i have a guinea pig that has lived by himself for about a year. from the pet store, he was to live in a school (had attention of kids all day), i took care of him for the summer (all day attention) then i ended up keeping him because i love him too much to ever give him back. i am now starting school and will be in many after school things. should i buy him another male? (the male would be about a year younger than him)? opinions please =)
Answers:
Defiantley 2. Guinea pigs are herd animals by nature thus why they should be housed in pairs, therefore I agree, a cage mate is a fantastic idea. It does not matter that you will have 2 males, if you introduce them properly then everything should be fine. Especially considering there is an age gap - this means the hierarchy will be worked out quicker, most likely with the younger one submitting to your older one. It does not matter that the 2 males would not have grown up with each other, as long as you introduce them properly everything will be fine, trust me. Do not get a female, they will breed which will add to this already over populated world.
Firstly you will need to quarintine your new guinea pig for about 3 weeks. This prevents any infections, parasites etc getting to your other guinea pig. Here is the instructions, you have to scroll past the nueter article:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm...
Then you need to introduce the two to each other. The best place to do this is the couch (although any other nuetral place will work). Have 1 person hold 1 pigger, the other person holding the other pigger. Let both guinea pigs go, let them find each other in their own time. The first 15 minutes everything will be quite calm, the next 15-30 minutes will be full of butt sniffing, teeth chattering etc. Do not seperate them unless blood is drawn:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm...
Good Luck!
yes . all animals like the company of there own kind
get 2!! they'll keep each other occupied when you are in school!
good luck!
do you have any names yet?
YES! Definitely buy another male! Guinea pigs are herd animals, so they need a friend! Good luck with your new piggy, and here is a great site for introducing guinea pigs:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm...
Hope this helps!
Good luck!
no no no no not another male!
males fight with each other!
i had 2 guinea pigs but they were both females
I have 3, and I love it. I wouldn't reccommend getting another right now. If you have had it alone, it's FINE! They like being alone if they are used to it. Only keep guinea pigs together if they have been together their whole lives. Meaning, living in the same cage at the pet store together. That's what I've always been told. Hope I could help!
:-D
two. as long it's not a boy and a girl
sure why not two is always better then one
Being that they didn't "grow up" together, I am not sure that this is a good idea. I understand the "more is merrier" idea but for that to work with animals, I think it is best if they are brought into your home around the same time and come up together. Especially being that they're males. If they were females, I'd say give it try. But with males, there may be much violence. You don't want to see any tragedy when you come home from school. I'd advise you to talk to a vet or someone at a good "down home" pet store (not one of those cookie cutter chains like Pet Smart, they just hire folks from McDonalds lol).
I don't want your little buddy to be lonely but I don't want any drama either. Perhaps he could travel with you sometimes in a travel cage. Be sure to give him his playtime either in the mornings before you leave or when you come back home. Do you have another relative who is home more who can interact with him?
Don`t buy a nother male for 1 reason. If they did not grow up together than they will (90% chance) possibly fight.
No you should get a female. males will fight each other and you certainly don't want your pigs injured. they will keep each other company and play with each other so they won't be bored. Theyll be happy while you do after school things
two!! They are herd animals!
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