mandykat
Junior Guinea Pig
So I am now up to four guinea pigs. I initially got one, (Equatorial Guinea, called EQ) and realized she needed a friend and a larger cage, got the friend (Bissau) and large C&C cage, and they both seem very happy most of the time now. Then I came across two adorable baby girls - accidental pregnancy, in need of re-homing, could not resist - you know how this goes. They are all black and white, and I hope to post PIGtures soon (but Photobucket is not cooperating at present).
The little ones are in a separate cage at the moment, though I did not quarantine them apart from each other as they are litter-mates and had just gotten a clean bill of health from the vet when I took them home and are already very attached. (Grateful for extra C&C materials!) They were extremely shy initially, hiding on top of each other with their heads in the corner of the box on the drive home from the rescue. They still hide a lot, but are coming out into the open more and more, and they talk to EQ and Bissau in their adjacent cage.
The little ones are INCREDIBLY loud, very often, more than the other two ever were or are. Is there any explanation for this? It is cute; I do not mind, but I wonder why. They wheek and chatter, but they also make very high-pitched sounds as well. My husband and I sometimes hear them all the way across the house, and fearing they are distressed, we run into their room, at which point they look at us as if we are crazy, and then resume playing or go hide. Is this normal? Personality? Age? Could they be scared, and if so, how might I help them? Ironically, the smallest one is also the loudest. Any info would be appreciated.
We just designed a new 4X5 C&C crate with three levels, covered ramps with side guards, and two lofts and we (ok, mostly Nate) will assemble it this week, and we have gotten extra water bottles (5 total) and hide boxes (5 plastic and 3 made of sticks) and food bowls (4 total) and lots of toys (natural wood chew sticks and balls, tunnels, treat balls, etc). I think there should be enough space and entertainment for everyone, but I confess I am a bit nervous about the introductions, which we plan to do in the bathtub, as it is neutral ground. They are all female, which I hope will help. I would love for them to all live in the same habitat (though we could divide into halves if necessary) and they have been side by side for a couple of weeks. EQ and Bissau were adjacent before moving in together, and they have been great as a pair. However, given the smaller size (about 4 ounces difference) of the little ones, and their incredible noise-making abilities, I am a bit concerned. I plan to put them in the tub with a bowl of food to share, and then observe, then move them to the habitat. How long should they stay in the tub? If they get on there, will they be ok in the habitat all together? How long do I need to observe them to make sure all is well?
Again, I would be grateful for any and all suggestions. This forum and the great people on it have been a tremendous help to me from the moment I decided to get a guinea pig, and I truly appreciate this. Hope everyone's week if off to a good start!
-Amanda, et al
The little ones are in a separate cage at the moment, though I did not quarantine them apart from each other as they are litter-mates and had just gotten a clean bill of health from the vet when I took them home and are already very attached. (Grateful for extra C&C materials!) They were extremely shy initially, hiding on top of each other with their heads in the corner of the box on the drive home from the rescue. They still hide a lot, but are coming out into the open more and more, and they talk to EQ and Bissau in their adjacent cage.
The little ones are INCREDIBLY loud, very often, more than the other two ever were or are. Is there any explanation for this? It is cute; I do not mind, but I wonder why. They wheek and chatter, but they also make very high-pitched sounds as well. My husband and I sometimes hear them all the way across the house, and fearing they are distressed, we run into their room, at which point they look at us as if we are crazy, and then resume playing or go hide. Is this normal? Personality? Age? Could they be scared, and if so, how might I help them? Ironically, the smallest one is also the loudest. Any info would be appreciated.
We just designed a new 4X5 C&C crate with three levels, covered ramps with side guards, and two lofts and we (ok, mostly Nate) will assemble it this week, and we have gotten extra water bottles (5 total) and hide boxes (5 plastic and 3 made of sticks) and food bowls (4 total) and lots of toys (natural wood chew sticks and balls, tunnels, treat balls, etc). I think there should be enough space and entertainment for everyone, but I confess I am a bit nervous about the introductions, which we plan to do in the bathtub, as it is neutral ground. They are all female, which I hope will help. I would love for them to all live in the same habitat (though we could divide into halves if necessary) and they have been side by side for a couple of weeks. EQ and Bissau were adjacent before moving in together, and they have been great as a pair. However, given the smaller size (about 4 ounces difference) of the little ones, and their incredible noise-making abilities, I am a bit concerned. I plan to put them in the tub with a bowl of food to share, and then observe, then move them to the habitat. How long should they stay in the tub? If they get on there, will they be ok in the habitat all together? How long do I need to observe them to make sure all is well?
Again, I would be grateful for any and all suggestions. This forum and the great people on it have been a tremendous help to me from the moment I decided to get a guinea pig, and I truly appreciate this. Hope everyone's week if off to a good start!
-Amanda, et al
