-environment! I was the same way when I was her age -- loved helping me mom clean cages and such. All of that has to do with the parents -- and you obviously teach that the animals are more than just toys!

**Choco-latte** · #11 03-13-07, 07:43 pm

Yes, my mother was the same way. I have had my bird going on 13 years now, my dog for 5 yrs and my cats from 1 year to 7 years. I can imagine this is hard on you. They are so adorable.

**GAcavies** · #12 03-20-07, 11:26 am

Thanks y'all. Starsky and Hutch have found a temporary home at South Carolina Guinea Pig Rescue and are hopefully on their way to a permanent home.

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