RuggedCross
New Born Pup
Let me first start with a brief intro.
My legal name is Greg. I am a 47 year old male in (and from) the U.S.A. I First got into Guinea Pigs (or Cavies) in 1994 when I bought my first female from a pet shop. Coincidentally, I also accidentally got into breeding at that time. It was no big deal then, she gave me two small litters
I was able to find another guinea pig lover to give them a good home when I decided to get out of breeding. My original female passed naturally from age.
I tried to introduce my children to guinea pigs a couple of years ago with no luck and was forced to find the guinea pigs another home for financial reasons.
I now have a successful breeding pair, which brings me to my question.
Due to limited human space, I am now forced to house my guinea pigs as a community. I just don't have the space for separate enclosures for 7 guinea pigs as we also have three bunnies and four dogs.
I know community living can be done but, I've never tried it. So here's what I need to make work...
1 male will continue to have his own enclosure as he belongs to my daughter.
3 males ( Dad and sons from separate litters) need to be housed together.
3 females (Mom and daughters from separate litters) need to be housed together. (Trying to prevent unplanned breeding.)
Mom and daughters are fine together but, no need to wait for trouble.
Dad and youngest son are fine as well as sons but, the oldest son and Dad quarrel.
I've read that this is normal and not normally a cause for concern ( they don't seem to be out to harm one another yet.) I first thought that they were fighting over the shelter and added another. This helped for a bit but, now it seems that they are fighting over who will look after the little one. The poor little guy seems to be the focal point. He finds protection with one and the other goes on the "attack" and visa versa.
I know that space is likely a contributing factor but, I honestly don't know how to make a proper (not premanufactured) enclosure. I have the skill but, not the knowledge.
I am looking for tips on how to properly design a community enclosure that promotes both safety and peaceful living, especially among the males.
I plan to keep the premanufactured enclosures for breeding, nursery and quarantine if needed or desired. (I'm not looking to become a breeder. I just want a self sustaining community with the occasional rescue, only parting with these fun little critters if I get over populated and it becomes necessary.)
My legal name is Greg. I am a 47 year old male in (and from) the U.S.A. I First got into Guinea Pigs (or Cavies) in 1994 when I bought my first female from a pet shop. Coincidentally, I also accidentally got into breeding at that time. It was no big deal then, she gave me two small litters
I was able to find another guinea pig lover to give them a good home when I decided to get out of breeding. My original female passed naturally from age.
I tried to introduce my children to guinea pigs a couple of years ago with no luck and was forced to find the guinea pigs another home for financial reasons.
I now have a successful breeding pair, which brings me to my question.
Due to limited human space, I am now forced to house my guinea pigs as a community. I just don't have the space for separate enclosures for 7 guinea pigs as we also have three bunnies and four dogs.
I know community living can be done but, I've never tried it. So here's what I need to make work...
1 male will continue to have his own enclosure as he belongs to my daughter.
3 males ( Dad and sons from separate litters) need to be housed together.
3 females (Mom and daughters from separate litters) need to be housed together. (Trying to prevent unplanned breeding.)
Mom and daughters are fine together but, no need to wait for trouble.
Dad and youngest son are fine as well as sons but, the oldest son and Dad quarrel.
I've read that this is normal and not normally a cause for concern ( they don't seem to be out to harm one another yet.) I first thought that they were fighting over the shelter and added another. This helped for a bit but, now it seems that they are fighting over who will look after the little one. The poor little guy seems to be the focal point. He finds protection with one and the other goes on the "attack" and visa versa.
I know that space is likely a contributing factor but, I honestly don't know how to make a proper (not premanufactured) enclosure. I have the skill but, not the knowledge.
I am looking for tips on how to properly design a community enclosure that promotes both safety and peaceful living, especially among the males.
I plan to keep the premanufactured enclosures for breeding, nursery and quarantine if needed or desired. (I'm not looking to become a breeder. I just want a self sustaining community with the occasional rescue, only parting with these fun little critters if I get over populated and it becomes necessary.)
