Young or Old?

[dixiedoo4736]

I have found a possible companion for my 5 month olg guinea pig Dixie. She is a female at the Erie County SPCA. It says she is adult on petfinder and I called them to see if they could tell me more about this sow guinea pig. The SPCA said that they couldn't tell for sure but she was probably little over a year. Is it better to get an older guinea pig companion for Dixie? Or should I stick with roughly same age and size?

Also, since this guinea pig is from a shelter, do I need to quarintine her, because, correct me if I'm wrong but, isn't quarintieing a guinea pig to get rid of any possible sickness and for them to get used to their new environment?

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Quarantine is when you are getting a guinea pig from an unknown source. It is to make sure they do not have any possible parasites or illnesses, which can be passed onto your existing guinea pig. Quarantine is in separate rooms, behind closed doors. There is more on it at Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig

I have had more luck putting pigs of different ages together. Most people want a pig of the same age so they can 'grow' up together. Doesn't work that way.

Adults are calmer usually. They can be a bit bratty when they are younger.

[Percy's Mom]

Seeing as you are looking at a pig from an SPCA, I would still highly recommend a 3 week quarantine. Often, shelters can only give very basic care and the vets they employ know little or nothing about guinea pigs. As far as age goes, I wouldn't worry about it as much with sows. An approximately year old sow would be a great match for little Dixie. They'll still have lots of time to grow up together.