Another guinea pig

[Piglet]

I really want another pig, but I'm worried. Wiill I have enough time for him? I know some of you have several pigs, so how do you make sure each ones gets lots of attention.

 

[Denise]

It's really hard with as busy as we have been these days, and with the introductions not going well, it's been especially difficult. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Treen]

I definitely think the number you have depends a lot on the time you have available to give to them as well as how much time you like to spend with them. I really like to interact a lot with mine as they enjoy the stimulation and it makes them really confident. I've had six pigs at one time before, but I wouldn't have that many now as I don't have as much spare time so would have to compromise on the amount of time I could spend with them and I'm not really happy with the quick cuddle here and there. I like to spend more time with them, than mainly just feeding them and removing their droppings!

Having them in the living room helps as whenever I watch tv, or have people round, they're right in the middle of the action, running around or handy for a cuddle. It's the room we relax in, so it's nice having them right there.

I think when introducing a new pig, you have to think about harmony as well. If you have a pair that get along really well, introducing a new pig could upset things at least temporarily but maybe permanently. Not just in terms of the new pig not integrating, but also in terms of potentially affecting Furlong and Ascot's relationship. Just worth considering what you'd do if a,b,c happened so you don't get too disappointed if it doesn't work out. I've got some strumpy females, and although introductions have always worked out, there are often times when everyone has been so upset and frantic that you wonder if you've done the right thing!

 

[Piglet]

Thanks so much for info Treen. Yes, Ascot and Furlong really get along. Of course there is the occasional dominance thing, but I can see they like each other. I don't know... I may not get another one. I've got my GCSE's coming up so I'll be busy, busy, busy. Maybe in the future...

 

[sofiemuffins]

I agree. It is very tricking to add another pig to a bonded pair. I started off with 2 boars, brothers. Then a few months later I got a third Boar. The three did not get along at all, which caused the 2 brothers to start fighting on which one was the alpha (although in the begining Henry was the alpha). Now the brothers are seperated, and they can't even play together because they attack eachother (biting and even pulling hair out) =( It's very tough...I know some people have had success, but I wish I had never introduced pig.

 

[Treen]

It's also looking at the longer term picture too - if you're planning to head off to uni or go travelling etc in a few years, then you need to think about what will happen to any pets you have then.

We rent, so always keep this in mind when taking on a new furry - even if your current landlord is fine, you don't know what might happen to make you want to move, and what other landlords will be like about them. Some landlords are great as long as you take care of their property, but there are a lot out there who won't allow pets at all. I've spoken to a few who have had tenants with guinea pigs and after they'd gone found lots of rotten areas of carpet and floorboard due to free range weeing!

Fostering is a good way of having extra piggers when you have the time, without the long term responsibility. And of course it helps the rescues out too!

 

[Piglet]

You're right, I'll be going to uni in a couple of years. Fostering... I never thought of that. Now you've got me thinking...

I'm sorry your boars didn't get a lot =(. It must have been tough

 

[roosterboy]

I pull my pigs out in pairs and pet them. Who says you have to play with them one at a time?

 

[AngelsCavies]

I just picked up 2 more piggies. They both are 3 month old boars. They both are sooooooo cute. One is all white with lite tan spots around the face and back and the other is all white with dark brown spots around the face and back also there are black streaks through the dark brown hair too. I named the dark brown one Reese as in Reeses candy because of the color and my hubby named the lite on Chewie. The reason he named that Chewie is that we have a gerbal with the same tan color and he named her Rolo as in rolo candy. They are doing good and getting along with the 3 other boys.

 

[cornhill]

I really want another pig, but I'm worried. Wiill I have enough time for him? I know some of you have several pigs, so how do you make sure each ones gets lots of attention.

If you have enough time for one piggie, you will still have the same amount of time for 2. If you have 2 pigs, they will have time for one another just being together. So help yourself. Get another if you can afford it.
I help a local rescue here with adoptions and I specifically express the fact that they are happier in pairs.
Good luck!

 

[AngelsCavies]

And not only that both piggies can entertain eachother when you are busy as well. My husband and I just picked up 2 boars last night. They both are 3 months old.We now have the total of 16 piggies and 3 or 4 on the way. When we took Peanut and 4 young piggies from a friend of ours she told us that Peanut might be pregnant. We told her that ok no problem we will take care of her babies too. She is almost there in having babies. She is so big now. All Boars and sows are seperated in 3 cages. One boar has to be alone because he is a bully, all 10 sows are in one cage and the other five boars are in the other.

 

[Piglet]

I've decided against getting another one. I'm perfectly happy with the two boys I have now =)

 

[mncavylover]

Ok, I think that's probably the best decision for now. I'm not getting another because I'm leaving a three years. That's #1, because then my mom will have to take care of them (or little bro, but he's young).

I would love to foster, but unforunately we travel sometimes, and I wouldn't want anyone to have to look after too many cavies. =)