Permanent head tilt in Guinea

[Arkay]

Hi ! I stumbled upon this forum looking for some guinea info.
I work at a pet store and we got delivered a batch of guineas a few months ago where one was shaking its head alot, we took him to the vets same day, he ended up staying there almost a week before we got him back where we continued his treatment for weeks, but even after round the clock treatment, his ear infection had gotten to the point hes now left with a permanent "head tilt". He can keep his head straight when sitting still, but whenever he walks he wobbles side to side alot with his head and cant really keep it leveled.
Anwyay, I'm rambling.

SO! I've been thinking of bringing him home with me, but considering how social these critters are, I'm worried he'd get lonely. We've tried to match him up with other guineas in the store, but they've all tried to attack him, he doesnt really get a chance. Would mixing him with two others maybe take the aggression off?

I'd love for him to have an outside hutch with a run in the summer, but i'm guessing thatd be too scary since he cant rely on any other guineas?
Anything else i need to think of? I'm guessing a cage/hutch with a ramp is out of the question so he doesnt hurt himself.

Any other advice would be appreciated !

 

[Wiebke]

Hi ! I stumbled upon this forum looking for some guinea info.
I work at a pet store and we got delivered a batch of guineas a few months ago where one was shaking its head alot, we took him to the vets same day, he ended up staying there almost a week before we got him back where we continued his treatment for weeks, but even after round the clock treatment, his ear infection had gotten to the point hes now left with a permanent "head tilt". He can keep his head straight when sitting still, but whenever he walks he wobbles side to side alot with his head and cant really keep it leveled.
Anwyay, I'm rambling.

SO! I've been thinking of bringing him home with me, but considering how social these critters are, I'm worried he'd get lonely. We've tried to match him up with other guineas in the store, but they've all tried to attack him, he doesnt really get a chance. Would mixing him with two others maybe take the aggression off?

I'd love for him to have an outside hutch with a run in the summer, but i'm guessing thatd be too scary since he cant rely on any other guineas?
Anything else i need to think of? I'm guessing a cage/hutch with a ramp is out of the question so he doesnt hurt himself.

Any other advice would be appreciated !

Hi! A bad ear infection can leave a guinea pig with a permanent head tilt if the balance centre is left damaged.

Please be aware that guinea pigs don't do play time with other piggies. For them it is always serious bonding time. Introducing a new boar to an existing pair can destabilise your pair and in the worst case end for you with three single boars. What you can do is keep your little boy next to your pair with interaction through the bars.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

If you can get to a good standard rescue, it may be worth looking for a laid back single adult/older boar to take care of your baby. A few US and the only Canadian rescue in the Toronto ara also have spayed sows, but that is very hit and miss. Many of these rescues offer dating at the rescue so you come home only with a companion of acceptance has happened.
An adult boar has the advantage that the teenage hormones are out of the way, so there is not so much of an issue about the risk of bullying when the testosterone spikes hit during the teenage months. But you want one with a caring side, and not a dominant boy.
A spayed sow would of course be even better (in that case, you need to keep your boar pair out of sight), but they are not all that common; again, it is a matter of acceptance and mutual liking.
Here is a link to US and Canadian rescues: Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

You may find our new owners guide collection very helpful: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Since you are using pet store and not pet shop, I assume that you are from the American continent? We have got members from all over the world and find it therefore very helpful if you please added your country, state or province to your details, so we can always tailor any advice to what is available and relevant where you are straight away. Please click on your username on the top bar, go to account details and then to location. This makes it appear with every post you make and saves us all time. Thank you!

 

[Merab]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
I think it's wonderful that you want to give this boy a loving home.
One option may be to have him neutered and partnered with a sow or 2.
Anyway - hope you find a suitable companion for him soon.