How Long Do I Wait To Introduce New Guinea Pig?

[ccbloom]

Hi,
I’m looking for some advice! I have 3 female sows and was hoping to get a baby sow soon. I wanted to know how long I should wait before I introduce the baby to my sows or if I should wait at all?
I have heard mixed opinions that I shouldn’t wait long as the wee baby will get depressed and lonely in a cage on her own and then I’ve heard I should wait at least 2 weeks before introducing. I have a large c & c cage that my 3 sows have recently moved into so there is plenty of room and will be lots of room when I add a forth.
I recently lost a boar that I had castrated and was about to be introduced to the girls. I was thinking of getting a boar again and getting it castrated but to be honest after losing my last boar I don’t know that I want to do that again. They vet did say his death had nothing to do with the castration and it was a success but it has put me off.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks for reading!

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Unless getting from a rescue, you would need to Quaranteen for 2 weeks to prevent cross contamination if there is anything wrong with the baby.

 

[ccbloom]

Thanks very much. If I get the baby sow at the weekend I'll just need to be patient....not my strong point! If not I'll try and get one from my local SSPCA. At the moment all the females there are paired up but I only have room for one more. Would it be better to get a baby or an older sow?

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Why is it you want to add to your group? It is risky as it could cause problems in your already established group. I would recommend taking your current 3 sows and letting them choose their new friend.

 

[Wiebke]

If you get the youngster from a rescue that has a mandatory quarantine policy (ask the rescue), then you can introduce straight away.

If you get a piggy from a background where you cannot be assured that it is safe, then you either conduct a quarantine (which is admittedly hard on a baby) or risk that things like ringworm or mites can be carried across into your herd. if you have the option to go rescue, please do - even if it means a wait.
There is also the risk that any sow you adopt from other than a good rescue could be pregnant; mis-sexing or not removing young boars in time assure that we have a steady influx in our pregnancy section including from sows as young as 4 weeks (and they shouldn't be rehomed until they are 6 weeks old so they can cope better with the big upheaval of going to a new home!).

Generally, if the rescue allows meet&greet at the premises, it is worth dating your girls with a newbie to make sure that they click. The best rescue in Scotland (I assume that is where you are?) is currently Hutches near Stirling; we can guarantee for them. For the sake of your peace of mind and an easy ride for all your piggies, it is best to do some research first even it is not quite as quick!

PS: With members from all over world, we are much more able to help you with being able to give you the appropriate advice and recommendations straight away if you added your country, state (US/Aus/Can) or county/general area (UK) to your details. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details/location.

 

[ccbloom]

Suppose its probably selfish reasons. I love guinea pigs to bits and have room for another one and wanted 4. You've definitely given me food for thought though so thank you. Maybe need to just leave it and have a longer think. Thanks

 

[ccbloom]

Thanks Wiebke. I'll add my details now. Yes I'm from sunny Scotland. Stirling is about an hour away from me but I have seen a wee baby advertised on gumtree I fancied rehoming. If it doesn't happen though I will look into the place in Stirling. One of my other guineas is from gumtree and she is a wee happy piggy now. My other guinea pigs are from SSPCA. One of my guinea pigs is 3years old and my other two are 1year and half so I fancied getting a wee piglet this time. Thanks again!