buying a guinea pig
- Thread starter Ciara629
- Start date
You can but as pro rescue form, buying piggies isn’t recommended and instead rescuing is best.
Any successful bond comes down to character compatibility so buying a new piggy (rather than rescuing) does risk that they won’t be compatible and won’t bond. While babies are usually accepted by an existing piggy, it’s not a given that it will happen. Plus there is a risk when the baby hits his hormonal teens at 4 months of age that compatibility may not be there and the bond may fail. It doesn’t always, but it is a risk you need to be aware of when buying a piggy to be a companion because you don’t know anything about the new piggy’s character.
If a bond fails, you will need two separate cages and the piggies will need to live separated but side by side with interaction only through the bars.
You will need to ensure you follow the correct process or bondIng piggies as detailed in this guide.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
You will also need to make sure that the piggy you buy is definitely male before you put them togther.
The safest way to find a new friend for a lone piggy is to use the help of a rescue centre. They will help you ensure your piggy has chosen his own new friend, that they are compatible and will have a good successful bond for the long term. They will also ensure the new piggy is healthy and not likely to be bringing in any illnesses.
Do make sure your cage is big enough before putting two boars together. Boars are more territorial and need a lot more space.
A cage of 180x60cm is needed for a boar pair.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Any successful bond comes down to character compatibility so buying a new piggy (rather than rescuing) does risk that they won’t be compatible and won’t bond. While babies are usually accepted by an existing piggy, it’s not a given that it will happen. Plus there is a risk when the baby hits his hormonal teens at 4 months of age that compatibility may not be there and the bond may fail. It doesn’t always, but it is a risk you need to be aware of when buying a piggy to be a companion because you don’t know anything about the new piggy’s character.
If a bond fails, you will need two separate cages and the piggies will need to live separated but side by side with interaction only through the bars.
You will need to ensure you follow the correct process or bondIng piggies as detailed in this guide.
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
You will also need to make sure that the piggy you buy is definitely male before you put them togther.
The safest way to find a new friend for a lone piggy is to use the help of a rescue centre. They will help you ensure your piggy has chosen his own new friend, that they are compatible and will have a good successful bond for the long term. They will also ensure the new piggy is healthy and not likely to be bringing in any illnesses.
Do make sure your cage is big enough before putting two boars together. Boars are more territorial and need a lot more space.
A cage of 180x60cm is needed for a boar pair.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
I introduced a 5 week old baby to my 7 month boy. They got on straight away and still like each other. Just make sure all your hides have two exits. I use boxes with doors cut into them. And I always leave some old dirty hay in with them when I clean them out so it still smells like both of them. Always feed and handle the dominant one first. Good luck.