getting a second GP and cage size

[Whimsy]

I am thinking of getting a friend for Melvin. He is 7-8 months now and I am wondering what kind of guinea pig would be the best choice. Should I find a younger one (how young?) or an older one (how old)? I would like the transition from one to two to be a easy as possible, so I would like to know if it helps if the new one is really young or quite a bit older than the guinea pig I already have.

I am also planning on building a bigger cage, but how big should it be for two pigs? I have lots of grids for a C&C cage, but I just don't have unlimited room in my house.

One more question. Is the coroplast used for safety? I understand that you need something for them to walk on, but what about the "walls"?

[Canadian Comforts]

Personally the walls are for loose bedding and poops. With out it (and I have go with out it in the past) I found even on fleece poop would find its way all over my living room. Not fun.

[Whimsy]

That makes sense. I never thought of that :-)

[wendypc]

Here's a link to a good guide of recommended piggy cage sizes:
The preferred minimum size for 2 piggies is 10.5 square feet (2x4 C&C grids). I have also heard that sometimes males need more space than females. Good luck with your cage-building!

[3piggles]

I use Plexiglass for the sides. Doesn't have to be really thick, just enough to stand up. I buy strips and cut them into 4 inch slices.

Make your main level is large as you can, then add lofts on each end or a mezzanine. Mezzanine's only need one ramp, which uses less space in the main level. That only uses the space you have for a footprint, and provides lots of different spaces for piggy activity. Make sure you leave plenty of room under lofts or mezzanine to clean the lower level without hurting your back.

Pigs go through puberty from about 3 months to 10-12 months, so Melvin will be in puberty for another 2-4 months. Since it's hard to tell the true age of babies, it's likely the baby will go into puberty while Melvin is still in it. That's when there are problems.

If you get an adult pig, at least a year old, you should still have many years of healthy pig ahead, only one in puberty at a time, and then only for a few months. Once out of puberty, most pigs get along pretty well, but not always. Build a cage that can be divided, just in case.

[Whimsy]

Thanks for answering my questions. I guess if I want a baby piggie, I will be better off waiting until Melvin is older and out of puberty. My other choice is an older pig, which might be easier to find if I want to rescue a gp and not buy one from a pet store. I am watching the local animal shelters to see what they have.

[wendypc]

If you want to adopt a piggy, you might also try looking in the "Adoptables" section on Guinea Pig Cages website or on Craigslist. (Do they have that in Canada?) I found my 2 awesome girls, Cupcake & Sprinkles, on Craigslist. They were very well cared for but in need of a new home. Unfortunately, we do not have any guinea pig rescues or shelters anywhere near here. Good luck in your search!

[yodelpig]

If you want to pair Melvin up with an older boar, you do so preferably where they have the possibility to date to see whether they are character compatible or not. By far not all boars will click together; however, those that have found each other by dating tend to be more stable. Bonding adult boars usually makes for a stable relationship; but it takes experience and it is a process that can take several days in increasingly smaller surroundings (ideally smaller than their unltimate cage) to see whether they can stick it out under pressure. That is how rescues over here in Britain bond adult boars.

If you do not have the option of letting Melvin and his new friend decide whether they get on or not in a neutral space, a baby boar is generally the second safest option. The age gap helps to make sure that the dominance is more clear cut and that only one boy is in the big hormones at any given time.

[Whimsy]

Thank you yodelpig. I don't know where I would find a pig for Melvin to "date", although it sounds like a great idea, so I think I might have to wait a few months and then look for a baby "brother" for him.

[3piggles]

Any pig you consider can do a boar date. Buy a pet playpen and just ask anyone with a potential piggy pal to small, waterproof area where you can set it up. Takes less than a minute. There shouldn't be anything in the area except the pigs, and you should be able to tell if they get along within about 20 minutes.

www.petco.com/product/113062/WARE-Small-Animal-Playpen.aspx?CoreCat=LN_SmallAnimalSupplies_GuineaPig_CagesHabitats

Mine came with a plastic cover/base that works as a waterproof base.

Most rescues are more than willing to accommodate a boar date/meet and greet. Private owners might not be used to the idea, but should agree. Don't get a pal unless you try them together. Only the pigs can choose their friends.

[Whimsy]

That sounds interesting. I have something similar without the cover, so now I just have to look for a potential friend. I have read a bit about introducing pigs before, so I guess in those approx. 20 minutes there might be a bit of aggression, but nothing too severe. If that's the case and it looks like they show an interest in each other, maybe they can become best friends? It's hard for a guinea pig owner like me, who is new to these pets. You learn something new all the time and you just want what's best for the little guys, but you don't always know if you're doing the right thing. This forum is really great and I wish I had known about it even before bringing Melvin home. There's just a lot to learn :-)

[3piggles]

There are three parts to the "adding a pig" process. First the meet and greet. That's in an empty, contained space for about 20 minutes. Pigs should both check out the area, there shouldn't been any aggression, bullying, etc. Cautious interest in each other, playing a bit of follow the leader with leader changes, etc.

Next phase is at home, in an open, neutral area. Can use the same playpen, but put two water bottles and a pile of hay in the pen. Leave them in there for a good couple of hours SUPERVISED! Have a towel handy to drop over one or both if they fight.

While you're doing this, completely clean the existing cage of any of the original pigs scent, houses, walls, grids, everything. You can spritz the grids with a solution of vinegar and water.

Once the boys are happy in their temp cage, and the main cage is ready, move them to the main cage with two of everything. You only need one source of hay, as long as both boys can access it without either feeling trapped in a corner or anything. Again, have a towel handy to dump on them if they really fight.

You may need to do the neutral are more than once, and do a buddy bath to bring them both to the same level. It's not really the torture they pretend it is, but they share a negative situation, and they smell the same.

It seems like a lot of work, but once you get started, it's really not that bad. There will be a lot of rumble strutting, almost like a doofus dance with a low, rumbly purring sound. They will raise heads and show teeth, mount each other and possibly even chase. All normal dominance for them. Seems cruel and abusive to us. As long as no blood is spilled, let them work out their hierarchy.

[Whimsy]

Thank you so much. That was a really good explanation.
Is that also the best way to introduce them if I bring home a baby pig?

[yodelpig]

Generally, yes - without the bath. You will see less aggression but the humping can get a bit out of, erm, bum from either piggy when one of them goes on general overload.

One very experienced lady executes the first stage on her lap. If there are hostilities straight away, an introduction will be aborted. She also swears on having a soft humping toy around to hopefully draw off some of the fire.

[3piggles]

I just noticed the reference to Guinea Pig Cages cage size per pig recommendation. I don't think the sizes listed are advisable for adult boars. I would go to at least the next size up. I also disagree with GPC that all the space has to be one level. I think lofts provide more places for them to go to or get away from each other. I also think the more different spaces, the more interesting we can make the cage for them.