Getting piggies.. boxing day :D

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Jane

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Well, I made dad buy an ad mag in the shop today and there were two piggy adverts.

GUINEA PIGS Adorable baby Guinea pigs, lovely colours, 4 weeks old, make great pets for kids, indoors or outdoors. Very cute.

GUINEA pigs, x2, both female, c/w hutch, run, food many more accessories £10 lot can deliver.

So dad called the second one, apparently someone had already called and were going to ring back at 6pm, but this was 7:10 and they still hadn't, so we're collecting them boxing day.

I've been looking forward to this day for EVER :P Cutting it a bit fine I guess, getting piggy stuff tomorrow, then pigs on boxing day.. but, we'll manage :) I know I should have really waited, but.. you know. lol. Oh, and we told them we're not really interested in the hutch too, 'cause that's just another thing we'd have to fit into out TINY car.

Dad says they're probably last years christmas presents they need to get rid of for this year.. he's probably right :-\

(also, is it just me, or does the first ad sound like a breeder?)

Well, heh.. I still have questions. In the car, would they be okay on my lap (front passanger seat) or would they be better off in the back? I'm not sure.

Should I feed them veggies as soon as they get here, or wait a while, ie leave them for a day, then give them veggies? Or give them as soon as they get here.. also, do they need any veg or source of water/food in the carry box?

Oh and one last one, when they get here, should I leave them alone for a couple of days, or handle asap? I'm thinking it depends on the pigs, if they are just hiding and not coming out much, then I should leave them, but if they're out and running around, try to stroke them? ideas?

Any last minute tips anyone has for getting the piggies or building a C&C cage?
 
What are you transporting your piggies in? I used a cardboard box for taking Millie up to Niki and made the mistake of just putting hay in it and she was sliding all over the place, so make sure you line the box with some newspaper and maybe vetbed/towel then hay. If they're in a box I'd put them somewhere in the car, like behind the front seat on the floor where if your dad brakes sharply they won't fly all over the car. If they're in a proper carrier like I transport my buns in I use the seatbelt to secure it.

Veg - I'd find out what they're used to. If they are used to having veg then you can give it straight away, otherwise start with tiny amounts to let their tummies get used to it slowly.

Food - in the car give them hay, they can nibble on that if they're hungry and if they're used to cucumber you could give a chunk of that as a water source.

Handling - I'd personally let them settle in on the day then start handling the next day. Other people on here say get them used to your hand going in and offer them food etc but with Fudge he would have never come out of his hidey hole if I hadn't physically dragged him out, now he's a really inquisitive pig who hardly ever hides away.

Good luck with them :)
 
I put mine in a small pet carrier to transport and strap them in the back of the car. I put the seat belt through the handle.
 
I am transporting them in a cat carrier. I will line the bottom with newspaper, a towel and some hay then. I'm not sure if you can use a seatbelt with the carrier.. I don't think they will fit anyway, especially if we get the run (and hutch, don't really want it though).. erm, could they go infront of my feet.. like, on the floor, at the front of the car (with no heating or anything on down there) or would it just be better for them to be on the floor behind the front seat.. depending on what they give us, I might be able to fit in the back with them on the floor, I just don't really like the idea of having the piggies under my chair at the back where I can't see them..

I'll ask the people about the veg situation, if I forget (which I probably will knowing me :/) then I'll just feed a little at a time and see what they like.

Would it be okay if they don't have the cucumber, even if they are used to it? It shouldn't be any more than a 30min car drive, but I don't wanna stress them out even more either.

I will let them settle down for a couple of days then try handling I guess.

Thanks for everything, including the good lucks.. I hope they're okay. We wont be suprised if they have a few problems though :/ Maybe they will just need a nail clip and a bath, or even having mites wouldn't be that bad, just don't like the idea of getting them then already have a £200 vet bill. (of course, we would pay it and get them all neccessary treatment, etc, but it's just not a great way to start, you know)

Also, I'm happy the supermarket is open boxing day.. will need veggies for them ;)

edited to add: Thanks darkest.dreaming.. I'll have a look at it, or does have some weird thing on the top, but I'm not sure whether it's for a seatbelt or something else.
 
Fantastic news!

You must be so excited!

I do hope they settle in really well. My Rocket was yelling for food all the time the first day or two - and times haven't changed ::) It was so sweet because Rocky wasn't used to all the veggies I give them, so he yelled then got confused at the choice!

Looking forward to pigtures!
 
Lucinda said:
Fantastic news!

You must be so excited!

I do hope they settle in really well. My Rocket was yelling for food all the time the first day or two - and times haven't changed ::) It was so sweet because Rocky wasn't used to all the veggies I give them, so he yelled then got confused at the choice!

Looking forward to pigtures!
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hehe, I am! AHH. xD I posted on guinea lynx and I'm already being critisised saying I should adopt instead of getting them from there. :-\ :(

edit: I think I wasn't as such being critisised, I think they were just making a point. I hope.
 
Jane said:
Lucinda said:
Fantastic news!

You must be so excited!

I do hope they settle in really well. My Rocket was yelling for food all the time the first day or two - and times haven't changed ::) It was so sweet because Rocky wasn't used to all the veggies I give them, so he yelled then got confused at the choice!

Looking forward to pigtures!
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hehe, I am! AHH. xD I posted on guinea lynx and I'm already being critisised saying I should adopt instead of getting them from there. :-\ :(

edit: I think I wasn't as such being critisised, I think they were just making a point. I hope.
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It's difficult when it's your parents doing the driving etc and these piggies sound like they need a good home too. People will always have their opinions, and they're entitled to them, just make sure you enjoy your pigs wherever they come from.

My cat carrier sits on the back seat facing forwards then the seat belt reaches around it to secure it.

ps if you can fit the hutch in I would do, it might be ok in which case you could put them out in the day over summer or if it's dire it stops them buying some more pigs for it if they don't have it any more
 
I guess.. I think I will get dad to ask about the hutch.. could the hutch go on the roof rack? XD

Hmm.. I'm still wondering about this thing on top of the cat carrier. what would a seat belt holder thing look like? :P
 
Jane said:
I guess.. I think I will get dad to ask about the hutch.. could the hutch go on the roof rack? XD
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Don't see why not but I guess if you can only fit a run in if they're giving that with the pigs that's more important. Please don't feel guilty about paying £10 for them, they're not breeders, just sounds like they want to rehome the pigs and you could look that the pigs are free and the money's paying for the accessories. Often people will put a small amount of money on ads to try to stop time wasters.

Do you know what kind of pigs they are, colour etc? I bet you're excited! Are you going to give them christmassy names :)
 
Yes, I was thinking we're more paying for the food, accessories, hutch, run etc. than the pigs. I have no idea what the pigs will look like or even how old they are, all I know is that they're supposed to be two sows.. I just hope they're right. I don't know about names yet, I guess we'll have to wait and see ;) I suppose it depends how big the hutch is, if it's small, we'll be fine.. but if it's massive (not too sure if it will be though, I'm guessing not, but you never know!) then we'll struggle more. If it's in good condition though, we'll find some way to get it here ;)
 
That's fab Jane :)

In my eyes you are giving a home to some piggies that are unwanted and that is a very good thing :)

Clare xx
 
Jane said:
all I know is that they're supposed to be two sows.. I just hope they're right.
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I'm not experienced with pigs but I actually found it easy to sex mine, I got a diagram/photo up on line, tipped him up and checked. So when you have them home, have a go.
 
kayjay said:
Jane said:
all I know is that they're supposed to be two sows.. I just hope they're right.
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I'm not experienced with pigs but I actually found it easy to sex mine, I got a diagram/photo up on line, tipped him up and checked. So when you have them home, have a go.
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I'll see if I can have a quick look before putting them in the cage I guess.

Well, their cage is built! I'm gunna go look for pictures of cages to get more ideas, but I like it :P We were gunna put a lid on it, but don't have enough cubes :P also, it's on a stand (patch can't get up there, plus I wont let him).

I'll try get some photos of their cage, mum got a new phone with data cable, soo.. :P
 
I've never had a problem sexing mine. I can always tell what they are with a quick look. Once you are a bit more experienced it shold come easily to you Jane. Bet you're getting excited now! I cant wait to see pics of your little ones.
 
Thanks!

What do you recommend trying with them first veggie wise? I was thinking maybe lettuce.. or cucumber.. or pepper? I don't know :P

Anyway, there aren't many different lettuces in the shop at the moment is there? :-\ I only found iceburg and little gem the other day.. they have salad bags, but most of them contain iceburg.. I found an 'Italian Salad' bag, it has:

Lolla Verde
A light green frilly leafed lettuce, with a delicate texture and mild flavour.

Red Batavia
A Mild tasting leaf with a curly edge, varying in colour from deep red to green.

Apollo
A mild flavoured frilly crispy leaf

Lambs Lettuce
Tender teardrop leaves with a delicate sweet flavour.

Would that be okay or not? :)
 
kellyandpiggies said:
Great news, Jane :)

Have tried my lot on that Italian mixed stuff - they like!
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So it's okay? I guess I'll get some then.. actually, we already have some.. but it goes out of date 27th december I think.

I'm soooooooooo excited. I've been waiting for this for ages.. I need to find dads digi cam to take photos of the cage hehe. :P
 
Mine love it too, mind you they seem to like anything exotic sounding and expensive lol ;D
 
Well when I have it in mine have a handful every day.
 
bev said:
Well when I have it in mine have a handful every day.
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Okay, thanks! :) Soo excited. hehe.

What veg do you think I should have in then for tomorrow?

edit: I have a pic.. okay, it's really crappy, and was taken with my webcam, I need to wait until tomorrow to take proper photos of it.. but..

pigcage.png


You can only see 3x2 in the picture, but it is actually 4x2. The 1x2 which you can see has hay rack, litter box and dishes :)
 
That looks great for a first attempt, if you're anything like me you'll be extending upwards soon! My pigs favourites are cucumber, spring greens, carrot (2-3 times a week) and melon (the big yellow one).
 
Looking good! Looks like they are going to have a lovely new home with you!

My piggies love spring greens, kale, carrots, tomato and cucumber. They also love apple and dandelions - though these are more for treats.
 
Anyone got any suggestions, things I should change or bad things about the cage? Thanks for the compliments though!

I'll add those to my shopping list and see what we can find, it will be boxing day after all :-/
 
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