In Need Of General Help

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Roku

Roku

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Sorry if I'm doing this all wrong. I'm planning on making arrangements to adopt a baby guinea pig from a friend of mine after it is weaned. I'm having trouble deciding if I should get another guinea pig to accompany her, as she was born alone and I do go to classes most of my day. I also live in a divorced family with two homes. I'm planning on buying a cage for each house since the cage I'm buying is expensive and would be immensely difficult to transport. I'm still pretty new to guinea pig care, so any advice will help!
 
Hi Roku,

I myself am a new guinea pig human but I think anybody on here will agree when I say, "Yes 100% get her a companion!" Guinea pigs are very social and bond deeply with one another in a way we as humans can not. They need that interaction, especially if you will be away a lot. Plus, watching them interact, cuddle, play, and talk to one another is hysterical and very therapeutic. I too travel back and forth currently for school and having two cages, if in your budget, most likely can't hurt..? (Everyone, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.) If I were to have two separate cages, I would bring along familiar pigloos, toys, and items that will remind them of home as to make their transition each time as seamless and stress free as possible. I have the Midwest Guinea Pig Habitat which is sold on Amazon and plenty of other sites. It's extremely easy to set-up/take-down, clean, and connect to an array of other playpens etc. As for travel, I've read that hard-sided cat carriers with a top-loading feature is best.

Please heavily consider adopting two. If you're already committed to the idea of one, what's one more tiny guinea pig mouth to feed? Plus, then you'll have 2 cuddle buddies when you spend time relaxing at home. They'll appreciate the company and you will too. Good luck!
 
:agr: with above posters .

Can you give us an idea of what Country you live in ? We have members all over the world so it is very useful to know whether you live in the UK / US or elsewhere.

We may know of a rescue that could help you find a compatible companion for your new guinea pig.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. I have a single piggy at the moment following the death of her cagemate (and some difficulty in finding a rescue nearby with piggies ready to leave in). We are out the home working for most of the day Monday to Friday and she is clearly lonely. It is not causing her health problems but she gets so excited to see and chat to us that it's obvious she has been sad all day so I would very much recommend getting a friend as I find all this heartbreaking. Although she was born alone she is with her mum so is used to having company.
 
I saw a piggie on gumtree 2 1/2 years old. Her friend has passed so they are getting rid of her. I really wanted to go and and get her but I am full to the brim with piggies.
I know rescues are the best place to get them from but this sounds like a piggy in need x x
 
Roku said:
Sorry if I'm doing this all wrong. I'm planning on making arrangements to adopt a baby guinea pig from a friend of mine after it is weaned. I'm having trouble deciding if I should get another guinea pig to accompany her, as she was born alone and I do go to classes most of my day. I also live in a divorced family with two homes. I'm planning on buying a cage for each house since the cage I'm buying is expensive and would be immensely difficult to transport. I'm still pretty new to guinea pig care, so any advice will help!
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Hi and welcome!

Good that you are doing your research beforehand!

Guinea pigs are wired to live in groups, not on their own and they are never as dependent on this than as youngsters. Please get him/her a same sex companion; in case of a sow, a neutered boar is also an option. If possible from a good rescue so you can be sure that the newbie is healthy and properly sexed.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/sexing-separating-baby-boars-and-rehoming-babies.109391/
Companionship

Here is our new owners' guide bundle, which you may find helpful for a good start. It contains guides to the most often encountered issues for new owners as well as some important vital information. It also contains links to recommended rescues in several countries.
New Owners' " How To" Starter Kit

Please make sure that you and your parents set aside some money every week in a vet fund. Emergency and illness never happen at a good time, and they can quickly run into the hundreds of dollars/pounds. You do not want to have to go through major family rows and rifts over a suffering/dying pet if you can prevent it, especially as you are still a minor. Vet cost are usually the most expensive part of pet ownership. You need to clear that with your parents before you get your pets.
Please show them this guide here: Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents

Since we have got members from all over the world and very different backgrounds, we would be glad if you please added your country to your details. As you are a minor, please do not hand out any more exact information than this for your own protection. Click on your username at the top, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This makes it appear underneath your username in any post you make and allows us to tailor any advice and recommendations to what is available and relevant where you are. Thank you!
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Awww such a shame you can't find a friend for your piggie Kelly
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I have its just been a longer wait than I would have liked. I have reserved a neutered male who should be ready to live with Daisy from next weekend so hopefully the bonding goes well. I can't believe that even all the local pets at home adoption parts have nothing but unneutered males
 
Thank you for the advice! I will try to get her someone to comfort her and such. It may be hard to get someone her age as from my knowledge, if I am able to get her I would be getting her at 6 weeks. Would a pig that's older than her be okay?
 
Age isn't so important, it's the personality that determines the bond so an older pig is just as likely to bond as a younger pig. The only issue I had was with a stubborn older sow who was around 5 years old when I introduced a <1 year old. I think the speed and curiosity of the young one stressed her out too much but it is the first time I had witnessed that
 
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