Hi all, got some beautiful piggies (unfortunately from pets at home, no other option here)... the girls said they were about 4 months old...so not sure if they'e been homed then returned...they are very skittish. She also suggested the smallest cage and was shocked when I asked for the ferplast 120...sigh
They are 2 boys...i have given them 2 beds (just small box at present) and taken the one large sleeping area out... they have chosen to go into the separate beds tonight. I do hope they're bonded...one has raggedy ears like they have little bits bitten off...not fresh wounds at all. Does the bedding area need to be 4 walls with an entrance or will a stick arch hidey be ok?
Also they are in our sunroom at present...ive realised they are very far away from family life...would been in a high traffic area help them to accept us quicker?
I love this forum!
Hi and welcome
Pet shop personnel have a lot to answer for seeing the misery they create for the animals they are supposed to be knowledgeable about!
A couple of log tunnels is perfectly fine for your boys while they settle in and you assess them; it is also helpful during the teenage months between 4-14 months of age when testosterone spikes make life very lively. It is unfortunately impossible for you to find out whether the ragged ear happened at the mass breeder's or at their first home, so you have to see how they interact once they come out more. it is another myth that piggies sleep cuddled up all the time; in fact, most don't if they are given the choice, even if they are happily and stably bonded! Even most snuggle-uppers spend part of the night away from each other.
Please place a blanket or large towel over the cage to give them a feeling of security while they settle in. If they are in a cool room, this also helps to keep them warmer overnight.
Please take the time to read our new owners guide collection. You will find it very helpful as we are specifically addressing all the areas that new owners ask the most questions about and have problems with. We have included guides on settling in, making friends with, understanding behaviour etc. as well as care (including hot and cold weather care) and learning what is normal and what not. Our guide collection also includes links to recommended vets and good standard rescues in several countries. You can find more helpful guides via the shortcut on the top bar and are always welcome to ask any questions you may have along the way in our Care sections. We are a friendly forum and will answer them all!
New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection
Is your sun room fully isolated and temperature controlled? Guinea pigs need to ideally have a stable temperature range; thankfully about the same as we humans are happiest with. They do not do well with the extremes of weather and quick temperature swings. A conservatory is basically the same as a big car - in sun it overheats quickly and at night it gets too cold. Not good! Especially not in frosty weather like we are currently experiencing in the UK.
Guinea pigs have evolved living in groups in abandoned deep sets, which have a steady temperature, from which they roam a territory for grazing in the mornings and evenings when temperatures are at their most steady. They are not hardy and they can also die from heat stroke.
Since we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your UK county to your details, so we can tailor any advice and recommendations straight away to what is relevant for your area whenever needed. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This makes it appear with every post of yours and saves us all time. Thank you!
tunnels are great fun for them and they will sleep in them too. In fact with boys you are much better having these tunnels with two exits incase things do get a bit tense as it lessens the chance of aggression.
