Thinking about getting some piggies

[Scout.Layne]

Hey there -

So I'm about to be a first time piggy owner. I've read all over the main site of the forum and checked out countless book (most of which were outdated with their information). I think I'm ready to own a guinea pig.

The only problem is I have to wait.

I'm currently in the process of moving and my current landlord won't let me get any more pets ( I alread have tw Robo hamsters). So I have to find a roommate and a place to live ( wish me luck).

So my question is...Is there anything I can be doing to prepare to have guinea pigs? Is there any advice that you might have for a first time owner? Also, are there any big differances between boars and sows?

Thanks

[wonderwhiskers]

Some people think that Boars are a bit more energtic and skittish then sows, but I disagree.
I volunteer at a RSPCA center, and have seen pigs of all shapes and sizes, and each has an individual personality!
I've seen male pigs who love nothing more then a cuddle and a carrot ..and females who ZOOOM around the place at 100mph ..and vice versa!
This is only my opinion ..but I do think that it has more to do with:
1) Their genetics
2) Their past experiences
3) Their personality and in some cases ..
4) Their age.

You can't expect a 5yr old neglected piggy to trot up to you and want to make friends straight away if they have no reason to trust, or like humans, regardless of gender.

Good luck finding yourself a new place to live! I have the same problem ..I live with my parents right now, and am waiting to go to university next year (ha! wish me luck!) ..so although I would happily take on a zillion new pets ..I can't 'dump' them on my mum next year She's already promised to look after the babies I have now until I finish uni and find somewhere I can live with them! (Thank god for brilliant kind parents, who want their kids to get aa degree!).
Your landlord is nice letting you get hammies though!

It can be hard finding the materials for a c&c cage depending on where you live. If you in the US its a lot easier! But I'm in the UK..and it is sooo hard! So if you see any for a reasonble price ..I would just buy it there and then! Who know's if you will find them again by the time you need them..and store cages just won't do!
Also, just pick up little bits and bobs ..toys, beds ect. Especially if you happen to see something on sale or cheap!
You could also set up a little 'guineapig fund' ..for vets bills, bedding, food toys ect ..it can get pretty expensive!

Good luck! And rescue, not buy!