Cavvy Madness

[Ammers]

Hello there. I used to have a Guinea pig called Clover when I was little, I saved up all my 5 p and 10 p coins for her (£18 for her) and she died within a week After reading a little bit about Guinea Piggies once we got internet (2 years ago) we found out why; Pets at home lied to us and said she'd be fine outside and Gurty Guinea pig was the best food for her. They also said she didn't need hay to eat or anything. I really feel guilty still that I neglected her.

Anyways, I am getting 2 Guinea Piggies and they will be kept indoors this time, with veggies available daily and lots of hay! But, I do have a few questions:

-Is it better to have 2 males or 2 females.
-What is the un safe foods for them so I know what to avoid.
-Can Guinea pigs have Plastic in their indoor hutches? I ask this because I have a chinchilla who isn't allowed Plastic (They will NEVER be near each other!)
-Are the White, Black and Orange Piggies called Calico Pigs or just Tri-Colour?

Thanks in advance And please give me any extra info about them too! I really want these two to live for their normal lifespan or more.

 

[Mav]

I'm getting two pigs too! In March, most likely. But anyways. I will give you the links that Wiebke gave me.

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-sows-or-mixed-pairs-babies-or-adults.108944/ -- This is the difference between boys and girls. I would never get one of each because they can breed at 3/4 weeks.

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...veg-and-fruit-list-with-vitamin-c-grading.42/ -- What they can and cannot eat.

And I think they can have plastic. But they might chew it. I know the cage I might get is chew proof.

Also I am not sure on the last question.

Hope you have a good time with these pigs! (:

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry about Clover! Sadly, by far not all pet shop branches or backyard breeders have a good idea about piggy needs or care about basic animal welfare.

You may find that with limited mobility and quite a specific preference in coat colours (i.e. tort and white), your choices as to genders may be rather curtailed.

If you rehome from one of our recommended rescues, you will have at least the security that any piggies are healthy (quarantined and only put up for adoption after a final vet check), well bonded for character compatibility and guaranteed not pregnant (mandatory 10 week pregnancy for all incoming sows). You will also have the rescue to fall back on whenever you need it throughout the whole of life of their piggies. By rehoming from a good rescue, you do not have to worry about any gender combination.

As to food, we also have a new general diet thread, which you may find helpful:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...or-a-balanced-general-guinea-pig-diet.116460/

Guinea pigs can have hard plastic hideys and furniture, but no soft plastic, which some can become rather addicted to, and they can have an amazing talent to find any scrap before you!
Here are our overview on beddings and sometoy tips:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/bedding-for-guinea-pigs-overview.114219/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/guinea-pig-toys.43520/

We have to further threads as how best settle in new piggies and get to know them, which you may find helpful once you have found piggies you like.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Pets at home were awful saying that! I cannot believe it.

I'm so sorry for your loss, please do not feel guilty.