How to introduce a new Piggie to a 13/14 week old Boy (we was told it as boy)

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christine1

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Hi All, My Daughter bought a Guinea pig for my Granddaughter, and although we have read up on Piggies, we know very little. I have read that they are herd animals and therefore do better in pairs or groups. At the moment he has a large cage and a 3'x3' run which I will add we do not get out everyday. We are all out during the day work/school.

1. Do they live happily on their own ?

2. should we introduce a new piggie? and if so should we get one of the same age? and what sex ?

3. We are also finding it difficult to pick him up, as he runs and hides, then we think we will stress him out too much, so will try for a few minutes more then leave him be. He squeaks like mad when I move (because I feed him the most I think) and he will let you stroke him now. He will then lie down flat and yawn. We do however sit with him and talk to him quite a lot when we are home.

4. can you over do giving him veggies? I give him a handful of salad leave with a little of either, some sweet corn, tomato, beans, carrot, pepper, strawberry, apple. He finishes that off in no more than 15 minutes, so before I leave for work I give him some piggie pellets (which he does not completely finish by the time I get home at 4). We make sure there's lots of hay all the time. I do this 3 times a day. Am I doing right or wrong?

5. Now the summer is coming and I know it must be better for him to have some outside time. How should I go about doing that? how big should the pen be? I know he will need shade from the sun/rain, but should there be lots of cover? i.e. over hanging bushes, tunnels and stuff for them to hide?

Sorry its a long list and I'm sure I'll think of more. Any answers will be so very appreciated.

Thank you

Chrissy
 
Hi and welcome to our friendly forum! Lovely to have you here. It's great that you have read up about keeping piggies already.

Piggies really are better off with a friend. A same sex friend otherwise you will have babies unless the boar has been neutered. Your piggy is very frightened at the mo and is running on his prey instincts. It's good that he's starting to trust you. Have a read of the piggy whispering techniques:-

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Here are the diet guides for you which include how to introduce your piggy to lawn time:-

Diet Guides

Here is the guide on companionship:-

Companionship

I think the above guides should help with most of your answers.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum,

Guinea pigs wont live happily on their own atall, so getting a companion is a must really

You can over do veg and fruit. Limit the fruit to about once or twice per week, and only a little at that. I give my pigs veg twice a day, morning and the evening. I give

1 stem and leaves of coriander each
A small slice of red bell pepper each
A slice of cucumber. Twice a week a swap the coriander for curly kale or dill, romaine lettuce, or raddichio.

One of the most importants things for a guinea pig is making sure they get enough vitamin c in their veg. Red bell peppers, kale( not everyday) , coriander, green bell peppers, will ensure this.

Also if you are feeding muesli colourful dry food, dont do it( its rubbish )If you can, buy selective science grain free nuggets( pets at home) give 1 table spoon per pig per day.

And most importantly is hay, you must keep feeding fresh hay morning and evening, just put a pile in the cage, timothy hay is the best for fiber, this will keep the back teeth nice a trim because of the chewing. Dont worry about the front teeth, if the back are being looked after, the front ones are too. Do yea unlimited hay is needed, never run out 👍.

Sorry alot to take in lol, but this will keep your pig nice a healthy.

When you say large cage, how big exactly, because if you have 2 boars soon, i have a feeling you may need a bigger cage, pet shops have a habit of selling "large" cages that are actually not big enough atall, its all about money making, and no interest for the pet I'm afraid
 
I agree I do think the cage is fine for him while he's small, but as he grows or if there 2, it wont do. I was thing of getting a 2 tear cage with shelf (its on amazon) plus we already have the indoor run which is 3'x3'. Like I say ok for him while small. He has 2 tunnels wicker balls hay tray and we always make sure there is hay in the cage. I just want to do what's right for him.

I really need to know how and when to introduce a companion. I worry they will fight
 
Betsy, where do I find these guides please? I know! I sound thick.
 
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