Hello from Kansas!

[NewBoysX2]

Hey everyone, I am a stay at home mom of two and we decided to start an adventure with a new pet (or two). Despite my husbands dislike of the idea

I had guinea pigs when I was younger and thought they were a better choice than a hamster or gerbil for my oldest girl who is 3.5. Young, I know, but I will be doing much of the care and she will help. We held a few different animals while at the store, and the guinea pigs were the only one she wasnt afraid of, so sadly no ratties for me ):

So I Have two boys, a tri color and broken chesnut. Dont know the exact color names, just know what they'd be called if they were a rabbit So obviously much to learn on my part still!

Okay...so for some questions.

1. I know their store bought cage is too small for now, but it was the only opton at the time. I am familiar with c&c cages with rabbits, but not with guinea pigs yet. I read also, that they need a lot of room. Is there a way to make a cage that does not take a large lentgh of room? My husband would have a cow if I told him the pigs needed the lentgh of a wall! And also, they would have plenty of out time everyday, the room would be blocked off and theyd have most of the day out except for cleanup and meal times, and of course bedtime

2. Are guinea pigs as desctructive with carpet and wires, ect as rabbits can be?

3. I buy hay by the bale, so is free-feeding hay ok? Or do they need to be limited?

4. Does nuetering help with the smell the boys get later on?

5. How much is the average nueter?

6. Last night I had the tri-boy out (who my daughter wants to call poodle or horse-but that is so not gonna happen!), and was wrapped in a blanket watching tv and he just hunkered down and laid down there on my lap, and if I quit petting him he nudged my hand. Is this a good sign?

7. Is there any medicine you can give for fleas if for some reason they get into the house, I use revoluton on my bun since he goes outside a lot.

8. Is apple tree branches ok? I get them off the farm for my bun, and just want to make sure their ok for the guine pigs, too.

9. If I wanted to litter box train, would I start now (8ish weeks) or wait untl after puberty?

10. Do I need to suppliment vit. c to make sure their getting enough?

Thank you in advance for the replies, I am very excited to be here and I know me and my daughter will learn a lot from everyone here! Thank you so much!!

 

[Petlovr]

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found it, it's a great resource!

1. I know their store bought cage is too small for now, but it was the only opton at the time. I am familiar with c&c cages with rabbits, but not with guinea pigs yet. I read also, that they need a lot of room. Is there a way to make a cage that does not take a large lentgh of room? My husband would have a cow if I told him the pigs needed the lentgh of a wall! And also, they would have plenty of out time everyday, the room would be blocked off and theyd have most of the day out except for cleanup and meal times, and of course bedtime Minimum for 2 is 30 x 50, but boars do better in larger areas. You can always make it wider, in a more square shape if needed. Lofts don't count for square footage, though.

2. Are guinea pigs as desctructive with carpet and wires, ect as rabbits can be? Yep, little chewers all.

3. I buy hay by the bale, so is free-feeding hay ok? Or do they need to be limited? Never limit their hay-free access to unlimited hay is important for grinding their teeth down, and hay should be the majority of their diet. You're lucky you can buy it by the bale, it's much cheaper that way, and usually a much better quality.

4. Does nuetering help with the smell the boys get later on? No, sorry. Boar stank is a fact of life, LOL

5. How much is the average nueter? Surgery in guinea pigs is very risky, and a neuter can cost anywhere from $100 and up. Usually up. Pigs respond to anesthesia like bunnies-they are very sensitive to it.
6. Last night I had the tri-boy out (who my daughter wants to call poodle or horse-but that is so not gonna happen!), and was wrapped in a blanket watching tv and he just hunkered down and laid down there on my lap, and if I quit petting him he nudged my hand. Is this a good sign? It can be good or bad, everyone's interpretation is different. It sounds like he wanted more pets, but sometimes raising their head to nudge your hand AWAY means they've had enough. You have to go on instinct.

7. Is there any medicine you can give for fleas if for some reason they get into the house, I use revoluton on my bun since he goes outside a lot. yes, read here:http://www.guinealynx.info/antiparasitics.html

8. Is apple tree branches ok? I get them off the farm for my bun, and just want to make sure their ok for the guine pigs, too. Yes, they can have them as long as they are pesticide/chemical free

9. If I wanted to litter box train, would I start now (8ish weeks) or wait untl after puberty? Good luck, most pigs don't litter train. Some people make a "kitchen" area where they feed the pellets and hay, since the pigs seem to eat and pee at the same time, so that's like a big litter box
.
10. Do I need to suppliment vit. c to make sure their getting enough?
read here for diet info:http://www.guinealynx.info/diet.html


Guinea Lynx is a sister site to this one, and run by the same people. We refer over there for most of the info we need, especially medical. I have a shortcut to it on my screen. Do check out the photo tab for cage help.

 

[kananaka]

1.There are many plans and different configurations for C&C cages.Check out the photo area Guinea pig photos and cage photos for guinea pigs - Guinea Pig Cage Photos for different looks and styles.

2. They can be. Prepare the room as you would for a crawling infant, a.k.a baby proof.

3. Unlimited hay. So free feed.

4. I am not sure on this one, I have never owned boars.

5. Prices vary. It is more important to get a qualified vet. Guinea Pig Neutering, How to Neuter your Guinea Pigs Read this for good info.

6. Yes. =)

7. http://www.guinealynx.info/ I did not see anything specific for fleas but this is a great website for medical issues with piggies.

8. I am not sure.

9. I honestly do not know.. never tried.

10. If you feed a proper diet it is usually not necessary but you can. Do not used vit. c in the water, you can crush pills such as Oxbow vitamin C tablets over pellets or veggies.

Sorry I could not be more of a help on some of your questions. Welcome to the forums!

 

[NewBoysX2]

Thank you both so much for the answers! When my daughter decides to wake up her and I are going to talk about some stuff regarding care. I'd like her to know basics. She's good with the other pets feeding and care, and she has high expectations regarding them and handling.
So she is super excited to have these boys! I have a lot more research to do, and will try to post pics later!

For now, baby decided peaches needed to be everywhere. Thanks again!