Baby or Older Guinea Pigs?

**krystalmarie21** · #1 05-24-08, 09:58 pm

Ok here is my question?
I've been looking into different rescue's in my area and one of them has 2 sets of 8 week old guinea pigs. Male and female sets and are already bonded with their same sex. I've also found a very cute sister pair/ triplets. Not sure if I will get all three since this will be my first time with guinea pigs. Ok so my question is since i am a first timer what would the best for me? I do have a 2 year old and i'm a stay at home mom so they will get tons of floor time. I know with babies you have to baby proof the hay and feed them alfa hay and a good pellet but what are the other differences? I will be getting the apporiate size C&C cage and i will use fleece for bedding. I hopw this is the right section for it. Thanks for the help.

**GuineaAddict** · #2 05-24-08, 10:42 pm

Well I would think that if you got older guinea pigs, you have less time with them and you ran more of a chance of them having late-stage in life illnesses (just like you'd see in any other older pets IE. dogs). However, I'm betting right now, in my head, that most people are going to say give the older ones a chance because those are probably the ones in the shelters. If you won't love them...who will?

**fourboys4now** · #3 05-24-08, 10:55 pm

Either way you go, it's awesome that you are adopting! I just adopted a 4 week old baby pig, who is now 10 weeks old. This was our first baby. He is so cute, but it is taking a while for him not to be so jumpy and antsy. He's coming around though. You have to babyproof the cage, there are links on this site that can help with that too. We have really enjoyed watching him grow. I put him in the cage with two of my older boys and they took to him immediately. They are very protective and loving toward him. My daughter laughs and says he has 2 dads now. Good luck with your decision.

**Ly&Pigs** · #4 05-25-08, 06:55 pm

Quote:

Well I would think that if you got older guinea pigs, you have less time with them and you ran more of a chance of them having late-stage in life illnesses (just like you'd see in any other older pets IE. dogs).

Where the heck did you come up with this? It's not true. Any pig no matter the age you get them at has a chance to end up with some kind of illness at any point in their lives.

Personally, pups are too spazzy. I like adults. They already have an established personality and will most likely be easier to bond with.

**paula.m.moore** · #5 05-25-08, 08:13 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

Personally, pups are too spazzy. I like adults. They already have an established personality and will most likely be easier to bond with.

This is exactly how I feel. They're cute and everything, but I would almost always prefer and older pig (or pigs) to a little baby because older pigs are generally calmer, and more easy going.

**GuineaAddict** · #6 05-26-08, 07:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

Where the heck did you come up with this? It's not true. Any pig no matter the age you get them at has a chance to end up with some kind of illness at any point in their lives.

I understand that any pig, no matter what age can have problems, just like any other pet. But I do know that with older pets you run the risk of degenerative health issues. It's simple...as things get older...they begin to wear down. I'm not saying don't get older pigs..or older pets for that matter. I was just stating a possibility. I've never dealt with older pigs myself so I don't know specifically about pigs, but I have dealt with tons of aging dog pets, so I know that with age can come problems and usually does.

**hydrohoki** · #7 05-26-08, 04:10 pm

I love my over-the-hill pigs. I kept Paula's baby for a week (she's adorable), but I was happy to be back to just the geriatric pigs. (Duncan is glaring at me for writing this.)

The only downside (and the reason I can't adopt an older dog) is that you have less overall years with them. I'm so emotionally attached to my pets, that it's hard to know there are 2 years that I won't have with them. However, I was allowed to adopt an older pig in high school (way back when) because my parents knew that I could make a 2-3 year commitment before leaving for college.

**AnimalHouse36** · #8 05-26-08, 06:15 pm

I really don't think it matters. I got my guinea pigs as baby's and i have no regretts. However, older animals have less of a chance to get adopted, so if i ever get another guinea pig, I plan on getting an older one. Baby's may be "cuter" but they are also spazier and are most likely, not tamed so I hope you have the time for them! Adults on the other hand are usualy calmer. If you get them from a shelter they are probably tamed but there are no guatenees(sp?)

**fourboys4now** · #9 05-26-08, 08:36 pm

One of my adoptive boys is older and he is wonderful. He's so calm when you hold him and seems to love to snuggle. He's a sweet boy. I think which ever pig(s) you adopt you will be giving them a wonderful chance at a good life.

**Ziggy&Herald** · #10 05-29-08, 09:12 am

2 of my 3 boys I have now I adopted as adults. They are much more laid back and come up to the cage sides more when I'm in the room. I will be getting two more adult pigs this weekend. I guess we'll just have to see how they are.

**caviecrazie** · #11 05-29-08, 02:36 pm

I would take all three sisters. Imagine what they'd be like if they were seperated after living together. Get the adults. They'll probably be much calmer. I know mine was, compared to the younger two.

**caviecrazie** · #12 05-29-08, 02:41 pm

Quote:

I understand that any pig, no matter what age can have problems, just like any other pet. But I do know that with older pets you run the risk of degenerative health issues. It's simple...as things get older...they begin to wear down. I'm not saying don't get older pigs..or older pets for that matter. I was just stating a possibility. I've never dealt with older pigs myself so I don't know specifically about pigs, but I have dealt with tons of aging dog pets, so I know that with age can come problems and usually does.

Yes, GuineaAddict and your point is? If she got babies they would just get older too wouldn't they? So she wouldn't be avoiding anything by giving the babies a home except from maybe the older pigs missing a chance to have a...um...new chance.

**GuineaAddict** · #13 05-30-08, 05:56 am

I wasn't trying to make a point. I was just trying to state something that she might think about. There's no reason to get all bent out of shape when I was just stating something that I would consider if I were trying to make the decision between older and younger guinea pigs.

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