How do I know if my GP is lonely?

[owlmail]

How do I know if my GP is lonely?

We've have a male GP for about 1 month and was 8 weeks when we got him. (wrong-sexed of course) We planned on female so we could get a 2nd one later. The first few weeks he was very docile and liked to be held and now he trys to bite our fingers unless I put him down next to me. Then he loves to be petted. Does the hot weather make a difference? or just pre-adolescent behavior, because he bites everything right now when exploring.
His cage is a Super Pet 32x20 inch. Is this big enough for a 2nd GP? He is in my son's room who is 11 years and takes care of most needs. He gets lots of floor time to run around. We both love to take care of him. He does respond to our voices and looks out of his cabin. Since it's summer, he gets alot of attention. Lately, he doesn't seem to be making as many noises as usual. Should we move him to a common area so there is more activity? Any advice would be useful.

 

[Briana D]

Re: How do I know if my GP is lonely?

Where did you get your guinea pig from? If you purchased him from a pet store you should treat for mites. Mites are very common in pet store pigs. Pigs are not known for biting, if they are biting it is usually as a defensive measure. Mites are very painful microscopic bugs that burrow into the skin of the pig. Treatment is 3 doses of Ivermectin 7-10 days apart. If the mites are left untreated seizures and eventually death can/will result. Call around to exotic vet offices. Mites are so easy to treat. They relieve you pig of so much pain, it is money well spent.

You can treat mites by yourself but only if you feel comfortable doing so. To treat for mites you need 3 doses of Ivermectin 7-10 days apart. If you decided to treat them yourself be VERY careful. Too much medicine can cause an overdose and possibly death. To read about purchasing your own Ivermectin and how to use please read here - www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html

If you need help with the dosing please visit (broken link removed) The people on this board are very blunt and to the point. Their main concern are the pigs and helping to keep them happy and healthy.

32x20 is barely big enough for one guinea pig. Two guinea pigs need the recommended minimum 27x41. You may want to check out https://www.guineapigcages.com. At Cavy Cages you will like cubes and coroplast cages that are bigger and cheaper then any pet store cage. On the front page there is a database you can search to find the materials for building your own cage. I have 3 of these cages. I have two 2x4 and one 2x8. I would never put then in anything smaller.

If you do get another guinea pig make certain that you get the same sex. Pregnancy is very difficult on a sow and can be deadly. You may want to check for rescues in your area. Below are some very good places to start. Adopting from a legitimate rescue can give you assurance that you are getting a healthy pig and a correctly sexed pig.

www.petfinder.com
www.cavyrescue.com
www.pets911.com
www.1-800-save-a-pet.com

From your post you said you wanted a female for you could get another pig later. Since you ended up with a male don't assume that they won't get along. I have 4 males living in the same cage and I've never had a problem. As long as you introduce your cavies to each other in a neutral environment there is almost always success. This brings up another good reason why you should adopt. If you get another cavy and they don't get along what will you do? Return him? Going to a rescue you can have the pigs meet and the rescuer should be able to tell if it will work out or not. And don't forget there is a 3-4 week quarantine if you buy your pig from an unrepeatable source (pet store).

You may also want to move him out of your sons room. Put him somewhere where he will be the center of attention. A family room, living room, or dinning room. You'll want your pig to be wherever you spend most of your time. The more you are around him is more time you'll probably spend with him.

Don't forget to check out www.cavyspirit.com/ for general information on how to keep your pig happy and healthy!