New owner + questions

[Diay1112]

I just joined this forum about 10 minutes ago so hi...

So I'm new to guinea pig ownership. I have two which I adopted today, their names are Cookie and Lily and they are 1 year old. (Maybe I'll change the names?) When we adopted them they came with their cage and accessories. Their cage is store-bought and small. My pigs are fat and don't really have a lot of room to move in it so somehow I'll have to convince my parents to get a C&C cage. Anyway I have two questions:

I've noticed that Cookie must be the dominant pig. She frequently tries to back Lily into a corner of the cage and nip/bite her until she squeals. How do I get her to stop?

Also, my dad says that since my pigs aren't babies, they won't bond with me. Is this true?

Sorry for the long post.

 

[mufasa]

I'm not sure about the dominance, although someone will likely be along to answer that. I'm guessing the small cage might have something to do with it, though.

As to bonding, it's absolutely untrue that adult piggies don't get attached to their owners. it's not the same kind of bonding you get with a dog or cat, but they get to know you and anticipate seeing you and interacting with you.

I adopted two adults myself, and they soon learned to recognize my husband and I. They enjoy being held and petted and wheek at us for treats. All it takes is time and patience and your piggies will soon form an attachment with you.

 

[guineapigs2468]

Firstly hi and welcome to the forum, hopefully you will find all the information you need here to keep your guinea pigs happy and healthy. A c&c cage would be great for you guinea pigs to. The guinea pigs you adopted were they not together before hand, if not then it might be good to do introductions. If the place you adopted them from has already checked them then I don't think there will be a need for the quarantine part ( correct me if I'm wrong), make a safe, clear environment where neither of them have been before and keep some vegetables, and towels on hand. Put the vegetables in the middle of the environment, and put both guinea pigs in at opposite ends. The towels are to stop a fight if blood is drawn, safety precautions. Then just keep watch, if there is no fights or blood drawn, then clean out their normal cage to get rid of their scents, and if possible get two of each of all the items two food bowls, two water bottles etc. See how they go, there are many threads on this forum about this particular thing and will explain in more detail. I will try and post a link to one of the threads.

 

[pinky]

Welcome! I usually adopt older guinea pigs and most have bonded with me. There was only one that came from a really bad situation that didn't like being touched. Little by little, she let me pet her with my pointer finger and I was happy to see her allow me to do that. Most of my others let me rub under their chins, behind their ears and run up to me when I approach their cages. It's all a matter of trust and as long as you don't give them a reason for them to fear you, they should come around.

 

[Diay1112]

Thanks for the replies!

Yes, their cage is pretty small and Lily doesn't have anywhere to escape from Cookie, which worries me. They aren't having a full out fight, but still.
(broken link removed) They are sisters and were living together with their former owner, but maybe I can try the introductions.

As for the bonding, they don't seem to mind if I pick them up, so that's a start

 

[guineapigs2468]

Dially1112, oh ok didn't realise they were sisters, it may just be from slight stress from the move that they are just reastablishing dominance, they should settle down soon and with their new cage I'm sure they will be happier than ever.

 

[Diay1112]

Ok, thanks. They've quieted down now and are just sitting there in their cage. Wow- guinea pigs are noisy!

 

[vania]

Welcome!
I think that a spacious cage will go a long way in improving their behavior. You can improvise a C&C cage until you can get the supplies. You know those signs on people's yards advertising political candidates or business? I'm not encouraging you to steal them at all, but maybe you can find some outdated ones, or maybe you could find a way to get some from someone. This is the corrugated plastic you need. Or maybe an old science fair board could do for the bottom, maybe even a plastic shower curtain! Cubes are not too expensive and you can find them at many stores. What I use for their play pen is chicken wire, or "poultry netting," you could find some of this for cheap and use it in the mean time. The wholes are real small and it's sturdy, so as long as no wires are pocking out, I think this is a safe alternative. C&C cages are not expensive, specially those cubes, and it's one of the best things you can do for your piggies.
And they will bond with you, just spend a lot of time with them

 

[guineapigs2468]

You get used to it eventually, my guinea pigs only have to hear the rustle of a packet and they wheek loudly for food, or my most dominant guinea pig rose who likes to show she's dominant by rumblestrutting. But I think it's cute, I love to here the wheeking when they popcorn.

 

[Diay1112]

Thanks guys! This site has been pretty helpful. A shower curtain sounds possible for their makeshift cage...