A cage mate

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kales

kales

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Ok I've been getting totally mixed reviews on a cage mate for our new 3 year old guinea pig. I got her from an ad in the paper so I don't know her history. She is sweet with people and she's got the big c&c cage big enough for 2. I'm looking to adopt a pig from the shelter but everyone I talk to at the shelter or pet stores say bad idea, she's too old, she will be to protective of her cage, ect.
Now I know people don't really like the pet store employees advice, but not every pet store is bad. I've be talking to a local one that is in partners with the local shelter and only have animals that are rescues from the shelter.
I introduced 2 boars before successfully and I know it takes time and separate living arrangements for awhile.
I guess I'm just scared it will be a desister and I'll have to return the cage mate to the shelter.
Help I need opinions! I don't want her to be alone if she doesn't have to.
 
If you think she's lonely, then go for it. But you might want to monitor them for a period of weeks just in case your girl shows any aggressiveness to the new piggie.

If you do get her a partner, i suggest getting her a young piggie so she doesn't find it a big threat to her territory. You never know, she might even take on a motherly role!

You might experience problems later on when your new big hits it's teenage years, they are really hormonal from 4-14 months. If they fight, you know the drill, separate them for sometime then try again!

It's worth the try! :)
 
Thanks for your advise! I really appreciate it.
It's so hard to find a baby and I really would like to avoid the pet store route if I can. There are two cute sows at the humane society but both are about 1 1/2 yrs old so I'm guessing that would be too much of a threat to her? Also lots in the paper, but all a bit older. One sad ad of a lady who 'just wanted to get rid' of two piggies, problem is age is unknown and she thinks ones a boy and ones a girl....meaning babies if they are or I don't want to take the chance they are both boys if I take one. The pics of them in their tiny cage they only have a food bowl and nothing else :( I felt like messaging her and tell him to just take them to the humane society. Sad but at least they can properly care, sex them to avoid more unwanted babies and someone will go there looking to give them a good home.
 
kales said:
Thanks for your advise! I really appreciate it.
It's so hard to find a baby and I really would like to avoid the pet store route if I can. There are two cute sows at the humane society but both are about 1 1/2 yrs old so I'm guessing that would be too much of a threat to her? Also lots in the paper, but all a bit older. One sad ad of a lady who 'just wanted to get rid' of two piggies, problem is age is unknown and she thinks ones a boy and ones a girl....meaning babies if they are or I don't want to take the chance they are both boys if I take one. The pics of them in their tiny cage they only have a food bowl and nothing else :( I felt like messaging her and tell him to just take them to the humane society. Sad but at least they can properly care, sex them to avoid more unwanted babies and someone will go there looking to give them a good home.
Click to expand...

I take it you are in the US?

Try posting your location and hopefully someone can come up with some helpful suggestions without you getting into a muddle with fighting boars or pregnant newbies!
 
are you in the uk? If yes then we can provide a list of recommended rescues where you can have her sow date and let her find her new best friend.

They are much happier in groups and pairs so it would be fine to have a friend, even at 3 years old, considering they can live to 8, 3 isnt old at all so why not get a pal to share her wisdom with.
 
If she is lonely, she might even take on a motherly role with a slightly older pig too. It may be worth a try. If things don't work out, I'm sure something would. If possible a younger pig would be better though. Good luck!
 
Great news! I'm at the humane shelter and our Emmy is getting along fabulously with another female guinea pig that was a stray found. Bad news she she is extremely over weight! On the vets scare of 1-9 she scored a 9....I am willing to give her a chance though because I know I can try and help her and her weight loss.
I will be posting pics and ask some more questions in the diet section on this forum.
Wish us luck in our new adventure!
 
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