Using A Second Hand Hutch

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SmAsh

SmAsh

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Hi,

Please could someone offer me some advice?

We have had two boars since August, perfectly bonded but they decided to challenge dominance, blood was drawn and now we cannot integrate.

We have bought a second hand identical hutch to keep one of the pigs in so we can keep them apart but keep the cages close so they can still talk.

But I'm now worried about if a second hand cage is ok? It was used by rabbits so was sprayed on. We washed it thoroughly with soap and water, let it dry. Scrubbed it with anti bac wipes then sprayed with Guinea pig hutch spray. Covered the bottoms with Lino tiles. I put Smoke in it tonight but now I'm worrying if it is safe? I have found advice about using cages already used by Guinea pigs but not that have previously been used by rabbits.
 
Yes I think it would be fine too, my Boys are in a second hand cage and the previous owner said he died of old age not a disease or anything like that, I scrubbed it outside with warm soapy water and also boiled the kettle and poured it all over it, then used animal cage spray and they have been happily living in it for 15 months now and they are very healthy according to the vet or should I say 3 different vets :)
 
^*he was a rabbit*^ that died of old age, sorry I forgot to mention that lol I'm abit sleepy lol :)
 
I think it would be fine.
As long as you cleaned it well and let it dry, then it is unlikely anything harmful will have survived.
 
Thank you everyone :)

The next thing I was thinking of doing is getting two baby boars keeping them in quarantine for two weeks then introducing one to each older one. One of the older ones, Ash, is lonely already. Is this a good idea?
 
Please remember that the best bonds are based on personality so there is no guarantees that a new piggy will be a good fit. It will also depend on how old your boys are. Piggies between 6 months to 18 months are the hardest to bond as they are in their most hormonal and unsettled phase of life as they go through puberty. Boars over the age of 2 tend to be more settled in their personality and can be easier to bond.
Bear in mind that any baby you introduce will hit puberty itself at 4 months+ and what started out well may change as the younger pig becomes a humpy, hormonal teenager. This is when things can go wrong.

Ideally your best bet is to take your boys dating at a good rescue (see our locator - I am not sure there is much close to you but it's worth travelling for the peace of mind of a good bond...) where the boys can hopefully meet a variety of new friends and find someone that suits. It's not always the case that they like the first pig they meet so a repeat visit may be needed. Your other option would be to get the boys neutered and after their 6 weeks recovery period, introduce them to a girl each. Cross gender pairs are generally more stable and if your boys are still quite young then this may be more achievable than boar bonding.... Again a rescue can help them fid a lady they like as ladies can be as picky as the boys when it cmes to friend :)

Try these links too for more info:
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Illustrated Bonding Behaviours And Dynamics
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
 
Thank you for your advice. We bought two babies and we are really going to try and keep them bonded. We have two double tiered cages and a single one so have room if it doesn't work.
 
Beans&Toast said:
Yeah its worth a shot. Is there no way of your boys getting on at all? How old are they?
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They are 7 months old, we will keep trying to put them together just incase.
 
Beans&Toast said:
Maybe they're just not getting on because they're going through the hormonal stage.. would be lovely if they could get on :love:
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We are really hoping they will, their scent they give off makes me feel sick
 
We bought two baby Guinea pigs. Spent three days bonding them with the older two. One has bonded incredibly well. But the other baby is relentless, chases and humps all the time, keeps eating and ripping the older ones fur out. I was expecting all this behaviour but not to the extent the baby is doing it. Ash and the baby spent the day in the run but cleaned and neutralised the cage and they both went crazy. They really upset the other bonded pigs who started playing up jumping again. I'm really upset I don't think it will bond!
 
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