Serious advice needed on getting a friend please!

Status
Not open for further replies.
MintyAndGarry (TEAS)

MintyAndGarry (TEAS)

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 22, 2007
Messages
3,282
Reaction score
647
Points
705
Location
Director at TEAS (West Hunsbury), Northampton, UK
As some of you know, Benjamin is now living on his own after the 'three pigs' thing didn't work out. He ended up fighting with Minty (and came off worse - a cut right through his ear, about an inch long) which I think was because they were both fighting for dominance.

So, am I right in thinking that ideally I'm looking for a 'submissive' (is that the right word?!) laid back piggy? And which would be best? Pairing him up with an older pig with a proven personality, or trying him with a baby? (Bear in mind that if they don't work out, I'm in schtook...!) The thought had crossed my mind about seeing if he'd be OK on his own, but he hears Minty and Garry and sniffs the air, squeaks and runs to the end of his cage, so he's clearly missing company.

I just want some advice before I start asking around seriously...
 
I would contact a rescue, some allow you to take the pigs in to pair them up. If Benjamin is boss pig then you'll need one that is submissive. I touched lucky with Eccles (who came from a vets) he is very submissive but I didn't know that at the time. That's why a rescue would be ideal so you can get one that Benjamin loves!

Good luck! :)
 
IMO I would go for a slightly older piggy, I mean I struck lucky with Blackberry Pie too, I mean when I mixed them in there was hardly any fighting, it was as if nothing had happened. She is about 5 months older than the others and I think that helped as she doesnt care about anything, shes an angel, I know you shouldnt have favourites....but..... ::) 0:)

I think if u know your piggy is dominant then I would search for a submissive one no question,.

Just a pic of my special show pigggg

blackberry.jpg
 
is their any way you can out the cages next to each other and get him neautured? You could then pair him with a female but while your waiting the long 4 weeks before this can be done he'd be able to hear and see them. I haven't had this problem. My boars fought but soon sorted themselves out and get on. All my piggies love being out together. Hope you sort something out it must be so stressful for you? x
 
I think the problem with pairing him with a female is the other two pigs who are bonded. S&T were fine before I got the girls but as soon as they smelt them the arguments started. ::)
 
The thought of neutering did cross my mind, but I'd rather leave him intact...partly due to adding a girl to the mix could cause problems as S&T says. Also, cost is a factor (I know, another pig will be extra money anyway, but even so...). And also, I've only ever had one piggy go for an operation (he was poorly) but he didn't come back from it so the whole idea of putting Benjamin under the knife scares me completely!

He's about a foot away from the other two and is a nightmare for chewing the bars on his cage...I'll just have to check out the few localish rescues to me and drag him along there!

Minty and Garry are the ideal pairing - Minty rumbles on occassion to Garry and chases him around, but Garry is so laid back, he just ignores him. Most of the time!
 
i think a submissive would be best. thats the arrangement bob and munchie had, and they got on so well.

the only reason bob is bonding okish with heath is because heath is submissive too.

when bob and merlin met, they are both dominant, and it ended with merlin having a minor cut on his paw. luckily it wasnt anything worse

at the same time though u dont want a pig too timid as the boss pig could bully them. i found that with heath and merlin paired together. at the time heath was so timid merlin made the most of it and bullied him non stop
 
There's just no telling! Elvis, my Peru, I tried with Mojo (v. laid back) and it was dreadful and ended at vets even though I was only a foot away! But more recently tried him with Saracen, also a Peru, and they are getting on ok at the moment, no rumbling or chattering or anything - very odd! I had almost given up on him. Both are drama queen scaredy pants, so it's not always a case of opposites attract!

I'd be tempted to get a v. young boar but there's no guarantee they won't fall out later on. Boys!

Good luck!

Sophie
x
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top