Sorry for all the questions! I recently got 2 pigs, a day apart but came from the same pen etc. They took to eachother very well. I'm so in love with them and their personalities I want to get another one! (We've just gotten to all clear for no pregnancy) is 3 pigs too many? I'd have to buy a new cage, what sizes are good for 3? Also, introductions, is it likely to affect their friendship introducing another one? Thank you
How Many Is Too Many? Introductions
- Thread starter Jjanec
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Trios are generally a difficult constellation when it comes to guinea pig, as they are very prone to a 2+1 outsider problem of some sort. Subadult boar trios have a fall-out rate of about 90%.
If you have boars, please rather wait to see how your current couple is faring during the tricky hormonal months, as you may have to pair them up with a new mate if they have a fall-out. Generally, boars are best kept in pairs and ideally they have an age difference.
If you have got girls, I would recommend looking either for a neutered boar if you want a trio or go for a bonded pair of sows so you avoid a pontential outsider problem.
Which country are you in? The safest place to rehome from is a good rescue.
We have got a good standard rescue locator for our UK members on the top bar: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/ I may be able to provide contact details for some good US, Canadian and Australian rescues.
A trio needs a minimum of 2x5 ft space, 4 piggies need 2x6 feet.
If you have boars, please rather wait to see how your current couple is faring during the tricky hormonal months, as you may have to pair them up with a new mate if they have a fall-out. Generally, boars are best kept in pairs and ideally they have an age difference.
If you have got girls, I would recommend looking either for a neutered boar if you want a trio or go for a bonded pair of sows so you avoid a pontential outsider problem.
Which country are you in? The safest place to rehome from is a good rescue.
We have got a good standard rescue locator for our UK members on the top bar: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/ I may be able to provide contact details for some good US, Canadian and Australian rescues.
A trio needs a minimum of 2x5 ft space, 4 piggies need 2x6 feet.
madguinealady
Senior Guinea Pig
it would be better to add two more girls if you have the space. I have 4 girls in a 5x3 c&c and 6 girls in a 5x4.Or a neutered boar. The advantage of having more than two is that if you lose 1 you dont have a mad dash to get a new one
Cookie16
Junior Guinea Pig
Could you just have a pair that's kept separately? You could see how they get on at a later date. Previously I've had 2 pairs but I would put them in a large run together, so they had the best of both worlds!
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