New guinea owner: some questions

[Cheyenne]

I recently aquired my first guinea pig from a co-worker because her daughter was not taking care of it (and it's cage was WAY too small for him). I was not caught totally off-guard though because I had been looking into getting a GP for a couple of weeks (researching online) and I have also had rabbits and I have discovered their care is similar. Isaiah's cage was incredibly small and filthy.. you could smell it as soon as you walked into the girl's room. He also had no hay in the cage with him! Anyhow.. Isaiah is in a new home now with a temporary cage (my old rabbit's cage, about 4'x6' with solid floor) and I am going after payday to pick up the materials for a new C&C cage for him. He seems to be adjusting really well.. a little skittish with the new surroundings but only when we come in the room.. if we have been in there for just a few minutes with him he comes out and explores all around his new area and will walk up to the cage to see us.

Now for the main question... I want to get him a new buddy but I am concerned because he has been alone since they got him as a baby from the pet store and he is about 2 now they say. If I play this right I would like to introduce him to a new friend around the same time I move him to his C&C cage (after quarantine for the new one of course) so that they are both starting out in neutral territory. Could I put them in the new cage with a divider first to see how they get along? Any other hints that could aid me in helping them both adjust? Thanks in advance!

-Happy New Cavy Mom

 

[suzy_99]

I have never really introduced any guinea pigs after they were alone for so long, but I put my sows together right away (didn't know about the quarantine then). I believe that if you have an older boar, the best buddie for him would be a younger boar of under a year old. I have heard that this is increases the chances that will get along well. I'm sure that somebody on here with experience in introducing boars will be able to give you more detailed info.
I don't beleive that the separated cage will be necessary because they may get along instantly. A divider is usually only used when two guineas cannot get along in the same cage space.
Another trick would be to make sure that you have two hidey houses or more, to make sure that they do not try to fight over it. I have learned from experience that having two water bottles and two food dishes can also be a big help if you find that one is being too dominant. When I got my two girls, the most dominant one controlled the water bottle for a long time and I actually had to take my other girl out in order to get her hydrated properly.
Also, don't panic if they begin to make weird noises and are strutting around. A bit of diminance behavior is normal. Just separate them if you absolutely have to for the well being of your piggies. Such as if they are actually fighting and bitting each other. Buddy baths are also a good option to help them bond.

 

[DocDolittle]

First of all, don't worry about the fact that he's been alone for so long. My first boy was alone for about a year and a half and he's find friends with his little buddy. Second, yes, a younger boar would probably be best. That way, they could sort out dominance issues but the fighting/dominance sorting wouldn't be half as bad because the older boar rarely thinks about laying a finger on the baby. Separating isn't necessary, especially since often times the boars can get possessive of their own side of the cage. Unless there's serious fighting, I wouldn't bother. Make sure to have at least two of everything important(food bowls, water bottles, hidey houses, etc.) so they don't fight over them. Also, I suggest you visit the Cavy Spirit social link if you haven't, it's excellent. Good luck!

 

[Cheyenne]

Thank you for all the great tips. I just got done reading the cavy spirit link on social life and it was very very helpful. At least I feel a little more secure on what to look for during the introductions. The only problem I have now is how to find a new young male. The only rescues around are older and there are only 4 listed on petfinder within a 2 hour drive of me. Most of the others listed are in a different state. There are no rescues listed at all for cavies on the cavy spirit site in my state. I know I could try my luck at one of the petstores and I may end up having to do that to get a younger male (I will be sure to sex it myself and if I can't tell I won't get it). I don't know of any breeders in the area and even the stores that I have seen never have more than one or two in at a time... and they have always seemed to be in clean cages, albeit small. More things to ponder....

Thanks again for the advice and the link suggestion.. very helpful!

 

[dagwellismypigy]

YOu will probably have to go for a drive. Please, at all costs, avoid petstores and breeders. try www.craigslist.org

 

[crittermom]

Cheyenne, first of all congrats on rescuing Isaiah! He's lucky that you happened into his life. Second, from your username can I guess that you live in Wyoming? If so, please make the drive to Cavy Care Inc. in Denver. She always has plenty of adoptables. Let me know if you need the link. ~

 

[Cheyenne]

Sorry, I live in northwest Utah north of Salt Lake City. Cheyenne is my oldest dogs name. I have seen the Cavy Care on petfinder but they are just too far away from me. Would be a full days drive just to get there. Thanks for the offer though!

 

[DocDolittle]

I have to say, two adult males are definitely better than an older male and a pig from a pet store. You never know what kind of diseases it has. I would definitely go with the adult if you can't find a baby, because it's still very probable that the two pigs will get on splendidly.

 

[Cheyenne]

Well, I realize this may not make some happy but we did opt to go with a younger male from the petstore. He is definitely male (I checked myself and had no trouble finding his male parts). The cage he was in at the store looked clean and he has no balding spots and has shown no inclination to itch. I have him in quarantine where he will stay for a minimum of three weeks on a different floor of the house from Isaiah. In early April we will start the introductions in a brand new C&C cage for both of the boys. So far my only concern with the new addition (who my husband promptly named Einstein) is that he does occasionally do a little sneeze. I'm keeping an eye on that though and he's scheduled for a check-up with the local exotics vet this next week. To help minimize contact between the boys during the quarantine phase my husband is the only one interacting with Einstein, while I am resuming full responsibility for Isaiah... hopefully, everything will go well and a month from now we'll have two happy healthy piggies with a new home!

 

[Slap Maxwell]

Congratulations. I'm sorry you had to go to a petstore (I got both mine from one, regret doing it for supporting breeders, but don't because I love my pigs) but i'm sure it will have a great home.