New to the piggy life

Diesel16 · Oct 26, 2017

Hi guys! My name is Emily, a little over a year ago my boyfriend and I got our first guinea pig named Diesel! He's a pain in the butt, but he's our pain in the butt! This past year has been a real learning process for us but I would like to say we are doing a good job and Diesel is very happy! The biggest problem we face is his diet, Diesel has a BIG sweet tooth! The only three things we can get him to eat are cucumbers watermelon and apples. I've tried so many better options like zucchini, bell peppers, oranges, and lettuce but he won't even touch them!
Also, we are considering getting Diesel a brother, there's currently one at our local shelter, but we know nothing about introducing new pigs together and what to do if they do not get along?!
Any tips for us newbies would be awesome!

bpatters · Oct 26, 2017

Welcome to the forum!

Several tips...

One, guinea pigs weren't engineered to process sugar well, and it can cause major intestinal digestive upsets. He should only get fruit very occasionally and in very small amounts. See https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/105287-How-to-teach-a-guinea-pig-to-eat-vegetables, and concentrate on getting him to eat bell peppers. Guinea pigs can't produce their own vitamin C, like people, so they have to get it from their diets.

He needs a buddy, but you need a large cage for two boars -- at least 10-12 square feet, and more would definitely be better. See https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html. And see if you can find a local rescue that will let you take him in and pick out his own buddy. It's not a guarantee of a successful pairing, but at least you'll know at the outset if they hate each other so much there's no point in bringing the new pig home.

And here's recommended reading for new pig owners:

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/113176-Information-for-new-guinea-pig-owners
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/107827-What-NOT-to-do-for-your-guinea-pigs!

lisa325 · Oct 27, 2017

Hello and Welcome, Emily and Diesel

. You've found a wonderful resource in this forum, spend the time to look around, and read, read, read. You will find learn so much, and become and even better piggy parent

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