New Boars

RockyTheGuinea

RockyTheGuinea

Junior Guinea Pig
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Nov 11, 2017
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Sileby
Hi,

We got two baby boars yesterday, I think they are roughly 10 weeks old. The farm we got them from said to give them an egg cup full of dry food a day, and then a couple of pieces of vegetables every 2-3 days. It doesn't like enough to me, so wanted to check if that was right?

On the subject of dry food are pellets better than the muesli type stuff they sold us? And if so which pellets should I get?

They're in our playroom as it's the most used room in the house and they're getting lots of cuddles, although they're both a bit nervous. They've been out exploring the cage a lot more tonight than they were yesterday!
 
Hi and welcome to the forum.

Any dried food you buy should say on the packet how much to feed. Pellets are considered much better as piggies tend to be selective eaters picking out their favourite bits of museli and not getting a rounded diet. The forum has quite a comprehensive guide to diet covering exactly the questions you are asking in terms of how much veg and which pellets. The information can be found here:
Diet Guides

In the meantime, once your boys are settled, we love to see lots of pictures on here :)
 
Aww beautiful boys! I bet the whole family are in love with them already!
 
RockyTheGuinea said:
Hi,

We got two baby boars yesterday, I think they are roughly 10 weeks old. The farm we got them from said to give them an egg cup full of dry food a day, and then a couple of pieces of vegetables every 2-3 days. It doesn't like enough to me, so wanted to check if that was right?

On the subject of dry food are pellets better than the muesli type stuff they sold us? And if so which pellets should I get?

They're in our playroom as it's the most used room in the house and they're getting lots of cuddles, although they're both a bit nervous. They've been out exploring the cage a lot more tonight than they were yesterday!
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome to the forum- congrats on your new arrivals.

Is this your first time owning piggies?

Secondly, by farm I'm guessing the individual bred them? You might want to just double check that both piggies are definitely boys as you don't want to end up with unexpected babies. Also with two boys (not trying to scare you or anything here I have 2 boys also) but it may well be that in the future they could fall out when hormone levels rise and their testicles drop-so just be prepared for that to happen- though I'm sure it won't :)

I would not handle your new additions (I know it's tempting!) Until about 5 days. This will give them time to settle and feel comfortable. For now just interact by talking to them and leaving your hand in the cage sometimes for them to sniff and interact with- feel free to stroke if they are ok with it. Offering them a treat of veg whenever you go to interact will mean they associate you with good things happening and be more calm when you later come to handle them.

Finally, I would opt for pellets as opposed to museli because you may find the boys tend to eat the more colourful bits and leave the bits that are actually healthy. Pellets prevent selective eating and are an overall healthier option. I give my two boys a handful of pellets I'm the morning and then again at night. It depends on your preference and when you want to feed them. If you only want to give one meal of pellets a day then obviously that will be a bigger serving than if you give 2- I'll leave the exact amount to other members.

Hay should be given 24/7 (along woth fresh water)as it makes up 80% of a guinea pigs diet and encourages their natural foraging behaviour and keeps teeth trim. As for veges, my boys get a cup in the morning and then again at night.
 
First time for me of having Guinea pigs, we've previously had lots of rats, so quite used to 'teenage' hormone surges! We had to have a few castrated and a couple of injuries repaired. Hopefully these boys will be fine.
 
RockyTheGuinea said:
First time for me of having Guinea pigs, we've previously had lots of rats, so quite used to 'teenage' hormone surges! We had to have a few castrated and a couple of injuries repaired. Hopefully these boys will be fine.
Click to expand...

Ohhhhh rats! Always wanted to own rats- they have their little bickers to eh? Boys will be boys i suppose LOL
 
Hi & Welcome to our friendly forum.
It maybe an idea to take them too the vet just to check them for illnesses, Breeders aren't the best place to get piggies from, often they are only in it for the money. A check isn't going to cost much. Also you can have them both confirmed as boars. Have you put them together in their cage yet. What are the measurements of their cage.
By the way your piggies are gorgeous.
 
Welcoem to the forum :)

Here is a thread worth having a read of Recommendations For A Balanced General Guinea Pig Diet

The recommended ratio of food groups:
- ca. 80% hay
- 10-15% veg and fresh herbs (ca. 1 cupful / 50g / nearly 2oz) - per pig per day you can split this into breakfast and tea
- 5-10% pellets (amount depending on the age)
- plenty of fresh water daily


Important is unlimited hay in piggies diet.

We feed ours this roughly
Morning:
Cucumber
Celery
1/6th of Red/Green/Yellow Bell Pepper (de-seeded)

Evening:
Cucumber
Two Little Gem Lettuce leaves or 10 sprigs Coriander. Twice a week we will swap in cabbage or parsley

We also add in to the above diet carrot, sweet potato, celery leaves, Kale, Green Beans and a few other things occasionally
Could you add your location to your profile as it helps us tailor any advice if ever needed to your geographical location

Lovely to have you join the forum any questions piggy or forum related please just ask
Lee
 
How can you tell if the noises they're making are happy noises? The rats were mostly silent so this new squeaky world is a mystery to me.

They sent very nervous still, but Rocky has just been sat on my knee eating some cucumber from my hand so they can't be completely terrified of me, I don't think.

I do wonder if it's too noisy for them, but we're in and out of their room all day, whereas if theyy went in the spare room they'd mostly be alone. I guess they'll get used to toddler noise eventually.
 
guinea pigs are prey animals so take a long time and patience to tame fully.also depends on there personality.but the more handling,talking,sitting with them they will become braver.a website by Jackies piggies ( a little dated) but she has made a page with examples of the noises cavies use,and explains the meanings.piggies will get used to the noises in the house.it is very early days still.:)
 
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