Just some random GP thoughts

[Raxia]

Just some random GP thoughts

Im new here and I thought I should introduce my GP
She's named Harley (Pilidou Rebel Davidson, she was actually named Pilidou first, but we kept forgetting the name lol, so we made it a bit easier) and was born in June 2000, she's three years old now. We used to have a male, Charlie, in another cage, which I think she hated lol. But we put him to sleep after he had some teeth problems and was not able to eat on his own. I dont think she's very lonely as she is still very active and happy. She loved french beans, which we usually eat on saturday. When my dad starts making dinner she squeels like a maniac untill she gets some lol.

I would love to get another one, but as a GP can get quite old and I'll probably be moving out in about 2 years, my mom wont let me buy another one, although the cage is big enough. I do have some stuff to share with you, and maybe you can relate to some problems.

My mom hates to have Harley running around the living room, or my own room (she lives in the kitchen) so she doesnt get too much of floor time. I dont think she really minds though.. dont you guys have problems with fellow people in the house?

Secondly, When I pick her up she runs around in her cage, but I understand almost every GP does that. But when I put her back she struggles so much (in my hands) that Im afraid I might let her drop eventually, any advice at calming her down?

And I also have some advice at calming a GP down when it's afraid and hiding in sleeping houses and stuff, you should try imitating excited GP squeels, it calms Harley down to think there's another GP somewhere.

And finally, when you try to trim their nails, you should try to have them on your lap for a while and when they relaxe and just sit there, slowly grab their foot and just cut their nails without them even noticing ^^

Hope that was helpfull!! Bye!! Raxia

 

[CavySpirit]

Re: Just some random GP thoughts

<em>But we put him to sleep after he had some teeth problems and was not able to eat on his own.</em>

That's unfortunate. Guinea pig's back teeth can be ground down by a reasonably competent vet. It certainly doesn't have to be a death sentence.

 

[Raxia]

Re: Just some random GP thoughts

Well, I could tell the full story. Our Guinea Pigs were brought to a good friend of my sister while we were on vacation and Charlie wasnt eating too well there. The friend didnt think it had anything to do with his teeth, more like a stress problem. So we took him to the vet and he told us he had a sharp point on one of his back teeth that made a wound inside his mouth. The vet removed the point and we had to feed the GP with baby food. But because he hardly had any food for like 5 days it would be really hard to get back like he used to be. After about 3 days (although we really tried to get him back and eating) he still wouldnt eat willingly and the vet told us it would be better to just let him sleep, so we did. He really wouldnt do anything anymore. Poor thing

 

[Lizzyrd]

living with folks

You're lucky! My parents wouldn't let me have more than a hamster. But now that I live on my own I get what i want lol.

I can understand not wanting an animal underfoot all the time. This is what I do for floor time: buy pet play pens and link them together in a big circle to make a large area to run on. That way their running space is closed off from furniture or wires.

If your mother is worried about droppings or hair, put down a shower curtain, tarp, or sheets for easy and quick clean up.

I have 2 gps but I believe if you give your gp lots of attention she should be fine.