Hello,
Hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Today I saw a GP with three colors and fuzzy hair. I don’t know how to explain it. She has 3 cones like the one we (human) have on the back of our head and the hair on her face is facing forward. So this hair look consider a good look and do it has any name. Thanks.

First of all, sorry if this post isn't in the right place.

It has been awhile since I posted, about a year to be precise. I bought my first pig since childhood at a pet store because she was too cute and was being bullied by the other pigs in the cage. Daisy has been a popcorning hay munching fool ever since.

I bought the largest cage I could, only to upgrade to a C&C cage in January. (Those things are awesome! So much easier to clean)

Since the cage upgrade, I have been on the lookout for a friend for my pig. After learning about guinea pig adoption from this board, I have been waiting for a female pig to come through the local adoption agency. So far there have only been trios of girls that they were adopting out, and my cage that I had made was only big enough for 2-3 pigs.

Well, recently, I heard of someone who had a friend who bought a guinea pig that was pregnant and needed a home for the babies. One of the babies was a female! I arranged to adopt the little pig, and she finally came home last week! She has already been vetted, and quarantined prior to me getting her, but I waited another week before attempting an introduction. She is a super cute little orange and white teddy who is 8 weeks old. Her name is Pumpkin.

So I closed off a room and set both piggies on the floor. Pumpkin ran straight over to Daisy and tried to hide underneath her. Daisy was a bit confused but was fine with the little pig until she got sick of not being able to touch the floor anymore, and she gave her a warning bonk(hit her with her teeth, not a bite and not hard. She does that to me when I try to pick her up when she doesn't want to be picked up). It was only when Pumpkin started going for her teats, so I didn't think it was much to worry about. Daisy and Pumpkin snuggled for the whole 30 minute intro with Daisy grooming Pumpkin every now and again.

Today I held both piggies together and they fell asleep on one another in my lap. This meeting lasted all of 10 minutes because Daisy decided to take a leak.

To me it seems like introductions are going well. Pumpkin loves Daisy, and Daisy tolerates Pumpkin. I am concerned about when it comes time for cage introductions though. I don't think Daisy is going to want to share her things with Pumpkin, especially food. I am wondering if during their together time, if introducing food and toys would help Daisy learn to share? Or should I buy a whole new set of cage things and rearrange when finally introducing them to the same cage?

And I have a few more introduction questions. Is a 30 minute session a day enough? When should I attempt introducing the little pig to the big cage?

Thanks for your help!

Here's a picture of Pumpkin and Daisy :)
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/w...a/pumpkin2.jpg

Hello,
Yesterday I went to a pet store and I feel very bad that the pet owner is keeping 5 GP in one small cage, which is good for just one GP. The cage was also dirty. I can see the news paper is wet almost everywhere and there is one small bowl of pallets for 5 GP. When I go close to the cage they run to the one medium size hide. And I’m sure that they must be on top of each other as the hide wasn’t big enough. And I was also talking to the pet owner about the GP teething problem and he don’t consider it a problem. So my question is, is that situation is an abuse or cruelty to the animal and if yes is this has to be informed to the authorities?
Thanks.

Hello! Since my Heny lost his buddy I've been thinking of fostering guinea pigs. I have no idea if this is a good or bad idea but here it goes:

I want to expand the cage a little bit foster a poor male piggy from the shelter so he could give Henry some company and I'd be helping the shelter. I can foster a girl because my guy is unneutered (my parents don't want to spend the money. :sad:

Is this a bad idea? Should I worry about aggression?

Thanks!

Hello,
We got our piggies today! Levi and Inca have come home. :) Luckily hurricane Earl turned out to be a dud in CT so our plans were not altered.

I was able to get a little more of their story. Apparently they were found by an ACO in New Haven wandering the streets. They were able to catch them and called the rescue to see if they could take them. The rescue went the next day to pick them up. They were both emaciated and dehydrated. Inca was also pregnant. The shelter had Levi neutered so that the pair could stay together. They are both looking great. They are such big piggies.

Anyways, I've noticed that Levi has a story to tell with his eyes. I'm not sure what it is yet but I've rarely been so captivated by eyes on an animal as I have with his. I just wish I could figure out what he is saying. They look sad, curious, and hopeful all at the same time. He seems like he wants to trust us. We hand fed him some veggies tonight and he was slow to respond but eventually would come slowly over and get some. He didn't liked being picked up (as most don't it seems) but quickly quieted down in our arms once we were holding him. We also saw him popcorn once today! We were very excited about that. We were watching them from the office (they are in my 10 year olds bedroom) and he just jumped right up and ran a quick circle. Inca was in her no-sew cuddle sac squirming around doing something.

Inca is another story. She is full of you know what and vinegar. lol She does more hiding than Levi does and didn't want anything to do with hand feeding until she saw Levi eating. Then she slowly came over and would nibble at the same food. They would chew it down together and it looked like that scene from Lady and the Tramp where they meet in the middle with the spaghetti. Only difference was Levi still had a stalk hanging out the side of his mouth and she bit it and took it out of his mouth and ate it right up! I couldn't stop laughing. I also noticed when we tried to take them out of the cage for floor time (which they LOVED) that she would push him out of the way so she could get a better hiding spot. She even nipped him when he wouldn't move. lol

These two have only been here part of the day and I'm already totally in love.

On a side note, I know we shouldn't bathe our GPs often but I was wondering. I noticed everytime I handled the GPs that my eyes would get itchy and irritated afterwords. I don't think I'm allergic to them or the hay. When I was in high school (which sadly was 20 years ago) I was part of Vo-Ag and we were always in the barn with hay. I also don't think I'm allergic to piggies. I've been around them and held them before (yes it was years ago). So I'm wondering if it could have been from the litter the rescue was using. I didn't ask what kind it was because I went with fleece. I was wondering if maybe something is on their hair that I'm allergic too. If it does turn out to be the pigs or hay I'll just take meds. Those 2 aren't going anywhere. I'd rather suffer than not have them in our lives.

I've also already decided to remodel their cage! Not even a full day and I've decided we needed to redo a few things to make life a little easier when getting inside the cage. Not sure how to go about the changes I want, yet, but I will get them done this week.

I will post pics tomorrow of Levi, Inca, and the soon to be remodeled cage.

Hi, so my boyfriends mom recently got some guinea pigs, and it turns out the "don't buy piggys from pet stores," is proven correct when Bandent, her new mommy piggy, was pregnant!

Well, the pregnacny went great, and everyone is happy, minus Hershey, Bandents sister.

At first it seemed Hershey was ok with the roomey situation after the two babies were born, Gizmo and Shadow. About a couple days after the new babies were born, Gizmo appears to have no bottom lip!

My boyfriends mom explained to me that after the birth, Gizmo indeed had his full lips. It wasn't untill a couple days latter, and a horrible screech and scream from down stairs, did we realize, GIZMO HAS NO BOTTOM LIP!

We came to the conclusion that it was Hershey who must have bit it off, seeing as she's been in a foul mood ever since the babies have been born. She takes food out of their mouths, and isn't very nice to them. She even started biting people, and not because she is scared.

Anyways, so onto my real question, and purpose of this thread.
Is poor baby Gizmo going to be alright with no bottom lip?
He eats fine, and drinks fine. Their is no sign of weight loss, as we weigh them almost daily.
He eats loads of hay, and eats in the food bowl. It appears to be that everything is fine with the eating and drinking. I'm not overly conserned, however, I hope and wonder if this would ever poss as a problem.
Would it grow back?
It appears to be healing now, and all is well.
Poor little Gizmo, we all call him our special piggy. We don't know their sex yet, as they are only a week old.
At what age is it that you can identify their sex?
We would not like any more piggies, as the 4 are enough.

Thank you to all that are of help.

For the record, it was not my decision to purchase them at a pet store, I explained the fact that millions of guinea pigs die in shelters every year. I did my best to steer her in the direction of adopting, but because she is much older and can make her own decisions, she took the path of purchasing her piggies from a pet store.
No, I do not aprove, and my piggys are all adopted. Please, if you would like to speak of your disaproval, save it for another thread or day. It's not welcomed here. I had no control over it, and could only provide the facts I know and my opions and preferences. So please, there is no point to discuss the matter, as what is done is done and nothing can be changed.
Thank you :)

What's IS "rumble strutting"? I've heard it used a lot, and Joy does it all the time and I don't know why! So what does it mean when the rumble strutting?

Joy does it all the time! Like when I walk in the room, or when I'm giving her new veggies/pellets/hay. Its usually like: rumble rumble rumble WHEEK! rumble rumble rumble wheek wheek!

Is 2x6 large enough for 5 piggies? I currently have four girls who get along well (did take a couple of months though:) in a 2x6. There is a loft that is the kitchen and hay area that is 2x2 and it doesn't really take away from the cage below because it is not built on top of the cage....it is built on a stand kind of beside the cage with the ramp going down into the first grid....does that make sense?

Anyway, since the C&C cages actually give a little more space than the recommended, can I add a neutered boy to the space or do I need to make it 2x7?

My girls primarily stay in the kitchen area or at the other end of the cage where there beds and hidey's are. They zoom around and go through the tunnels in the middle when they are happy, but they are usually always together on one end.

I am purchasing my "piggy bedspread today", so just want to know if I need to custom order a 2x7 or if the 2x6 is ok!

Thanks everyone.....happy Saturday!!

Sponsor a Guinea Pig

Sponsor A Guinea Pig features a new sanctuary pig each month in need of support and care. As most of you already know, sanctuary pigs are a rescue's own forever pigs, and they often wind up being the most expensive pigs due to chronic medical conditions, complicated medical conditions, or their length of stay with the rescue. Increased funds on sanctuary pigs decrease the amount available to spend on adoptable pigs still needing rescues in area shelters.

That's where rescue supporters can help, and the purpose behind my site. I know that money is low right now for everyone, but my thought process was that every little bit adds up. That's why Sponsor A Guinea Pig follows a "Pig of the Month" format, encouraging people to donate even a little with the hopes that others will do the same.


"Please check out Hawk, September's guinea pig of the month!" and then link to his photo by copying and pasting this;


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_68Leat7pXI...awkOct08-1.jpg

Hawk is a tricolored pig, who has a white nose, black ears, and is a super cutie!

Please click on Hawks Picture to read Hawks Story

There are also a bunch of guinea pigs in the wings waiting to be posted, so visit the main site to see the other special needs pigs who will soon be featured!

If you aren't in a position to financially donate, maybe send your rescue a thank you email, or an update on your pigs. It would be nice between all the Nigerian ambassadors I bet!

--cross posted-- Please do the same! :) Forward on to listserves, cross post away, please, please! Here is a text for convenient cross posting:

Help homeless animals with just a dollar! Visit Sponsor A Guinea Pig ( sponsoraguineapig ), featuring national guinea pig rescues' neediest members-special needs pigs and senior pigs who can never be adopted, and rely on the rescue volunteers for their ongoing and extensive care. Each month one pig is highlighted for donations, and the many visitors contribute collectively toward its care. Sponsor A Guinea Pig-Where a Dollar Makes a Difference!

We went and looked at Guinea Pigs at the shelter. I have a 2x6 cage with fleece and a kitchen with cozies and little hideys. Its closed and secured so that way our Puppy can't get the Piggies.

I've been reading the site and reading on their care. I got them Cavy Performance(The Guinea Pigs are under 6 months). We even have Oxbow Hay



There were 4 little girls we were looking at for our entire family......We were thinking of adopting them tomorrow.

Is there any needed essentials before we adopt them(We already have food and such)?

Hello, I am thinking about moving all my living room's furniture so Doby can have daylight in his cage, even more since the cage is babyproofed. The problem is that the only window also have the heathing (electrical) thing just under it.
I live in Quebec and soon it will be cold enough to start it at least at night and in few weeks, 24/7. I was wondering about the distance I should keep the cage from it, knowing guinea pigs dont appreciate heat too much. My living room looks much like a hallway so I dont have much options.
Thanks for any help

First off, I am in love with this site! I enjoy everyone's tips and pictures! They have helped me learn so much about my new pets! I'm a first time owner!

I adopted my 2 five month old babies today from someone who was no longer able to care for them. They have a huge C&C cage, plenty of fresh food, water, toys, hideaways, etc.

I am having extreme difficulties in handling them! I have only been able to pick them up once and that was moving them from their travel carrier to their home cage. Since then, I cannot pet them or even move my hand near them. I've managed to get them to take a bit of lettuce from my hand, but that's it. I'm so confused on whether I should "chase" them around their cage until I can manage to pick them up that way or if I should give them time getting used to me and their new home first. Any tips or advice are greatly appreciated!!:)

Are certain breeds of guinea pigs bigger than others? Also are there particular personality traits affiliated with each breed? I would assume that each pig is different, regardless of its breed, but perhaps I'm wrong.

My teddy is significantly smaller than my abyssinian. The teddy is approximately 2.5 pounds and my abyssinian is about 3 pounds. I was wondering if it was related to their breed. I suspect the size has more to do with their personalities and eating habits because my big guy is really quite the PIG! He squeaks non-stop for food even if he's just been fed. He's a real eater. :)

I need some help with identifying which breed(s) my piggies are. They are all smooth coated short hairs so I guessed that they were a satin type but I'm not sure. :confused: Nutmeg is a crested I know that for sure, but I don't know which type of crested. :?: Thanks for helping!
I've never attached pictures before so I hope it worked! :cheerful:

I have two guinea pigs, Rosy Pose and Sally. I got Sally less than a week ago, but already if I stick my hand in the cage she comes up and sniffs it and she is very comfortable around people.

Just, if touch her or try to pet her, she freaks out and runs away. Even if I don't pet her, when I raise my hand she flinches.

Does anyone know why she would be doing this? Or how I could get her to trust me?

Just curious what breed these cuties might be?

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Well I will be going back to my home town this weekend. I'll be leaving tomorrow night, and getting back sunday. If I left her home, I could have my dad check on her saturday... But the thing is that I'm pretty sure she's pregnant. If you go to the pregnancy section, my thread is 'about 90% sure' or something like that...

I don't want to bring her if it's going to stress her out a lot, but don't want to leave her in case she were to have her babies. If I did leave I'd make sure to stock her up on her pellets/hay, then my dad could check on her saturday and give her veggies... I just don't want to leave her home, but I also don't want to stress her out. I need advice because we are leaving tomorrow night.

I had been wondering for the past two nights why my girls hadn't been drinking their water. I pondered whether they didn't like the taste of it anymore for some reason, or if because they have been getting extra Romaine because we had extra in the house and I wanted to use it up quick before it went bad. I also wondered if they simply just were not thirsty. I just got home half an hour ago and discovered the little ball was lodged inside the nose! I've had that bottle for 6 months and it has never done that! I spent 5 minutes trying to keep it from going back up in there because it kept getting stuck!

I'm just happy my girls seem okay. If I hadn't been giving them the lettuce so much they probably would have dehydrated! :( Looks like once pay day comes this week I am getting another bottle!