Hi All
It's been a while since I posted. Recently I lost one of my two beloved guinea pigs, Millie. I had originally bought her and Mollie together 3 and half years ago (I didn't know then no to buy from a store). Anyway they were really well bonded and have always been together. Since Millie's death I've been worried about Mollie. Unfortunately due to work I can't spend that much time with her, so I think she has been lonely. She's been very quiet and just doesn't seem like herself.
So I was thinking of adopting a friend or two for her. I've read online about how to do introductions but I do still have a few questions and I'm not sure how to proceed.
First of all, how long should I wait before looking into getting her a buddy? It's been two weeks since Millie passed. Am I better to wait longer or is sooner better?
How long does the process usually take? From what I saw online most of the hard work would be done in a day, but with work that's the most I could give beyond evenings at the moment. I am off for 2 weeks at Christmas, so would I be better to wait until then when I would have more time to watch them.
Finally how many to get? I had previously considered getting a third as I have increased my C&C cage. In my house I have a 2x6 with a 2x4 basement. At my parents house (where I would be over Christmas) I have a 2x4 with a large amount of floor space. Probably one would be best but I'm a bit limited on options of where to adopt. There is a local place at home, but currently they only have two neutered male guinea pigs. Where I live (approximately 4 hours drive away) none of the shelters currently have any guinea pigs and only seem to have guinea pigs rarely. One of the pet stores at home does have adoption options, but availability varies week to week. They did have a lovely neutered male when I was there last week, but I wasn't sure how that would work.
Anyway, any advice you would have would be great. I'm really worried about Mollie and don't want to lose her too.
Thanks
It's been a while since I posted. Recently I lost one of my two beloved guinea pigs, Millie. I had originally bought her and Mollie together 3 and half years ago (I didn't know then no to buy from a store). Anyway they were really well bonded and have always been together. Since Millie's death I've been worried about Mollie. Unfortunately due to work I can't spend that much time with her, so I think she has been lonely. She's been very quiet and just doesn't seem like herself.
So I was thinking of adopting a friend or two for her. I've read online about how to do introductions but I do still have a few questions and I'm not sure how to proceed.
First of all, how long should I wait before looking into getting her a buddy? It's been two weeks since Millie passed. Am I better to wait longer or is sooner better?
How long does the process usually take? From what I saw online most of the hard work would be done in a day, but with work that's the most I could give beyond evenings at the moment. I am off for 2 weeks at Christmas, so would I be better to wait until then when I would have more time to watch them.
Finally how many to get? I had previously considered getting a third as I have increased my C&C cage. In my house I have a 2x6 with a 2x4 basement. At my parents house (where I would be over Christmas) I have a 2x4 with a large amount of floor space. Probably one would be best but I'm a bit limited on options of where to adopt. There is a local place at home, but currently they only have two neutered male guinea pigs. Where I live (approximately 4 hours drive away) none of the shelters currently have any guinea pigs and only seem to have guinea pigs rarely. One of the pet stores at home does have adoption options, but availability varies week to week. They did have a lovely neutered male when I was there last week, but I wasn't sure how that would work.
Anyway, any advice you would have would be great. I'm really worried about Mollie and don't want to lose her too.
Thanks