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Brand new Guinea Pig Mom - excited but want to do this right kind of questions

JJ2018

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Hi all. It started a couple weeks ago when my husband came home asking if I wanted 2 Guinea Pigs - his co-worker wanted to re-home them. Of all the animals I've had, Guinea Pigs were not among them so I went to work studying. I am a sucker for rescues. What a learning curve! Anyway, turns out they are a boy and girl so I re-designed the cage so they couldn't get at each other. Today is the first time I've had them in their new home. Herman is VERY excited about being so close to Harriet. I don't think there is any way he can get to her - he has been trying. Do you think he'll calm down or should I also try and put a 'curtain' between their sides??? On the left third is Harriet's kitchen then up from there and she has the third level. Herman has the right kitchen and middle of floor level then most of the second level. I hope this is appropriate keeping them separate but still having each other for socialization. Gosh - did any of this make sense? Anyone see major problems? The ramps aren't up in this picture. Deep breath. :) IMG_2066.jpg Thanks
 

bpatters

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Man, that's a lot of work in that cage!

The only thing I'll say about the cage is that you need a lid on her side. A determine male can climb the grids and push up the lid on his own side, but he can't lift the lid on the female side.

Have you considered having him neutered so they can live together?
 

JJ2018

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Thanks! Yes, I am going to call the vet for their 'healthy pig checkup' and see what she says. If she doesn't do that regularly I can take it to an exotics specialist also close to me. :)
 

bpatters

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If your vet is not certified in, or has lots of experience with, exotic pets, I'd skip it altogether and just go to the exotic vet. Small animal vets treat dogs and cats, and have little or no training in caring for exotics. Some of them are downright dangerous.
 

JJ2018

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Ah the difference. The small vet I knew of would charge $20 for a neuter but they 'don't do it much but they have done them'. So, I called my exotic vet. It will be $150 for their well pig check up and $115 for the neuter. Guess what I chose. Yup. Appointment with the exotic vet next Thursday. Thanks bpatters.
 

bpatters

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I think you just dodged a BIG bullet. Guinea pig neuters are not like dog and cat neuters, and we've had several pigs get into real trouble after the wrong vet did them.
 

Marie1234

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Cool cage set up....It's like a super exciting maze ☺️. Good.luck with the neutering!
 

spy9doc

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Appointment with the exotic vet next Thursday.

You really made the right choice! I have had several boars neutered and am fortunate to have a gifted exotic Vet in my area who does the work. There are two other quality exotic vets in the area that I will sometime use for regular cavy care.

To those reading this, there are two procedures to never skimp on......neutering and rodent dentistry. Find the most qualified Vet for either of those procedures! :rolleyes:
 
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