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New Piggie

  • Thread starter Thread starter mummyoftwins
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mummyoftwins

Hello,
I rescued a piggie called SMoothie from the RSPCA on Saturday. He is lovely and when we viewed him he was good to hold etc as I have a 5 year old daughter.
Now since we have him home he always runs in his bed when we go outside and runs from me.
He is eating fine. I put out food, veggies and dried dandilion out for him which he has eaten.
How long before we should attempt to pick him up.
Also should we get another piggie? He has always been kept on his own and am worried that he might not like another guinea pig with him.
Any help gratfully recieved!
Claire
 
Give him time to settle - especialy with lively children round. Talk to him lots and offer him treats, but don't be disappointed if he doesn't take them at first. You can praise him like you would a dog - they like being praised and reassured! It takes about a couple of weeks to months for him to fully settle in.

If you want to try and see whether he likes a companion, please ring the RSPCA and ask whether they have tried to have him with other pigs before. Unfortunately, there are a few piggies who are not happy with a companion.

If he isn't one of those, I recommend that you contact your nearest specialist rescue(s), so they can either try to bond him for you, or you can take him one afternoon and try him on as many boys as possible under expert supervision. A list of rescues can found on this website: http://www.guieapigrehome.org.uk

At his age, he'll be probably best off with a youngster or a an old boy, so they don't hit the hormonal stage at the same time (around 5 months), which might be the reason why he is on his own at the moment.

Enjoy your little boy, but give him time to come out of his shell. A bit of patience now, and he will be the lovely pet you met!
 
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