What. An. Idiot

[jessblacow]

I can't believe how stupid i am. I cleaned my guinea pig cage out tonight and as it was a bit smelly, i used some disinfectant on the base without thinking. It wasn't until all four piggies went back on that i realised something wasn't right. Cookie was trying to hump the others all over again and chasing brandysnap all over.

I've only had them two weeks and things were starting to settle down a bit. I now realise that what i have effectively done is wiped the slate clean. There should be a warning about using cage disinfectant!

I have only had them 2 weeks and things were only just starting to settle down. The thing is, after i realised i put their manky cardboard tube back in and none of their hideys or bowls have been washed. Is the hierarchy fight really going to start all over again?

I can't believe i was so stupid!

 

[sport_billy]

I would doubt it is the disinfectant and would imagine what you are seeing is a 'Season' these happen with Sows and cause the chaos you are seeing for normally 24 hours before calming down. We have 4 girls and during season time it gets very rumbly and chasey.... I think it is just coincidence that you have cleaned the cage. Peace should resume soon

 

[jessblacow]

I really hope so @sport_billy. I have wanted guinea pigs for years but am feeling a little out of my depth i don't think it would have mattered whether i got two or four. I just want them to settle down and over time get used to me. They used to be in the same tiny cage before they came to me so they have lived tofether previously.

It doesn't help that I go on holiday on sunday, my neighbour is going to look after them but I worry it's just going to unsettle them further, especially as they will be in the presence of two males...

 

[sport_billy]

Will they be in a different room to the boys?

Try not to stress, I know that is easier said than done but they will calm down. Seasons do throw things a little, but normally last no more than 36 hours in my experience. How big is your cage?

 

[jessblacow]

I'm not sure where my neighbour is going to keep them but she's planning on putting them out in the garden at the same time in 2 seperate runs.

As for my cage, I think it's 5 ft but I'm planning on getting another one and linking it up to the first.