New Guinea Pig owner!!

[shanrountree]

Hi to all! I am a proud new Mom of a rescue guinea pig, and I have a question. I got my piggie about a month ago now, and of course I bought what I thought was a nice cage from the pet shop, and since I found your website, he is now in a nice 2 story home with tons of room to run and play. I love ALL of the advice and tips that I read. THANK YOU!!! My question is....Wilbur is a male about 8 months or so and he has a great personality. However, I think he is VERY lonely. He has taken such a liking to one of my dogs. They are too funny. The dog gets as close as she can to the cage, nose in the wire and Wilbur gets as close as he can and just WHEEKS like crazy. When I first got him I was only looking for one piggie. Then, once I started reading your posts and advice I realized I should have gotten 2. Now, the lady I rescued him from said I could never put him with another pig because he had mated? Is this true? Any thoughts or suggestions? Again, tons of thanks for all the great advice.

[Foggycreek]

No, it's not true. Was she a breeder?

I recommend reading Social Life from Cavy Spirit . It talks all about introducing guinea pigs.

[shanrountree]

Hello!

Yes she was(a breeder). I wanted to get a rescue instead of buying one at a petshop, and I found her online. She said that she had gotten him from a family that didn't want him anymore. I asked her before I drove to get him about getting him a buddie and she was very stern that he needed to be alone. I am guessing she used him to breed with one of her females. I had already been reading the pages here in Cavy Spirit, and that was why I was wanting a friend for him. I took him anyway, he such a love. I did read the Social Life and I just wanted to hear what the thoughts would be of some of you guys. THANK YOU for your reply.

[VoodooJoint]

There is nothing lower then a breeder that uses rescued pigs to breed. As the owner of this site would say; Breeders who Rescue Are OxyMORONS. Tis person is should be shut down. She is breeding animals with no genetic or medical history, breeding animals when there is an overpopulation problem in her area, most likely only breeding to sell (blood money) and she obviously does not know anything about GPs or she would know that a male that has been bred can have a male friend of the right temperment.

Please do not ever do business with this woman again. She is not a rescuer she is a breeder. She gives away her culls (unwanted/unuseful animals) and you inadvertently helped her to breed by taking a GP off her hands so she would have room to breed more.

If you want to adopt again please let us help you. We can most likely find you GPs to adopt in you area without supporting unethical breeders.

[shanrountree]

Thanks! I wish I would have known more before, but I am happy with my little guy. YES, I am looking for a buddy for him. I live in Havelock, NC and I am open to any suggestions! Thank you!

[VoodooJoint]

Here are GPs for adoption that came up when I did a search on Petfinder. I'm not certain how close they are to you whough. You would be able to find out my using Google Maps Petfinder.com

Also take a look at the adoptable listed on this site. you can also place an add here that you are wanting to adopt. you can also place a plea on Guinea Lynx :: * * * * *

In your area you can try looking on Craigslist and the local paper's classified section (watch out for breeders though), call local exotic vets and ask them as many vets have or know of animals that need rehoming. Check at your local SPCA or Humane society. You will probably have to atually go on in in person as many shelters don't list their small animals and often the people answering the phones have no idea if they have GPs.