i currently have two girls who are fairly well bonded. i stumbled upon a rescue near my house and i would like to look into getting another, but i'd have to persuade my parents. their cage is plently big and i clean it once a week, cleaning their hay bin every other day. it stays plenty clean. they are fed 3/4 cup of standard pellets a day with two cups of veggies. they have tons of hay. what kind of cost and smell increase can i expect with another guinea pig? if possible, please be specific on what things will cost more. thanks so much!
Should I Get A Third?
- Thread starter katie19
- Start date
-
- Tags
- another one? guinea pigs
- Status
orangeinepig
Teenage Guinea Pig
You could get a third guinea pig but my costs for my three are significantly increased in some areas well basically just pellets and veg and fruit. I feed my pigs 3/8th cup of nuggets a day, 3 cups veg and fruit a day and the same amount of hay as before as they have a huge area full of hay
Tiamolly123
Senior Guinea Pig
I think it is best 2 or 4 there is so much trouble with threes. You get 2 playing & the third is left out. It could cause a lot of friction between them.
Well, it could work out beautifully, but it may not. Cost aside, even though sows will usually accept other sows it's not always so. It s possible that you end up in the situation of having to return the new one, so I would check that the rescue near to you does 'dating', where they oversee the introduction and the piggies get the chance to get to know each other, and accept each other, before you take your new one home.
It's great that you are considering a rescue, but be aware that not all rescues are equal. There's been cases of people getting poorly or pregnant pigs. Not from the rescues recommended on the forum I may add. Many rescues are really good, but not all.
One extra pig brings their poop and wee output to half again, and that can have quite an impact on how often you need to clean them out. Are you happy with cleaning them more than once a week and replenishing their hay bin every day instead of every two days?.
Now by plenty big, how big? If you don't mind me asking. One person's big can be another person's small, and it's all perspective. The recommended size for three pigs is at least 5ft.
That aside the general upkeep costs shouldn't increase much. There will be an increase in bedding used, and veggies. If your pair have any beds or hidies you may need to buy another one for your new piggy.
The real shockers when it comes to cost is vets fees. You may have been fortunate in that your pair perhaps have never needed to see a vet, but a great many of our pigs do during their lifetimes, and each piggy you have increases that chance. Vets fees can run into hundreds of £, and if you are not earning your own money yet then really it's your parents who need to be prepared for dealing with that.
It's a lovely idea, taking on another piggy, and believe me there are many needing homes, but there's plenty to consider before going ahead. We'd be happy to support you with advice though
It's great that you are considering a rescue, but be aware that not all rescues are equal. There's been cases of people getting poorly or pregnant pigs. Not from the rescues recommended on the forum I may add. Many rescues are really good, but not all.
One extra pig brings their poop and wee output to half again, and that can have quite an impact on how often you need to clean them out. Are you happy with cleaning them more than once a week and replenishing their hay bin every day instead of every two days?.
Now by plenty big, how big? If you don't mind me asking. One person's big can be another person's small, and it's all perspective. The recommended size for three pigs is at least 5ft.
That aside the general upkeep costs shouldn't increase much. There will be an increase in bedding used, and veggies. If your pair have any beds or hidies you may need to buy another one for your new piggy.
The real shockers when it comes to cost is vets fees. You may have been fortunate in that your pair perhaps have never needed to see a vet, but a great many of our pigs do during their lifetimes, and each piggy you have increases that chance. Vets fees can run into hundreds of £, and if you are not earning your own money yet then really it's your parents who need to be prepared for dealing with that.
It's a lovely idea, taking on another piggy, and believe me there are many needing homes, but there's plenty to consider before going ahead. We'd be happy to support you with advice though
orangeinepig
Teenage Guinea Pig
Mine have never fought in a trio and love snuggling together for extra warmth and don't gang upon on each other
Poppy'sMum
Senior Guinea Pig
My trio were definitely a pair & a solo 
I wouldn't have a trio again. There was definitely more poop than two of them lol Regards to cost, it's not just food etc to consider, you need to work out if you could afford the extra vet bills should they become ill
I wouldn't have a trio again. There was definitely more poop than two of them lol Regards to cost, it's not just food etc to consider, you need to work out if you could afford the extra vet bills should they become ill 
i used the ferplast wooden cottage as a model when i built theirs. i'm pretty sure its a 2x4 with two stories (using c&c measurements). i don't mind cleaning them more and my parents would pay a vet bill should there be a need for that. i'll attach a picture of their cage. the rescue is actually a person who basically takes them in and looks to find a new home. i follow her on social media and she is amazing with them so i know accidental pregnancy won't be an issue.Well, it could work out beautifully, but it may not. Cost aside, even though sows will usually accept other sows it's not always so. It s possible that you end up in the situation of having to return the new one, so I would check that the rescue near to you does 'dating', where they oversee the introduction and the piggies get the chance to get to know each other, and accept each other, before you take your new one home.
It's great that you are considering a rescue, but be aware that not all rescues are equal. There's been cases of people getting poorly or pregnant pigs. Not from the rescues recommended on the forum I may add. Many rescues are really good, but not all.
One extra pig brings their poop and wee output to half again, and that can have quite an impact on how often you need to clean them out. Are you happy with cleaning them more than once a week and replenishing their hay bin every day instead of every two days?.
Now by plenty big, how big? If you don't mind me asking. One person's big can be another person's small, and it's all perspective. The recommended size for three pigs is at least 5ft.
That aside the general upkeep costs shouldn't increase much. There will be an increase in bedding used, and veggies. If your pair have any beds or hidies you may need to buy another one for your new piggy.
The real shockers when it comes to cost is vets fees. You may have been fortunate in that your pair perhaps have never needed to see a vet, but a great many of our pigs do during their lifetimes, and each piggy you have increases that chance. Vets fees can run into hundreds of £, and if you are not earning your own money yet then really it's your parents who need to be prepared for dealing with that.
It's a lovely idea, taking on another piggy, and believe me there are many needing homes, but there's plenty to consider before going ahead. We'd be happy to support you with advice though
orangeinepig
Teenage Guinea Pig
Are your guinea pigs male or female and also I believe that would be too small with 3 guinea pigs as I had a 2x5ft hutch that was double story and it was barely big enough and I feel the 2 x6ft single story hutch I have now is tiny
they are both girlsAre your guinea pigs male or female and also I believe that would be too small with 3 guinea pigs as I had a 2x5ft hutch that was double story and it was barely big enough and I feel the 2 x6ft single story hutch I have now is tiny
orangeinepig
Teenage Guinea Pig
It may be possible thenthey are both girls
Poppy'sMum
Senior Guinea Pig
Gorgeous girlies Personally I would stick at two, if they are happy
Personally I would stick at two, if they are happy
orangeinepig
Teenage Guinea Pig
That's what I was thinkingGorgeous girlies
Poppy'sMum
Senior Guinea Pig
Oh & it looks like you have pignapped one of mine <<<<<<<< lol 
hehe maybeOh & it looks like you have pignapped one of mine <<<<<<<< lol
I think my concern with adding a third to a bonded pair would be twofold- first, destabilizing a pair that is working well, and secondly, potential vet bills should you have multiple illnesses with multiple pigs, particularly as they all get older. I know you said your parents will pay for the vet... in my case, I AM the parent who pays for the vet and one of my pigs has had several health conditions over the course of her life, and I am extremely thankful that she's the only one because I really could not afford another one like her at the same time! LOL!
7squeakers.
Adult Guinea Pig
with Poppy's Mum. If they are happy, stick with two. If you really want more, buy or build another big cage (like the one you have) and get another pair. It's easier to cut veg into even sections when you've got even numbers of piggies! I had 7 pigs, lost 1 , got another 2. With 8, I am having to buy veg and greens every week, rather than just every two weeks.
Trios are the most difficult combination to get right, as you are at the highest risk of ending up with some kind of outsider problem.
If you really want to get more, either go for two (preferably already bonded) younger sows that don't upset the hierarchy and have each other to fall back on. With four piggies, dynamics chance to those of a mini group.
If you come across a neutered boar, you could think about that, as boars are part of the overall group hierarchy, but they are not part of the sow hierarchy, so they won't upset the apple cart. However, with boars, initial acceptance by the sows is vital. Sadly, you don;t have a good guinea pig rescue in your state where you can take your girls for dating to make sure that they get on. If in doubt, rather start a new pair.
Tiamolly123
Senior Guinea Pig
I agree I have 6 & it's never ending buying veggies etc. What you could do, I'm planting veggies so hopefully I will always have fresh food
I had 7 pigs, lost 1 , got another 2. With 8, I am having to buy veg and greens every week, rather than just every two weeks.
Hello everyone!
I just bought my first 2 cavys about a month ago. I got a Abyssinian and an Agouti (about 1-2 months old-although the store said 3 months, but judging from pictures their much younger then 3 months). The Abyssinian (Jiggy) is about twice the size of the Agouti (Cappy). I bought a third Cavy yesterday, I believe an albino silky, which is currently in quarantine . I don't know if this was a poor idea. But, if in the next week, if they don't get along; I can take the new one back without charge. Cappy and Jiggy get along very well now that Jiggy is over her cold. Cappy started trying to become the dominant female, but once I got them to the vet and medicine for Jiggys upper respiratory inf, they are doing great now.
I think cappy and my new one Peeps, will get along fine. They are the same size and about the same age. But, Jiggy is about twice their size and at least a month older and can be quite territorial. Jiggy is clearly the dominant female, then cappy and then hopefully peeps. The newest one is extremely docile which I think will help because cappy is kinda an upstart and has been challenging jiggy even though she's half her size.
I was going to introduce cappy to peeps in about one week for short periods of time. Then the next day or later that day Jiggy. I will keep a towel out to make sure if they get aggressive I can remove them quickly. I have put a small towel my two original cavys cuddle with into the new cage of peeps to get her used to their smell.
Do you guys and gals have any suggestions on how to safely introduce a very docile younger female (peeps) with the older bigger more aggressive (jiggy)? I know I need to do it on neutral territory, but any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
Any suggestions would be wonderful
I just bought my first 2 cavys about a month ago. I got a Abyssinian and an Agouti (about 1-2 months old-although the store said 3 months, but judging from pictures their much younger then 3 months). The Abyssinian (Jiggy) is about twice the size of the Agouti (Cappy). I bought a third Cavy yesterday, I believe an albino silky, which is currently in quarantine . I don't know if this was a poor idea. But, if in the next week, if they don't get along; I can take the new one back without charge. Cappy and Jiggy get along very well now that Jiggy is over her cold. Cappy started trying to become the dominant female, but once I got them to the vet and medicine for Jiggys upper respiratory inf, they are doing great now.
I think cappy and my new one Peeps, will get along fine. They are the same size and about the same age. But, Jiggy is about twice their size and at least a month older and can be quite territorial. Jiggy is clearly the dominant female, then cappy and then hopefully peeps. The newest one is extremely docile which I think will help because cappy is kinda an upstart and has been challenging jiggy even though she's half her size.
I was going to introduce cappy to peeps in about one week for short periods of time. Then the next day or later that day Jiggy. I will keep a towel out to make sure if they get aggressive I can remove them quickly. I have put a small towel my two original cavys cuddle with into the new cage of peeps to get her used to their smell.
Do you guys and gals have any suggestions on how to safely introduce a very docile younger female (peeps) with the older bigger more aggressive (jiggy)? I know I need to do it on neutral territory, but any other suggestions would be much appreciated.
Any suggestions would be wonderful
Hi there and welcome @moomoo. Hopefully it will all go smoothly. I gather your new girl, your silky, is young. Jiggy is the eldest of the three? I think the chances are she will put the new girl firmly in her place but will accept her, and things will settle down. That's the most likely outcome, but you really never quite know until it happens.
When you say aggression what kind of aggression, if you don't mind me asking? Chasing and pretend-nipping, rumbling and showing off at each other is normal when establishing dominance and is not a sign of aggression, just dominance, and SOMEONE has to be the boss. Establishing this can look stressful, but it's normal.
Teeth-chattering and proper biting is the thing to watch out for.
As for the introduction it's recommended that your neutral area has some hay in, perhaps some food, but very little else. It helps them if they can all see each other and keep an eye on each other while they sort it all out.
These links might be helpful
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Sow Behaviour
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Hope it all goes well, please give updates x
When you say aggression what kind of aggression, if you don't mind me asking? Chasing and pretend-nipping, rumbling and showing off at each other is normal when establishing dominance and is not a sign of aggression, just dominance, and SOMEONE has to be the boss. Establishing this can look stressful, but it's normal.
Teeth-chattering and proper biting is the thing to watch out for.
As for the introduction it's recommended that your neutral area has some hay in, perhaps some food, but very little else. It helps them if they can all see each other and keep an eye on each other while they sort it all out.
These links might be helpful
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Sow Behaviour
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Hope it all goes well, please give updates x
Hello @moomoo and a warm welcome to the forum. 
Critter has given you some very helpful links. With sows you can introduce and separate and reintroduce if necessary. Please make sure you do it on neutral territory and that when you finally out all 3 into their permanent cage together it has been completely neutralised to remove all scent, is rearranged so it doesn't look like it did when Jiggy and Cappy were in it together. I would also introduce all 3 together at once and not individually, otherwise you could risk upsetting the balance between. Jiggy and Cappy.
Please free to start your own thread so that other members will comment on it too.
As we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, so we can adapt any advice accordingly. Our default is British, but that may not suit you! Please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. In the same section you can also upload your avatar, that is the picture that appears with every post you make. Thank you!
Critter has given you some very helpful links. With sows you can introduce and separate and reintroduce if necessary. Please make sure you do it on neutral territory and that when you finally out all 3 into their permanent cage together it has been completely neutralised to remove all scent, is rearranged so it doesn't look like it did when Jiggy and Cappy were in it together. I would also introduce all 3 together at once and not individually, otherwise you could risk upsetting the balance between. Jiggy and Cappy.
Please free to start your own thread so that other members will comment on it too.
As we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, so we can adapt any advice accordingly. Our default is British, but that may not suit you! Please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. In the same section you can also upload your avatar, that is the picture that appears with every post you make. Thank you!
How big is their cage? 3 sows will need 2x5 ft minimum. Any good rescue worth their salt will not rehome into less space.
Adding a third to a bonded couple can also sometimes cause problems and an outsider problem as you often get two piggies that get on better. Not all piggies actually like each other. You also have to brace yourself for dominance behaviour and the necessity to do introductions on neutral ground before you transfer the girls into cleaned and neutralised cage. We have got lots of information on that at the top of our behaviour section.
You will have to feed half as much hay, pellets and veg as you do now, so the living expenses will go up by 50%. You and your parents will also have to save up more for vet visits, as the likelihood of them increases.
Hi there and welcome @moomoo. Hopefully it will all go smoothly. I gather your new girl, your silky, is young. Jiggy is the eldest of the three? I think the chances are she will put the new girl firmly in her place but will accept her, and things will settle down. That's the most likely outcome, but you really never quite know until it happens.
When you say aggression what kind of aggression, if you don't mind me asking? Chasing and pretend-nipping, rumbling and showing off at each other is normal when establishing dominance and is not a sign of aggression, just dominance, and SOMEONE has to be the boss. Establishing this can look stressful, but it's normal.
Teeth-chattering and proper biting is the thing to watch out for.
As for the introduction it's recommended that your neutral area has some hay in, perhaps some food, but very little else. It helps them if they can all see each other and keep an eye on each other while they sort it all out.
These links might be helpful
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Sow Behaviour
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Hope it all goes well, please give updates x
Jiggy is indeed the oldest. Jiggy will sometimes nip Cappy on the head but not violently (more like knock it off), and on a couple occasions I have heard teeth chattering when cappy tries to cuddle. I made my own cardboard houses and as they grow, they cannot both fit into the old house. I think this was the problem. I have made a new cardboard house that is 3 times the size with a fluffy baby blanket in between for them to cuddle which gives them ample space and now they cuddle together without any problem and are getting along great. I think it was a territorial thing. Also, Jiggy was sick with an upper respiratory infection (all cleared up now) and cappy decided she wanted to be the boss. Now that Jiggy is better and cappy is accepting of her secondary role, their is no fighting whatsoever.
My biggest concern with aggression is that I noticed cappy has a few small holes at the top of her ears which were not there when I originally got her. I believe when Jiggy was sick and the house was too small, she may have nipped her ears. Again, now that I got a more appropriate sized house and jiggy is not sick, I have heard no teeth chattering and no aggressive behavior whatsoever.
I take both Jiggy and Cappy out twice a day in a little basket lined with a towel and upon putting them back have showed both of them the new silky from a safe distance. They did not show any signs of aggression and actually seemed quite excited and ALL of them started popcorning once I put the original two back in their home. In fact, when Jiggy and Cappy get excited for food and start to popcorn, Peeps (new silky) will do the same.
I think the aggression thing was more to do with Jiggy not feeling well mixed with too small a sleeping space. I think now that I have a more appropriate sleeping space, that they should get along fine. Also, the silky is SUPER submissive so she should have no problem with Jiggy being the dominant female.
I got a guinea habitat plus which is 9 square feet
Thank you for the advice!
Best of luck! We have got lots of bonding tips at the top of our Behaviour section.
- Status