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Cage Mates: Advice needed!

  • Thread starter Thread starter danizzaman
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danizzaman

I used to have 2 girlies from the same litter but 1 died about 8 months ago8...
Should I get a cage mate for my guinea because she is becoming bored and lonely? She's about 2 and a half yrs old. If I should get a cage mate should it be a baby or one around the same age?

Thanks in advance,
Dan
 
I had the same problem and when I got her a new friend she perked up no end. I got a younger female pig and the two get on well. She was a bit lonely and subdued on her own.

I'm no expert but you're in the same situation I was and this is what I did.

Hope it's useful
 
Definately get her a mate, one of the rescues may be able to help you. I don't think it really matters about the age but one of the more experienced members will advise.

I would introduce them on neutral ground, say in a run, I recently added a new piggy to my two girls and they all get on fine.
 
If possible take her to a rescue and let her choose her own companion (but be aware that some rescue won't allow it due to illness caried in that way).

She can go with any sow (I successfully bonded two nearly three year old ones) or with a neutered boar as another possibilty; cross gender pairings are usually very stable; I've had them as well.

Wishing you and your lonely girl all the best!

Here is the link to the rescue website this forum is connected to; you can find your nearest rescue on there.
http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk
 
Definitely get her a friend I agree with Vicky best to let her choose. Girls are relatively easy to find friends for and can be of any age.

Where abouts are you?
 
Thanks very much for all of your replies!
Hopefully that should be enough to convince my parents to let me get her a mate!
 
Would I be able to buy a baby from a pet shop or garden centre or would they have to be older then a baby?
 
Also would a neutered bour be aggresive to florence?
Is there any advantage of a boy instead of a girl?
 
danizzaman said:
Would I be able to buy a baby from a pet shop or garden centre or would they have to be older then a baby?
Click to expand...

Please consider a rescue piggy, there are so many looking for homes. Have a look on the rescue thread, and maybe put a post on the wanted threads. A neutered boar would not be aggressive purely because he was neutered, most pairings like this are successful. x
 
I am in Bristol. If you were able to get to me I could help you. I currently am helping a lady rehome 20 of her guinea pigs.
 
I am in Cardiff too. I know of a lady in Barry who takes in rescues to rehome. However she also breeds so not sure she's best for you.

I'd be interested in knowing about any rescue centres that are just that in the south wales area as there seems to be precious little about round here - shame.

I have informed my husband that when we move house next a massive garden is a pre-requesite as I would love to be able to help guineas. He seems happy with the idea but that wont be for a few years yet, which is a shame.

I hope you find somewhere local!
 
There is an RSPCA centre in newport i believe. found it on the rescue link.
 
No neutered boy will ever attack his lady friend - cross gender pairings make for very stable relationships where dominance is NOT an issue, which is the biggest reason for fall-outs between guinea pigs!

When the chips are down, it's the girls who call the shots and decide when they are ready to sit still and mate. All the boy can do is try to convince her that he's the one she wants... It may look a bit wild, especially in the first couple of days, but once they have settled they're usually very devoted to each other! Age difference is no concern, either.

Wishing you the best of luck!
 
OOH that's good to know. I'm not planning on expanding any time soon but if I lose any i'd rather get a rescue baby that any other after being on here for a few weeks.

Thanks for the info! The Cardiff RSPCA closed down.
 
Sorry to hear - could you take the train to Bristol and get a piggie from there?
 
I am on the cardiff to bristol line at filton. If you get off here it is a 3 minute walk. Alternatively driving I am just off M5 at junction 16
 
thanks for the help!
I know that many dispute this but can you house degus and guinea piigs together?
I know they have very similar dietary requirements and have read that they have been kept with guineas before but does anyone know if it is a good idea?
 
I love that you are doing proper research :)

Degus and guinea pigs can not be kept together. They have very different needs in all aspects of their care as well as the risk of injury.
 
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