So I've had my guinea pig for almost a month now and I'm worried that he may not be happy. I spend as much time with him as I can and also give him floor time but for the most part all he does is stay in his igloo and lay down. Is he bored? The pet store lady said he has been by himself for a while but getting a him a friend might help. Am I being too overconcerned? I pictured him at least running around his cage, nibbling on his toys, or something! But he doesn't even do that. All he does it eat, sleep, and on rare occasions run around. I've only heard him wheek once. Do I need to get my boar a companion?
2007-06-24 10:17:46 · 13 answers · asked by blasianbeauty_613 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
It's good that you're observant & care about the well being of your piggie!
Yes, it would be very beneficial for you to get your piggie a friend. A very young boar or a spayed female would be your best bet. Cavies are herd animals in the wild. They live in big herds & are very social. When cavies are kept alone, they can become depressed. They *need* the interaction of another piggie to comfort them. It also helps to ensure good exercise, since they usually will chase each other while playing. You need to be sure you have enough cage space. They need about 10 square feet of space. See http://www.guineapigcages.com/ for info on an easy to build & inexpensive C&C cage.
Proper introduction will go a long way in ensuring a good match. Please see http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm for some terrific info. Scroll down & read the sections on quarantine & introductions especially.
Please also consider adopting your new piggie buddy instead of buying from a pet store. Check out http://www.petfinder.com/ to find the perfect piggie near you.
Good luck!
2007-06-24 11:24:58 · answer #1 · answered by Justified 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Guinea pigs need to be in pairs. Even males. They need to be with their own species just as much as people do. They need a big enough cage. The bigger the cage the better they will get along. 2 males need at least 10.5 square feet. Some need more. Also give them 2 of everything (2 hideys, 2 water bottles etc). Please do not buy from a pet store. You would be supporting mills and likely get sick, pregnant, mis sexed (just because they say they only have males doesn't mean they do) and/or parasite infested guinea pigs. Go to a shelter or rescue and adopt some guinea pigs. They are also usually cheaper at shelters.
2016-05-19 12:49:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First if your pig is younger a companion may work. I find the older boars to not like male companions. If you were to have him nuetered I would say a female would be best. Give him treats when you come to the cage and he will start responding more to you. Young pigs will take more time to become human socialized. Give him time and lots of attention and he will be the animal you were hoping for.
2007-06-24 11:35:52 · answer #3 · answered by Kat/Heavenly Kritterz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get him a friend, but make sure they have a big enough cage?
i had two males in a 3ft cage and they got in each others way,
so i had to save up and go and get a much bigger cage?
if the cage is to small they will just fight and i am sure that would be even worse for your fluffy little friend?
2007-06-24 10:38:39 · answer #4 · answered by george n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i were you i would get a companion. your piggie might be lonely. a new friend might cheer him up, he might even act more hyper. make sure the cage is big enough though, the more room the less they will fight with eachother. they will also have tons of room to run around and play!
2007-06-24 10:51:33 · answer #5 · answered by musicgurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Net Kritterz Adopt A Pet
2017-03-02 08:18:20 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO! I have raised g.p.'s on and off for over 20 years and I can tell you that 2 males will fight violently! They live in herd of a male and a bunch of females. You can get a female, but you will have babies. Or, you can have a qualified exotic vet neuter your male (never without risk for pocket pets) and he can live with a female. I've kept plenty of males by themselves and they are just fine.
2007-06-24 11:38:30 · answer #7 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are very social and are better to get in pairs. They are usually happier if they have a friend of their own species. Make sure the guinea pigs are both girls or both boys
2007-06-24 11:22:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Justified is right on! Yes, your piggie needs a brother! petfinder.com is a great place to find one! THere's no feeling like saving a piggies' life by adopting!
2007-06-24 11:33:19 · answer #9 · answered by MemphisGal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
get him a Rabbit!!! i had a Rabbit and i thought that he was depressed so i got him a guinea pig and now they love each other!!! and the best part is, they cant mate!!!
2007-06-24 13:05:00 · answer #10 · answered by James P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋