just "adopted" two pigs

[pookaberry]

Well I say "adapted" but really I found them abandoned in a shopping cart outside of a closed store late Friday night. When I brought home these sweet girls I told the husband that we would decide what to do with them after the weekend holiday. I already had a feeling that we would keep them just making it official today. Thankfully the hubby took a liking to them over the weekend.

Of course Friday & Saturday (and even now) I was busy looking up what they could eat, how much space they would need, and what sort of care they require. Cavy Cages & Guinea Lynx have been the best sites I've come across. I have to admit that at the moment they don't have enough space (hey I wasn't expecting this new addition when I went shopping) I've got them in the biggest tote I have with plenty of floor time during the day while we build a cage. I'm thinking at least 10 to 12 sq ft for the two of them.

They seem to be in pretty good health despite the events surrounding their arrival. The smaller one is an albino, she seemed the more skittish of the two - not sure if this is just from being shy or if she has been roughly handled by some kids. I did notice a small scratch on her back (it's been getting better over the weekend so I'm not worried about it), and she has two bald patches behind each ear (anyone know what may be the cause?).

The larger one is more outgoing (also very friendly/protective of her companion), I'm not sure what her color is called yet (I've been more of a dog/cat/rabbit/horse person in the past) she is mostly black with large white and tan patches, reminds me of a calico cat. She has slightly longer hair which has matted up in a few spots. None of the mats were causing her pain so I just let them both get comfy for the weekend. I'll be gently cutting out those mats tomorrow.

I wanted to say thanks for having such a great site with so much good information. I'm still reading through much of it as I want our new gals to have the best new life they can get.

pookaberry

[VoodooJoint]

How wonderful that you and your husband have the heart to open your home to these two lucky critters. In return you will get a lot of laughes at their antics and kisses from their fuzzy lips.

Because of the way you found them I recommend a vet visit. They need a complete exam and you want to be absoluty certain that they are the same sex.

Don't worry about those bald patches behind the ears. Most GPs have those patches. Keep a close eye on the scratch. If it looks like it needs cleaning use a 50/50 mix of Lysterine mouthwash and water to gently clean it.

Get them the best food you can. Oxbow is an excellent brand. Never feed them food with seeds or colored bits mixed in. Be certain they have unlimited hay and a good helping (about a cup each) of fresh veggies twice a day. To know what tye of hay and food to feed (alfalfa or timothy) a vet may be able to tell you as it goes by their age.

Glad you are reading GL and Cavy Cages. Also check out http://CavySpirit.com betwee these sites you should find most of your answers.

We are here to answer any questions you may have no matter how stupid you may think they are.

We will also want to see pictures. I hope you have a digital camera and post them before the picture wolves around here go rabid.

[Christys GPS]

Congrats on the new additions, everything Voodoo said I agree with also. All of my guys have bald patches behind their ears. Also we will love to see some pics of them, post as soon as you can and feel free to ask questions.

Welcome to the forums and thanks for taking them in, they will give you years filled with love, squeaks, and kisses.

[Slap Maxwell]

I think it is amazing you are taking these guys in. Do take them to an exotics vet and find out their sex.

"The smaller one is an albino, she seemed the more skittish of the two - not sure if this is just from being shy or if she has been roughly handled by some kids."

There are no albino guinea pigs, they are referred to PEWs. (Pink eyed whites). Don't worry, commen misconception.

"...and she has two bald patches behind each ear (anyone know what may be the cause?)."

Very common, all mine have it. They may also have bald patches on the inside of the

"...she is mostly black with large white and tan patches, reminds me of a calico..."

This is called a TSW, or tortise shell and white.

Again, congrats. They will fill your days with joy. GPs are amazing animals.

[widallas]

It's awesome that you took this two in -- so many people would have walked on by. This is an awesome website; I'm sure you'll find all the info you'll need. Glad to hear that two little animals in need will be getting such a good home. Good luck with building the cage.

[Baby Bears]

All the guinea pigs I've seen have the bald patches behind their ears. Don't say anything to the piggies about it, though - they may be sensitive about their "Piggie Pattern Baldness." LOL.

Have a vet check the sex and for mites and their general health.

Most of all - Welcome. The cage you plan to build sounds like a great amount of room for them. Now... PICTURES - and you have to name them!! If you name them, it's official and your husband can't change his mind about them! If he tries to - show him their piggie lips and he'll give in!! LOL

[pookaberry]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the info on colors. No digital camera at the moment but I'll see if a friend has one I can borrow. Names - The PEW is now known as Lily (my 7 year old daughter named her) and the TSW alas when I double checked she turned out to be a he (oh no!), he is now known as Oberon. I moved him into a seprate cage as soon as I found out.

Hopefully there won't be any babies but considering I don't know how long they were kept together before I found them & they look to be almost/or completly full grown it's very likely I have a preggo pig on my hands. I'm taking them to the vet asap, I'm calling the local rescue that also works with small & exotic animals to find the best one & hopefully a discount as money was a bit tight last month.

I did check them over for mites & any other noticable infections/conditions - both are looking good, I was worried that Oberon may have some skin problems under those mats but after clipping them off and a warm wash his skin looks great albeit a bit bald on his rump.

I saw quite a few people notice them but just walk by, (I waited for a bit just to make sure no one was coming back for them) I tend to be a softy when it comes to animals, I've worked with some rescue groups in the past, and also growing up my family had dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats, chickens, gerbals, mice, fish, frogs, etc...

I'll let everyone know how the vet trip goes and post pics as soon as I can find a digi cam.

pookaberry

[Sabriel]

Don't feel bad about the sex changing pig. They pop up from time to time. Same thing happened with my Kero. Just make sure they can see and smell each other when you sepreate them. They will get depressed all by them selves.

Another trick to keep your boar happy is to invest in a guinea pig sized stuffed toy. A plush dog toy (no plastic eyes and such) works good. I throw it into the girls cage for a bit so it picks up thier scent then put it in with my boar. He thinks it's the best wife in the world. He's so fond of it he even think it needs to eat more and he places it face down in his vegitable dish.

I find roundish stuffed animals work better. I bought two. The rolly polly hedgehog dog toy works best. I bought him a second toy so he would never be without a buddy but the floppier dollar store bear didn't pan out.

[Sabriel]

oops. Double post. Don't know how that happened

[pookaberry]

Don't feel bad about the sex changing pig. They pop up from time to time. Same thing happened with my Kero. Just make sure they can see and smell each other when you sepreate them. They will get depressed all by them selves.

Yep I've got them next to each other with a divider that is tall enough not to be jumped over, they can see through it but they don't get to smell each other right now. The plush dog toy is a great idea, I'll pick two up when I get a chance.

[Ketus15]

Congratulations. I think this qualifies as an adoption, if not a rescue. Thanks. Did they have a little sign that said "Will wheek for a home?" Poor little guys.

I would like to point out that mites are invisible to our eyes. But the scratch on the girls back could be an indication of mites. Many people treat all new pigs for mites no matter what. If you do it at home it is inexpensive. You can start a medical thread on GL or look at the ivermectin page.

Good luck, I hope they do great.

[kalrik]

Sabriel, that is so cute that he puts his pretend wife in the veggie dish!

If she is a year or older, she might have trouble giving birth as the pelvic bones will fuse. It becomes near impossible. This fusing may actually begin earlier than a year. It is very important to get an estimate on her age.

[Emily F.]

Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. That's a sad story.