Me and My Pig(s): Hi from Vermont

[Duffinvt]

Hi everyone. I have been on the boards for a while, but just adopted my two girls last week. I had intended to help out a friend who is rescuing guinea pigs and thinks one is pregnant. While on Freecycle looking for donations of items I had an urgent message from a member of Freecycle. She had two young guinea pigs and a family situation that necessitated giving them up. She had many items that she kindly donated to me. The lady was delighted they'd have a good home and I was happy to have two great guinea pigs that had been well cared for. And, yes, since I have the big C&C cage I might still adopt a baby if there is a female in the litter. We'll see.

I got my cubes from Freecycle, got old towels from friends and bought cheap fleece throws. I am testiment to building a cage for very little money ! It sure is not the prettiest.. as I have NASCAR throws with big pictures of guys in sunglasses and "Bud" logos on them. I am not even a fan, but hey, it is fleece and does the job !! I am going to get some coroplast soon as it does seem like it would be a lot easier than shower curtains for the bottom.

The pigs had names I was not really keen on. So, I renamed them Busy and Shady. Too long a story, but they are the abbreviated names of my childhood imaginary friends and my family gets a chuckle out of that. See, I am a grandmother who always wanted guinea pigs. My family thinks I am off my rocker, but I finally have my little friends.

I just discovered that a local vet is very good with guinea pigs and does a lot of research on diet, etc. He is not the vet we use for our cat, but that is OK. It is good to know they will have a good vet nearby.

My piggies are lively and fun. My only problem is, despite good care, they got a diet that was not varied enough and they seem to be "junk food" girls, wanting carrots and apples. I am trying cilantro and green pepper each day, but they have no interest. Thank goodness they like their lettuce and I have lots of it in my organic garden. That is until snow flies !! They get treats of fresh grass, dandelion and clover, too.

I am putting up videos on Youtube. Is it OK to post a link on this site? I'd love to show you my girls !

[akstrohm]

Welcome!

Keep trying with the cilantro and pepper. They'll come around. Try feeding these foods opposite of when you feed lettuce. Stop feeding treats for a while until they're eating a better diet. Grass is a great daily food, but dandelion and clover should be fed in more limited amounts.

It's fine to post videos (as long as they show proper care--no petstore cages, etc.).

How old are your pigs? They sound perfect for you.

[Duffinvt]

Originally Posted by akstrohm

Welcome!

Keep trying with the cilantro and pepper. They'll come around. Try feeding these foods opposite of when you feed lettuce. Stop feeding treats for a while until they're eating a better diet. Grass is a great daily food, but dandelion and clover should be fed in more limited amounts.

It's fine to post videos (as long as they show proper care--no petstore cages, etc.).

How old are your pigs? They sound perfect for you.

They are around one year old. Thanks for the advice on food. I will keep trying ! I have cilantro planted and perhaps home grown will appeal more than the store bought. I have a video uploading and will post it soon !

[Tessa Bea]

I saw the video you posted earlier, they are very active girls! Lots of fun. I'm glad you were able to help out some piggies in need, and fulfill your dreams at the same time!