Hunter - The Rescued Guinea Pig

[Happy Cavy]

Hi everyone! My guinea pig isHunter. She's my first Guinea pig ever! I'm unsure what I'm doing.. I don'teven know her breed or age ( I plan on adding a picture soon)! All I want is to make sure I'm doing this right andgiving her the good life she deserves.

Hunter is a small piggy from a local adoption place. A place under state andlocal investigation for messing around with medical records of pets to sellthem (small animals are also protected under the law). When I heard this on thenews, I rushed to save at least one animal. Honestly, I was looking to adopt adog to give them a loving home. But then I saw Hunter. She was huddled in thecorner, jumping at the sound of dogs barking. I felt so bad for her, and gother without a second thought. I rushed to buy a simple cage from a locallyowned pet store. I know it's to small for her. I'm planning a C&CCage I can only meet the minimum requirements because of my small apartment. Isthat bad?

Now she's home with me, safe. She's been home with me since April 20th. She'salready hopping around, making chirping noises, and jumping on me to get out ofthe cage. I hope these are all good signs. I've been reading the forums onhealth advice. So far, I don't see any issues.. but are their any precautions Ishould take? She came from a really dirty place. I take accurate notes of heractives during the day. I've read a change in activity could mean she'ssick.

I feed her mostly Kaytee products, since it was available at the pet store.Timothy hay and timothy pellets. I've read that Oxbow Vitamin C tablets aregood for her, but they seem too hard for her to eat. I decided to give herVitakraft orange drop treats once a day. She loves those. She eats romainelettuce and radicchio. Sometimes parsley. I give her a cup of these once a day.Am I feeding her all the right things? She seems like such a young pig..

I purchased carefresh complete bedding. I've seen different opinions on bedding(like pine and such) and fleece. Which is better for a C&C cage?

I know it's a lot of ask. Just know this. I'm clueless. I want to make sureHunter has the best life and is happy and healthy. Everyone here seems soexperienced and willing to help. That's why I joined. To get answers and seek opinions on how to take care of my guinea pig.

Thank you in advance!

 

[grace&piggies]

Welcome Happy Cavy! Awesome job rescuing little Hunter! Sounds like you're already giving her a great life!

Bedding: Totally down to personal preferences/circumstances. Having tried both, fleece (sewed into fitted liners with the absorbent layers attached) is better for me. In this thread here: https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/threads/115822-Why-use-fleece Cavy Spirit made some really good points for considering when tossing up different options.

I don't know anything about Kaytee products because they don't have them over here, but the crucial point in their diet is hay. Good quality hay 24/7. Pellets are such a minimal part of their daily intake. Make sure you are choosing veggie options that are high in Vit C. Depending on the age of your pig, supplementing Vit C may not be necessary but it doesn't hurt to offer more. If you aren't already using a water bottle rather than a bowl, do the switch. Pigs have a knack for messing up their water if it's in a bowl. If it's it the bottle it stays fresh and clean. Remember to change it often and check that the bottle is working. Good idea to have more than one up in case Hunter blocks one up while you're out.

 

[Happy Cavy]

Thank you! I love hunter so much. I just want her happy. The pet store gave me a bottle so I've been using that. Since she came from such a dirty place, should I take her to a vet? I don't see any mites or issues in her fur.

 

[grace&piggies]

I like to check in with my vet whenever someone new joins the family. Make sure you locate an exotics vet who specialises in guinea pigs. I certainly have made that error in the past and visited standard vets. The difference in knowledge and care is ridiculous.

 

[Happy Cavy]

Really? I didn't know a guinea pig needs a certain vet. Thank you so much! I'll make sure I find the right vet.

 

[grace&piggies]

It took me a couple of heartbreaking errors to fully realise it, but it is invaluable knowing that when you need it your vet can actually get you through and give accurate advice. Sounds so silly like it should be a guarantee no matter where you go but unfortunately most dog/cat vets view guinea pigs, rabbits, "pocket pets" as disposable pets that they did maybe one semester on at uni.

 

[Happy Cavy]

O wow. I never knew. I'm so happy I joined this forum and have this information.

 

[Happy Cavy]

I've read on the forums that a second piggy is the best way to ensure happiness.

What will happen to Hunter if I don't get another pig?

Is it difficult to introduce another guinea pig (female of course)?

I refuse to buy a guinea pig from a chain pet store like Petco and petsmart. But what about a locally own pet store? Is that bad too?

 

[bpatters]

Here's some reading material for new pig owners:

Here's some recommended reading material for new cavy owners:

https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum...nea-pig-owners
https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum...ur-guinea-pigs!

Hunter will definitely be happier with another pig. And most breeders who supply pet stores are in the market for making easy money, so they allow the sows to be continually pregnant. Where do you live? City/state, not your actual address. We might be able to help you find another pig.

 

[Happy Cavy]

Thank you for the links! I live in Windham ny.

 

[bpatters]

Here's a Pet Finder link for the ones within 100 miles of you. But sometimes rescues will meet you halfway, or a piggy train can be arranged.

https://www.petfinder.com/pet-searc...y&breed=guinea+pig&gender=female&distance=100

Check it every so often, because the pigs available change pretty rapidly.

 

[Happy Cavy]

Hunteris about 5-6 months old and weighs a pound. She's in good health, but there isa problem spot. On her back is a small patch of dry skin that I must watch.Anyone have any advice on treatment or care?

Other than that patch. Her ears are clear, front teeth look good and she's in good health.

 

[PiggygirlsMama]

Very cute!