Couple newbie questions

[Chev]

Hey all,

I've been thinking of getting some guinea pigs for awhile now, i never knew that guinea's MUST be kept in a group of 2, I always just wanted one but i suppose another little ball of fluff cant hurt , However i've never really thought about the important side of things, Just hopping nosey little balls of fluff.. Ehmh.. Well anyway i got a couple of questions so answers would be nice

1. I've read the topics in the reference part of the forum, Both saying that either sex can have problems getting along, Being stroppy and fighting etc.
So i was wondering, Is one sex typically easier and friendlier to keep in a pair?

2. Been thinking about cage sizes, Would a rabbit 120 from P@H or something of similar size do? Heres at link to the page with the cage on - http://www.petsathome.com/find/cate...g/category-is-6C+Cages/category-is-6C02+Cages

3. Would they be okay housed next to a tv?

4. This'll probably sound daft, But are they nocturnal? I've read they sleep less than humans but thats all i knew?

Sorry for all the questions and if this is the wrong section, I appologise once more and please move to a suitable section.

Cheers for any answers, Chev.

 

[Linden]

Welcome to the forum, Chev, and it's good to know that you're asking questions and getting well informed before you take on the responsibility for a couple of little piggies (yes, I definitely think you should get two!).

Re girls or boys. Generally speaking I think girls tend to get along together slightly better than boys. Having said that you will find some girls who just won't bond. However, boys do tend to be more confident and have a little more character (in my opinion ). If the boys have been together from very young, possibly from the same litter, then they should get along together okay. They can be a little smellier than girls though, and since you seem to be planning to keep them inside that might be something to consider.

Re your hutch choice, the size should be fine for 2 piggies. However, they will appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs a little. Do you have room for an outside run to give them some play time when the weather is nice? There are some very good threads on housing on this forum.

I wouldn't suggest positioning your hutch next to the TV. But that might just be me being over protective. While they'll get used to the normal noises and comings and goings of your house, they are quite sensitive little things.

Finally, regarding sleeping habits, they tend to have periods of activity throughout the day and night, taking little naps when they feel like it. They will certainly be wide awake and active when you're around during the day and evening, especially if they think there might be food on offer!

There's a lot of good info on this forum and the internet (as I suspect you've already discovered) but I hope this helps.

 

[MommaPiggy]

I've heard that girls apparently get along better but I think you just get some pigs in general that are moody and won't bond.
Boys tend to let off their man stink every once in a while, but it's not that bad.

As far as cages go...Bigger is better. They like space and it's nice for them to be able to get away from each other if they do have squabbles (It can be like having kids, I swear! The amount of times you hear me yell "Stop fighting!" in the middle of the night |) )
That cage actually looks pretty decent. But if I might add a suggestion.
If possible, try and go for a C&C cage. They're cheaper.

http://www.guineapigcages.com/cubes.htm

Check it out, see if you like the idea. Not the end of the world, if you don't but I love it because it gives you the option to expand if you feel the cage is shrinking (It looks like that when they grow...Honestly.)
You can normally buy the cubes from Ebay for £25 and you can normally, if you're lucky find the corroplast (Correx for us Brits) from ebay for the same price and sometimes cheaper!
Just an idea. As I said, it's often a much cheaper option and gives you room to expand, remodel and add multiple floors, IF you ever feel you'd like to.

I wouldn't put them next to the Tv. For one simple reason...Sometimes Tvs will have moments where the volume shoots up.
I wouldn't advise it but someone else might know more about it than me. However, Tv noises and other normal noises are good for them, helps them get out of being nervous little wrecks.

As for the sleeping patterns...They tend to do what they fancy.
As already said. They have active moments through the night and day and then take little naps when they feel like it.
So you don't have to worry about cuddle times because they'll be awake during the day and the night, so you won't have to stay awake all night to wait for a cuddle

Hope this helped. xx>>>

 

[Gareth Nelson]

I don't know if mine follow a pattern but my girls are a lot more 'active' and friendly than the boys. The boys seem a bit more content and calm.

And... I had mine in the house for a while (when I only had 1 or 2) and I don't think I ever saw them sleep. I'm sure they did but while I was about they were running about wheeking.

Hope that helps.

 

[Chev]

Thanks for all ther replies, I'll try avoid the tv as much as possible, They'll be in my room unless i can pursuade my mum to let me have them in the living room, Hopefally she'll see the faces and demand them in living room, We live i a block of flats so i cant really have them outside, However i'll give them 2 - 3 hours free roaming around my room, I've got all electricals at one side of the room so that could be easily blocked off.
I'll probably give the C&C cage a miss, Since a cage just seems simpler and that cage i've seen will be about biggest i could fit, That'll probably be easier.

Since they doesnt seem to be that much difference between the sexes, and i'll be getting them together from a breeder, Hopefally, I'll just get which evers cutest & friendliest

Once again, Cheers for the advice

 

[skrikopanik]

If you go to a rescue instead of a breeder you can get animals that are a little older and often already tame and friendly. Usually the rescue lets you come back if the pair doesn't work out. Also, because it'll be your first time it might be good to not have to sign up for the 7 years that a baby pig might live. (thinking you might be off to uni or such in a few years time). I went to a rescue for these two reasons and have been really happy about my decision. The lady at the rescue has also been super-helpful, answering questions by mail and phone.

 

[Chev]

Hmm good thinkin, I'll check out my local RSPCA, Only rescue near me i think.

It'll be awhile before i get any anyway, gonna save up a nice amount of cash first, And i'm currently skint

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Ive got two males that I had from a rescue centre and they seem pretty content and happy. Ive not noticed any smells but then again Ive not owned piggy's before and none of my friends/family have had female pigs. They wasn't brothers but bonded very well and don't have any fights and are happy sharing food etc but of course they have 2 of everything! My Gizmo is very cheeky and has a lovely character and Joey is rather shy but again very sweet. My two were about 1 when I had them and they have settled well into there new life with me. They live in my living room and are use to the daily running of the house and I wanted them to part of the family,i know it sounds silly but they are my babies I don't know what i would do without them.
There is this website that does good quality cages and are good prices. http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/cages/guinea_pig_cages

Ive noticed that some members on here have got this cage from the site which is similar to the 120 but maybe cheaper?
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/cages/guinea_pig_cages

Good luck in finding your furry friends and be sure to check out the rescue centres,which area do you live in?