A Few Questions.

[amyyxj]

Hello! Once I save up enough money (I'm only 14) I'm going to get Guinea pigs! So I thought it was wise to join a forum.
I'm looking at a 2x5 c&c with a loft. I'm hoping to get a boar and a sow however I can't find neutered boars or a boar and sow pair in my area. I doubt any rescue would give me a boar and sow that haven't been neutered (I would obviously seperate them until the boar was nuetered, this way they would also of got used to each others scent before bonding) I've done lots of research about caring for piggies, it's just this I'm a little stuck on.
I could maybe get a bigger cage and adopt two sows and later adopt a boar? I really think this pairing is what's best! Since I'm a beginner I obviously don't want a herd yet but I definitely want a boar with a female(s). Any advice ?

 

[sridevirb]

Firstly, I appreciate the determination you've got at this age to raise piggies. I have been a piggie mom for about few months now and it has been a wonderful experience and also i must tell you, it is an exhausting job. Please make sure you have sufficient funds for the feed, vet bills and see if you can REALLY devote time for cleaning, grooming and playing with them coz being a 14 year old you will already have enough of your study work and assignments to finish. We cannot compromise on them since they are like small babies who depend on us for everything. Better to be mentally prepared and checking feasibility before bringing them home. Not trying to demotivate or something, just being brutally honest coz there is no point in sugar coating. Anyways, a pair of girl piggies would be good to start with. See how you progress with them and then think about expanding the family. All the very best

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum.
It is lovely that you want to get guinea pigs and it certainly sounds like you have done a lot of research.
A 2 x 5 C&C is a great choice for an indoor cage and will offer plenty of space whatever piggie combination you end up with.

In your situation I would speak to a local rescue before having such a fixed idea of the piggies you want.
If you are able to go along and meet some pigs you might find the perfect pair for you, with the added advantage that they will be health checked and already bonded.
A bonded single sex pair can be very stable and may be easier to find.
Good luck and don't forget to update us.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello! Once I save up enough money (I'm only 14) I'm going to get Guinea pigs! So I thought it was wise to join a forum.
I'm looking at a 2x5 c&c with a loft. I'm hoping to get a boar and a sow however I can't find neutered boars or a boar and sow pair in my area. I doubt any rescue would give me a boar and sow that haven't been neutered (I would obviously seperate them until the boar was nuetered, this way they would also of got used to each others scent before bonding) I've done lots of research about caring for piggies, it's just this I'm a little stuck on.
I could maybe get a bigger cage and adopt two sows and later adopt a boar? I really think this pairing is what's best! Since I'm a beginner I obviously don't want a herd yet but I definitely want a boar with a female(s). Any advice ?

Hi and welcome!

Great that you want to go rescue and that you are doing your research beforehand!

Since we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can tailor any recommendations to what is really available and doable in your area. Access to vets and rescues, as well as climate, brands etc. varies greatly. Please click on your username on the top, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This will make it appear below your username in any post you make. Thank you!

Not every rescue has got a boar neutering policy and very few rescues (none in the UK) have spayed sows. I am currently aware of only three rescues worldwide that spay incoming single sows. But no rescue worth their salt is going to rehome a full sow and boar into the same home!

The best way would be to start with a pair of sows. Concentrate on the two being best of friends and not too dominant, as that is vital if they are going to work in a trio with a neutered boar at a later point; otherwise you can end up with an outsider or acceptance problem - especially if you cannot take your girls to a rescue for boar dating. Age and looks come a very poor second to their friendship and how likely they are to bond with a neutered boar.

Please also be aware that once you have got guinea pigs, you need to save up for vet fund each week. They will make the biggest part of any money you spend on your pets. Emergencies and illnesses never happen at a good time, but they can easily run into the hundreds of pounds/dollars. Not providing for that is the biggest mistake that any new owner can make, and it can make for a very wretched situation later on.

 

[amyyxj]

Firstly, I appreciate the determination you've got at this age to raise piggies. I have been a piggie mom for about few months now and it has been a wonderful experience and also i must tell you, it is an exhausting job. Please make sure you have sufficient funds for the feed, vet bills and see if you can REALLY devote time for cleaning, grooming and playing with them coz being a 14 year old you will already have enough of your study work and assignments to finish. We cannot compromise on them since they are like small babies who depend on us for everything. Better to be mentally prepared and checking feasibility before bringing them home. Not trying to demotivate or something, just being brutally honest coz there is no point in sugar coating. Anyways, a pair of girl piggies would be good to start with. See how you progress with them and then think about expanding the family. All the very best

Thank you for the help! I'm actually homeschooled so I have plenty of time! My brother who is 12 wants to help out and be apart of taking care of them too! My parents won't pay for any of the supplies (apart from veggies) but have said they will pay for the vets and get insurance for them. Thanks

 

[amyyxj]

Hi and welcome!

Great that you want to go rescue and that you are doing your research beforehand!

Since we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can tailor any recommendations to what is really available and doable in your area. Access to vets and rescues, as well as climate, brands etc. varies greatly. Please click on your username on the top, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This will make it appear below your username in any post you make. Thank you!

Not every rescue has got a boar neutering policy and very few rescues (none in the UK) have spayed sows. I am currently aware of only three rescues worldwide that spay incoming single sows. But no rescue worth their salt is going to rehome a full sow and boar into the same home!

The best way would be to start with a pair of sows. Concentrate on the two being best of friends and not too dominant, as that is vital if they are going to work in a trio with a neutered boar at a later point; otherwise you can end up with an outsider or acceptance problem - especially if you cannot take your girls to a rescue for boar dating. Age and looks come a very poor second to their friendship and how likely they are to bond with a neutered boar.

Please also be aware that once you have got guinea pigs, you need to save up for vet fund each week. They will make the biggest part of any money you spend on your pets. Emergencies and illnesses never happen at a good time, but they can easily run into the hundreds of pounds/dollars. Not providing for that is the biggest mistake that any new owner can make, and it can make for a very wretched situation later on.

Thank you for the info! As I said, my parents will pay for any vet fees and are going to get pet insurance. I've told them all about how expensive it can get and as long as me and my brother pay for the supplies, they don't have a problem. ++ I've now added my location, Thank you!

 

[amyyxj]

Welcome to the Forum.
It is lovely that you want to get guinea pigs and it certainly sounds like you have done a lot of research.
A 2 x 5 C&C is a great choice for an indoor cage and will offer plenty of space whatever piggie combination you end up with.

In your situation I would speak to a local rescue before having such a fixed idea of the piggies you want.
If you are able to go along and meet some pigs you might find the perfect pair for you, with the added advantage that they will be health checked and already bonded.
A bonded single sex pair can be very stable and may be easier to find.
Good luck and don't forget to update us.

Thank you! It might be a while before I get them but it's best to be prepared! I'll start looking at rescues around my area. Thank you all for the nice welcome

 

[TheCavySlave]

...I'm a 14 year old homeschooled girl too. And I also adore guinea pigs. I think I just met myself Although I'm somewhat ashamed that my parents pay for everythingbut then again I don't get pocket money.
ANYWAY.
I'm looking forward to pigtures! I think caring for guinea pigs is incredibly rewarding- the way they place trust in you and show love in little ways like licking you. Also teaching them to wheek at a certain signal is amazing.

 

[amyyxj]

...I'm a 14 year old homeschooled girl too. And I also adore guinea pigs. I think I just met myself Although I'm somewhat ashamed that my parents pay for everythingbut then again I don't get pocket money.
ANYWAY.
I'm looking forward to pigtures! I think caring for guinea pigs is incredibly rewarding- the way they place trust in you and show love in little ways like licking you. Also teaching them to wheek at a certain signal is amazing.

Oh hello! My parents are technically paying for it anyway through pocket money aha. I've been looking at Guinea pigs for months, I'll be so excited when I finally get some!

 

[MooseandBear]

Wow! Congratulations! Trust me, guinea pigs are wonderful pets, but you should definitely remember to take it slow! When you get the guinea pigs, they're going to be scared, so make sure you wait a few days before touching them! But I'm sure you will have a great time with them! BEST OF LUCK!

 

[CarnivalPiggy]

Welcome ! ExoticDirect is the only insurance company I've heard of in the UK, but have heard lots of good things about it