Hello everyone!

[kitgal421]

I have recently become the proud mommy of a big ginger guinea pig named Weasley. Poor guy has had a rough life. He was found abandoned in a house and almost starved to death. Apparently, the owners just up and left without taking their animals. I can’t even imagine that! After that he was given to a local pet store where a mom of a young child took him. Apparently, the child wasn’t giving him enough attention so she asked if anyone would be able to care for him. That would be me! I don’t really know how she took care of him (she is a friend of a friend of a friend), but he looks well fed now at least. Unfortunately, I have no clue how old he is.

He came with a small pet store cage so I made him a C and C Cage last week. He absolutely loves it! He wheeks and squeaks and popcorns around the cage like crazy. I also started using fleece which is fantastic. It's so much easier to clean up!

He is still pretty shy around me, but I suppose that is to be expected. He loves lap time, but hates to be picked up.

He has stared eating a greater variety of foods now. His previous owner clearly only gave him carrots as a treat, so he's been weary against most other food. I've introduced him to tomatoes, romaine lettuce, green pepper, cilantro, and a few other veggies. Still nothing gets him quite as excited as a carrot! He is quite a spoiled piggy now!

I've been reading that they do better in pairs. He has been solo for at least the last year with his previous owner. I’m worried that adding another guinea pig will be too stressful for him. Would a 2x4 cage have enough room for two guinea pigs and their stuff? I’m just afraid they will fight and it will be bad for them both. How much more day to day work is having two compared to one?I've been looking for shelters around my area (Columbia, mo), but many of them are fairly far away. I want what is best for Weasley, whatever that may
be.

And here is the best part of the post: PICTURES!<br><img src="https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17034&stc=1" attachmentid="17034" alt="" id="vbattach_17034" class="previewthumb size_medium" style=""><img src="https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17035&stc=1" attachmentid="17035" alt="" id="vbattach_17035" class="previewthumb size_medium" style=""><img src="https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17036&stc=1" attachmentid="17036" alt="" id="vbattach_17036" class="previewthumb size_medium" style=""><img src="https://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17037&stc=1" attachmentid="17037" alt="" id="vbattach_17037" class="previewthumb size_medium" style=""><br><br>

 

[Catahoula]

Oh WOW, what a cutie. You're right, pigtures are always the best part of a post.

Even though he's been by himself for more then a year, you should still try to get him a friend. You'd be surprised to see new bahaviors in him that only come out when playing with a buddy. Be sure you have a same sex pair, unless you're willing to have one spayed or neutered.

If you can find a rescue, even if it's a bit far, that would be the BEST option. Rescue pigs are healthy and have been vet checked for illness, so there would be no need for a quarentine period. They could start living together right away. Also, rescues usually encourage you to bring your existing pig, so that you can be sure they get along before you leave. They can help you and your piggy pick out a good buddy.

A 2x4 should certainly be larger enough for 2 males (if you're sure Weasley is a male). Bigger is always better, so if you have room for a 2x5 or more, GO FOR IT!!! lol


Check shelters as well. You can even request to be put on a contact list if a homeless piggy comes in. A shelter pig would need to be quarentined for 3 weeks, but you'd be saving a life, so it'd be worth it.

Good Luck and Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Hhbean]

What a handsome little guy! I think you should find him a buddy because they really enjoy having another piggy around.

 

[lovemyguineas]

He sure is a good looking piggy. I just love his color. Have you tried giving him any green leaf or red leaf lettuce? That is something good for him to have.

 

[CavyMama]

Oh wow, handsome boy! LOVE his color! In that 4th pic, he almost looks camoflaged against the log and floor!

 

[ellisa]

I saw the pics you posted of him on Guinea Lynx and I've wanted to pignap him since then! I love ginger pigs! Such a sweetie

 

[OllieandFriends]

Hello! Your piggie is adorable!