4boipigs
Valued Contributor
Cavy Slave
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2021
- Posts
- 761
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2021
- Messages
- 761
I'm going to be a fostering a guinea pig for the first time! Obviously I've had my fair share of guinea pig experiences so I'm pretty cut out for the job. Wondering if anyone has any tips on fostering? I'm considering 'fostering to adopt', if I feel like I can handle 5 guinea pigs.
This boy was released to a pet store by an owner who had no choice, otherwise her husband claimed he was going the 'hamster'. He's described as a literal biter, has been very fearful, and the rescue hasn't been able to bond him or keep him next to other males. Currently he is living within smelling/hearing range of other pigs and doing well. The rescue told me he's gotten better with touch and trusting people. The rescue is also considering neutering him at some point in the future. Not sure on age, but likely under a year. I initially just donated to his care back in Feb but his story (that's just the cut and dry version) really made me interested in him.
One of my main worries with fostering is always getting too attached. I fostered a dog I almost adopted (but glad I didn't!!), and that was the last time I bothered. I'm not really a dog fan anymore, and have found small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs to be much more appealing. I don't want this pig to get attached to me like my old foster dog. My old foster dog is always so happy when he sees me like I've abandoned him. I've always believed guinea pigs to care more about their guinea pigs partners than humans, but who knows?
I'm also worried about getting him to trust me!! ALL my guinea pigs have always been flighty when it comes to being picked up, and this is something the foster struggles with. My pigs do trust me, come up to me, accept pets, etc and don't panic/struggle when picked up, but it has never been something I have been able to get my pigs used to.
I have placed his cage between my couch where I usually am at home, and the boys' cages, hoping that this will give him plenty of interaction and chance to get used to me.
This boy was released to a pet store by an owner who had no choice, otherwise her husband claimed he was going the 'hamster'. He's described as a literal biter, has been very fearful, and the rescue hasn't been able to bond him or keep him next to other males. Currently he is living within smelling/hearing range of other pigs and doing well. The rescue told me he's gotten better with touch and trusting people. The rescue is also considering neutering him at some point in the future. Not sure on age, but likely under a year. I initially just donated to his care back in Feb but his story (that's just the cut and dry version) really made me interested in him.
One of my main worries with fostering is always getting too attached. I fostered a dog I almost adopted (but glad I didn't!!), and that was the last time I bothered. I'm not really a dog fan anymore, and have found small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs to be much more appealing. I don't want this pig to get attached to me like my old foster dog. My old foster dog is always so happy when he sees me like I've abandoned him. I've always believed guinea pigs to care more about their guinea pigs partners than humans, but who knows?
I'm also worried about getting him to trust me!! ALL my guinea pigs have always been flighty when it comes to being picked up, and this is something the foster struggles with. My pigs do trust me, come up to me, accept pets, etc and don't panic/struggle when picked up, but it has never been something I have been able to get my pigs used to.
I have placed his cage between my couch where I usually am at home, and the boys' cages, hoping that this will give him plenty of interaction and chance to get used to me.