Rehoming Guinea Pig?

JosieK

Junior Guinea Pig
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After my Piggie Ted passed away in November, we adopted a new baby piggie from a friend who had an accidental litter.

My remaining piggie Dougal and the new baby that we named Buddy got on just fine until about a week ago. Buddy is now about 4 months old so I guess his hormones have something to do with this.

There was a lot of chattering all of a sudden and I then found that that Buddy had bitten Dougals ear (there was a bit of blood) and ripped some of his fur out.

I separated them and they are living side by side at the moment which I don't think is ideal long term. There is still a lot of chattering going on and at the moment it does not look like they will be able to live together again which is a shame. They are both lovely but just do not seem to get on anymore.

I would love to keep them both and find them both a new friend, but realistically I just do not have the space or time to care for 4 piggies at the moment. So unfortunately it looks like I may have to look at rehoming little Buddy so he can find a more compatible friend and then also find a new friend for Dougal.

I was just looking for a bit of advice what the best way to go about this is. I want to make sure that Buddy. Goes to the best home possible so I will absolutely not be rehoming him through any Preloved sites or similar.
 
I’m sorry to hear things have taken a turn between them.

Keeping them living as neighbours is a viable option, obviously you’d have to have the space for two separate cages though. Obviously living in the same cage with a friend is the very best thing but there are many many members in the situation of a broken bond and have their piggies live happily as neighbours.

If you do decide go rehome him, then surrendering him to a rescue centre is best. They will ensure he is bonded with a compatible boar or neutered and bonded with a sow before being rehomed.

Rescue Locator
 
After my Piggie Ted passed away in November, we adopted a new baby piggie from a friend who had an accidental litter.

My remaining piggie Dougal and the new baby that we named Buddy got on just fine until about a week ago. Buddy is now about 4 months old so I guess his hormones have something to do with this.

There was a lot of chattering all of a sudden and I then found that that Buddy had bitten Dougals ear (there was a bit of blood) and ripped some of his fur out.

I separated them and they are living side by side at the moment which I don't think is ideal long term. There is still a lot of chattering going on and at the moment it does not look like they will be able to live together again which is a shame. They are both lovely but just do not seem to get on anymore.

I would love to keep them both and find them both a new friend, but realistically I just do not have the space or time to care for 4 piggies at the moment. So unfortunately it looks like I may have to look at rehoming little Buddy so he can find a more compatible friend and then also find a new friend for Dougal.

I was just looking for a bit of advice what the best way to go about this is. I want to make sure that Buddy. Goes to the best home possible so I will absolutely not be rehoming him through any Preloved sites or similar.

Hi

Please consider keeping them alongside each other with interaction through the bars if at all possible or - if you want to go rescue dating, consider keeping both boys above each other.
I use a cheap Ikea table (75x150 cm) that fits into the foot print of a 2x4 C&C grid cage to allow space for another cage well above the ground floor one. When cleaning, I just lift the table legs slightly with my shoulders.
We have since extended one table to a 2x5 girds cage and the other to a 2x7 grids cage (currently housing two pairs who are going to be merged once one of the two old ladies passes away as they are the ones that do not get on but a trio either way will work).
IMG_2111_edited-1.webp

Everywhere is chock-a with no longer wanted pandemic pets and very little interest in second-hand boars as new pets unless you want to risk your piggies falling into the hands of fighting dog trainers or snake owners via the free-ads. :(
Keep in mind that rescue dated piggies have the option to choose their new mates, so whether you use Milhaven Guinea Pig Rescue in Keighley or Cavy Corner in Doncaster, both offer dating to ensure full character compatibility. We can recommend either rescue warmly and assure you that you are in experienced and safe hands with your boys there.
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
Rescue Locator

A stacked cages situation will avoid you ending with feelings of failure and guilt. By rescue dating, you have the rescues at your back so you won't be ending up with the same dilemma ever again. ;)
 
Hi

Please consider keeping them alongside each other with interaction through the bars if at all possible or - if you want to go rescue dating, consider keeping both boys above each other.
I use a cheap Ikea table (75x150 cm) that fits into the foot print of a 2x4 C&C grid cage to allow space for another cage well above the ground floor one. When cleaning, I just lift the table legs slightly with my shoulders.
We have since extended one table to a 2x5 girds cage and the other to a 2x7 grids cage (currently housing two pairs who are going to be merged once one of the two old ladies passes away as they are the ones that do not get on but a trio either way will work).
View attachment 196100

Everywhere is chock-a with no longer wanted pandemic pets and very little interest in second-hand boars as new pets unless you want to risk your piggies falling into the hands of fighting dog trainers or snake owners via the free-ads. :(
Keep in mind that rescue dated piggies have the option to choose their new mates, so whether you use Milhaven Guinea Pig Rescue in Keighley or Cavy Corner in Doncaster, both offer dating to ensure full character compatibility. We can recommend either rescue warmly and assure you that you are in experienced and safe hands with your boys there.
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
Rescue Locator

A stacked cages situation will avoid you ending with feelings of failure and guilt. By rescue dating, you have the rescues at your back so you won't be ending up with the same dilemma ever again. ;)
Thank you.

We are in the process of moving house at the moment. Once we have moved by the end of this month I will see how much space we have and will hopefully find both boys a new friend via rescue dating as I would prefer that option over them having to live side by side long term.
 
Thank you.

We are in the process of moving house at the moment. Once we have moved by the end of this month I will see how much space we have and will hopefully find both boys a new friend via rescue dating as I would prefer that option over them having to live side by side long term.

Wishing you all the best with the move and with your boys!

Milhaven GPR offers holiday boarding on its own or including residential bonding, if you would like to consider having your boys out of the way for a few days during the move?
Website: Milhaven-rescue.com
 
I think they will be fine staying with us during the move as the new house is only down the road. But I will definitely be contacting the rescue after for the bonding 🙂
 
I think they will be fine staying with us during the move as the new house is only down the road. But I will definitely be contacting the rescue after for the bonding 🙂

I have adopted 5 piggies from there; my Hyfryd is still with me and can recommend them on a repeated personal experience if that helps you.
 
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