one or two piggies?

[lverb]

Hi, everyone!

My 13-year-old daughter is requesting a guinea pig for Christmas, which I think is a great idea. We love all things furry, and have a nice little "zoo" of cats, a dog, rats, and have had various other critters over the years. This will be our first experience with guinea pigs, however. The main question I have right now--should we get one or two? I know many animals are quite social and do better in pairs (such as our ratties), and if that's the case, then we'll do two. What's your opinion? Is it OK to have just one, or is it really better to have a pair of same-sex piggies?

Any help would be appreciated! We want happy critters!

[lillybethb]

We have 2 boys from the same litter. It works out wonderfully because when we're not home they have each other for company. If you do get piggies, remember that cats love to chase mice and other rodents, so you'll want to make sure they have a good cage that kitty can't get into. Also, your pigs might be a little nervous around kitty. We like to have our guys in the living room so they can feel a part of the family. Some people (depending on climate) keep theirs outside....... but its too cold for that where we live. ~I find that two pigs are really about the same work for me as one would be.

[fairysari]

Guineas pigs are social animals and do better in pairs or groups. You might find this link interesting and helpful: http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm

[lverb]

Hi!

Thanks for your replies! We were going to wait until Christmas, but yesterday we stopped in our favorite (and most trusted) pet store and happened to find the cutest little brothers and couldn't resist, so we brought both of them home. They're so adorable! Fortunately our dog has no interest in them (no big surprise--she's a rat terrier that's actually afraid of our rats!) and the kitties are interested but have behaved themselves. We have them in my daughter's room right now until they get adjusted, then we'll put them where there's a bit more activity. I really appreciated the advice, especially since we fell in love with both of them! The book we bought said the same thing--that they're sociable and like to have a piggie friend. So far, so good!

Thanks again!

[Foggycreek]

I'm so sorry you bought guinea pigs from a pet store. Surely you could have found a rescue or shelter in your area?

[gr8kvs]

Hi. In my experience with guinea pigs, one male pig is great to have, but, (yes but) this guinea pig must spend lots of time with his human dependants. Bonding with your guinea pig is important and it is very rewarding. His cage would have to be placed in an area where he can see the family as often as he likes. Also in an area where he will not be scared by loud noises.

When we got out first guinea pig, he was about 2-3 months old, we spend alot of time holding him, cuddling, petting, and buddling him up with a towel. It was amazing how he became so tame. . .we though he should of been a cat or dog instead. We let him run around, with supervision, and he followed my daughter around everywhere. . it was amazing. But, he died only after two years due to overgrown teeth. Now we have three pigs and they were given to us at an older age and they are different in a sense that they were not handled alot and they are more nervous.

Liz

[Wheek Minded]

I would take any books that you find with a grain of salt. Most of them are written with out of date information and perpetuate myths, such as things like males not being able to be kept together etc.

Here is a link to what I think is the best care guide for new pig owners. Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig The Care Guide is chock full of important information with solid medical based knowledge behind it, as that site is frequented by veterinary professionals.

[Wheek Minded]

I forgot a couple of things I should have mentioned.

There is a HUGE chance your pigs were mis-sexed since you got them from a pet store. If one of them is a female she is likely already pregnant. Here's a link that shows how to sex them. Guinea Lynx :: Sexing Pups

You'll also want to make sure your cage is large enough to have 2 guinea pigs. A habitat that is too small means that you have to clean it more often, and the pigs have more health problems as well as the fact that two males will fight more often if kept in too small of a space. Here's a link to a rescue that is on a mission to teach people how to build their own cage. A nice cage like this is easy to make and very inexpensive. To get started you can go to Guinea Pig Cages, Your Cavy At Home Many people are building them and selling them on e-bay for a huge profit. The materials to build a cage like this only run about $30 (not counting those drawers under it)

[sashacatgrl]

Trust me. The piggies are male. Oh, and I know this because I'm lverb's daughter.

Also, kinda off-topic, but does the avatar have to be cavy-related?

[lillybethb]

Yeah, your avatar needs to be cavy related. But there's a spot for a picture in your profile.