Full of guilt

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jane004

Someone please tell me i've done the right thing. I bought my 2 boars nearly 3 week ago from Pets at Home, my 2 daughters and myself fell in love with them straight away. Right from the start, the bigger of the two behaved diifferently in an intimidating sort of way...ie swaying back end, low loud purring, face to face stuff ect, the smaller one was submissive and tended to scurry away without much of a scene. I thought this behaviour would calm down once they got to know each other, but how wrong i was! I got in yesterday just in time to see them both in a proper fight, i stopped it as soon as i could. The bigger of the two had a nip to his ear and all of a sudden the smaller one was showing the same intimidating behaviour as the other one had been. Most of yesterday the bigger one slept in corner, whilst other was inside sleeping area. He looked withdrawn and miserable and later started with the teeth chattering which he hadnt done before. Whilst in PaH this morn, i explained how things were and they said i'd have to seperate them, which would prob be for life. I explained i couldnt possibly give two pigs their own adequate space, ie 2 cages, and they said i could change them. Thats what i did, i took them back...how i drove through my tears i'll never know. I just kept telling myself it was for the best for them. I got to the shop and couldnt even speak, just handed them over and managed to say they didnt get on. Felt a right fool, but what can you do? No more piggies in store until tomorrow, but have i been too hasty? I feel awfull, got to tell my daughters yet.
 
For future reference, you could have tried rebonding them, let them live together with a mesh divider inbetween, or got them both neutered and girlfriends. This happens to a few people sadly, and one of the listed suggestions usually works...

Okay now, the best thing to do in your situation is to get your money back, and go to a rescue and get a neutered boar and a sow...who will live happily together for years they will already be bonded, and you will have the pride of rehoming a guinea that really needs a new start. The guineas wont be ill, sexed wrong, or pregnant, like they can be from a petshop (esp p@h)

If you get another 2 boars, this could just happen again when they hit their teens...I dont think you should buy 2 animals, if you are not prepared to house them if they fall out, its just not fair.

But if you do get 2 more boars, giving them a big cage with lots of space (how big is your cage?) 2 pigloos, 2 foodbowls etc etc are all things you can do to try and stop them fighting in the future O0

2 Sows would be a much better option if you still want to buy from p@h, but like I say, the neutered boar/sow idea is the best for you and your daughters O0
 
hi there

Sorry to hear that i got mine to from Pets@home. Did they have there own bed? I have read from a few others on here that they have had to put a divider up in between their boars.

I saw that one of my boys wasnt letting the other one in the bedding area after a couple of days. They seem to be getting on ok now.

It can be a bit of an unsettling time for both of them. They maybe still getting used to you all too.

I got a indoor pen for them and they seem to enjoy it more as they get more space.

Maybe it is just their personalities clashing.

I am sure you will do what is right for you.

Maybe it would be nice to find out if there is a sheter near you and look at Guinea pigs that have been housed together and be settled with each other.

Terry-Ann x
 
PerfectPiggies said:
For future reference, you could have tried rebonding them, let them live together with a mesh divider inbetween, or got them both neutered and girlfriends. This happens to a few people sadly, and one of the listed suggestions usually works...

Okay now, the best thing to do in your situation is to get your money back, and go to a rescue and get a neutered boar and a sow...who will live happily together for years they will already be bonded, and you will have the pride of rehoming a guinea that really needs a new start. The guineas wont be ill, sexed wrong, or pregnant, like they can be from a petshop (esp p@h)

If you get another 2 boars, this could just happen again when they hit their teens...I dont think you should buy 2 animals, if you are not prepared to house them if they fall out, its just not fair.

But if you do get 2 more boars, giving them a big cage with lots of space (how big is your cage?) 2 pigloos, 2 foodbowls etc etc are all things you can do to try and stop them fighting in the future O0

2 Sows would be a much better option if you still want to buy from p@h, but like I say, the neutered boar/sow idea is the best for you and your daughters O0
Click to expand...
Yeah what i would of said too but better wording ;D
Rehoming is the best option really ! Poor piggys
 
I agree with PP, however I have 2 sets of boar pairs and they get on fantastic but I agree that a neutered male and a lady from a rescue will be your best option.
 
Try not to be too hard on yourself, we all have to learn and none of us were born knowing exactly how to treat guinea pigs properly! Thats what these forums are for!

Rehoming is the best way to go for newbies to piggies and you get good advice too, what area are you in? there are some rescues listed in animal rehoming.
 
I think the rehoming is the best thing to do, there are 100s of pigs in need of a home.
 
Bear in mind that P@H often sell cages not fit for single guinea pigs let alone two boars. Boys need more space than girls to get along. There's a good possibility it was lack of space that caused the fight.

Please don't give this store your money ever again. Opt to adopt!
 
Sorry for your upset.

If you are considering getting two more piggies please please consider the rescue route.

Here are the reasons why.......................................... (This is a poster that I display at my vets!) :) :) :)


WHY CHOOSE A RESCUED GUINEA PIG?


There are lots of reasons why rehoming rescued guinea pigs is preferable to buying them.


Rescued guinea pigs from reputable organisations will have been assessed to match them to the most suitable homes. Their previous history may be known but even if no information is available the staff will have spent time getting to know their personalities and preferences.

Help, support and advice is always available. Most rescue centres offer advice if you are experiencing difficulties which is reassuring if you have any concerns, particularly if you are a first time guinea pig owner. Preparation and care sheets are also available prior to adoption.

Why buy one when you can make a donation and adopt an abandoned, homeless, neglected or unwanted guinea pig? There is a huge choice available – young, old, different coat colours and lengths and of course different personalities. You will also be helping other piggies in need, not just by contributing financially but by making a space available for the next needy one.

Some rescued guinea pigs may be a bit more challenging because of lack of handling or their previous bad experiences but these are all the more rewarding. Taking the time to develop a trusting relationship with your rescued pet can be a hugely satisfying personal achievement.

If you have an existing piggie looking for a friend, most reputable rescues will take you steadily through the introduction process. Pairing up guinea pigs is not always a straightforward process, rescue workers understand this and will take the newcomer back if subsequently things don't work out.

They will have received mite prevention treatment, been wormed and bathed and had an all over health check. You will also be made aware of any health issues and future veterinary needs. In addition the rescue will ensure you are not taking home a pregnant sow or an incorrectly sexed guinea pig.


Your nearest guinea pig rescue is


Name/Area: ...........................................................................

Contact/Tel: ..........................................................................
 
I've been lucky with my boars they do get on. Although they still rumble at one another nothing major has happened. Definitly go down the rescue road. I've three boars from pet shops and two sows from a rescue and I can tell the difference. The boys are a lot calmer now but its taken a while to get them there. The girls where very calm from day one, it makes it a little easier if they aren't as skittish or frightned.

Look on the rescue page here, some people who have rescues have some pigs up. You could go for a sow and a neutered boar or a bonded pair of sows or boars. It can work with boars, it has for me but they do need a lot of space mine are in a 5ft by 2ft hutch any smaller and I think there would be high ding dong.

Good luck with it, let us know what area you are in and I'll see if there are any rescues near you!

Louise
x
 
Many thanks for all your replies and advice, iit is much appreciated. I live between Wakefield and Huddersfield, and phoned around before i got my 2 boys, hoping to re-home but with no luck. Bet they're not getting their usual morning cucumber slice :-\
 
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