Should I Neuter?

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nicola1989

nicola1989

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I just acquired two 'free to good home' guinea pigs. They were in a tiny cage, two boys together. They are brothers, and somewhere between 1-2 years old. They get on really well, even in the tiny cage, although now they have a much bigger cage and a run. they do hump each other though, and I worry that because they are behaving like this they might start fighting.

So should I neuter them so they don't start fighting? and will they have health problems if I don't? And will it make them easier to litter train if they are neutered? I have a really good vet who I see with my rabbits and neutered both of my bunnies with no problems at all, but I do worry they won't deal well with the anaesthetic. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
oh, I didn't realise, I know it stops rabbits fighting, so I thought guineas might be the same. Obviously I know baby-prevention is the main purpose! So does neutering not change their behaviour at all? And are they more at risk of diseases e.g. cancer and impacted abdomen (not sure if that's what it's called but I've heard male guineas are prone to it) if they are unneutered? Thanks, as you can probably tell I'm a bit of a guinea pig novice!
 
ive got 2 unneutered boars together, and i wouldnt bother getting either of them neutered, every now and then there is squabbles but it calms down its usually just Maddox reminding Maxwell who is the boss. Even if my boys fell out id be very reluctant to put them through neutering, i'd probably just get a seperate cage for one and then put their cages next to eachother.

I also have 2 sows together and they are the same, squabble then best friends again!

If your boys have been together approx 2years maybe its just squabbling, they should sort it out.

:)
 
nicola1989 said:
oh, I didn't realise, I know it stops rabbits fighting, so I thought guineas might be the same. Obviously I know baby-prevention is the main purpose! So does neutering not change their behaviour at all? And are they more at risk of diseases e.g. cancer and impacted abdomen (not sure if that's what it's called but I've heard male guineas are prone to it) if they are unneutered? Thanks, as you can probably tell I'm a bit of a guinea pig novice!
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A change in behaviours can occasionally be a by product of neutering, but no, it most likely wouldn't change. They are no more at risk of disease in general. Not too sure about increased risk of impaction. Someone else will be along and advise on that. xx
 
Okay, thanks guys :) most of the 'possible ways to avoid a fallout' I've already done, they have lots more space now, two of everything, and constant access to hay, so hopefully they should be fine x
 
Well done for taking on these boys and for giving them a lovely new home to run about in.

I assumed that neutering changed boars behaviour until I joined the forum. There's so much I didn't know. rolleyes

Hope you have fun looking round. There's some great advice; feel free to ask lots of questions. :)
 
nicola1989 said:
oh, I didn't realise, I know it stops rabbits fighting, so I thought guineas might be the same. Obviously I know baby-prevention is the main purpose! So does neutering not change their behaviour at all?
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It's a popular misconception that netuering will have an effect on guinea pigs' temperament/behaviour. You're right that it will change behaviour in some other animals but it just doesn't follow with guinea pigs, for some reason.

Well done for taking on the guinea pigs and offering them a new home with more space. Hopefully they'll settle down and live a very happy and fulfilled life with you! Good luck! :)
 
yeah, I thought I'd better check because I didn't want to put them through anything unnecessary! Also, the woman who originally owned them assured me they 'loved' cucumber more than life itself. I think this is because they had no other veg, because I'm slowly introducing them to different veg and they gobble it all up. I don't want to keep them on cucumber because its so watery, and I know it's bad for rabbits, but they go in a strop if they don't get any cucumber. Am I right in thinking that cucumber is bad for them and I should avoid giving them it?
 
missy said:
It's a popular misconception that netuering will have an effect on guinea pigs' temperament/behaviour. You're right that it will change behaviour in some other animals but it just doesn't follow with guinea pigs, for some reason.

Well done for taking on the guinea pigs and offering them a new home with more space. Hopefully they'll settle down and live a very happy and fulfilled life with you! Good luck! :)
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I hope so! :) thanks for your support everybody! I think the woman who got them was very misinformed, if there's one thing I've learned (and I'm sure you'll all agree) pet shops give terrible advice when it comes to animals
 
Piggies can have cucumber, but just a couple of times a week, like * said because its a watery vegetable, If you look in the food section of the forum i think there is a fab list of all the fruit and veg they can have and how often etc... :))
 
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