New Guinea Pig Mommy!

[kitkatkc]

Hello! My name is Kacie Wilson and I am a recent graduate from college and studied animal science. I recently purchased my first guinea pig (Whinny) a month ago and am enjoying her to the fullest! I have done tremendous research within the last month and am doing all I can to ensure a happy, healthy little female pig! I spend approximately 3 hours with her during the week days and more during the weekends. There are 2 dogs and a cat in my house but she fits right in! Despite the time and effort I have been putting into her, I just wanted to know opinions about owning just one guinea pig? I am open minded about another but am currently trying to learn all I can and become comfortable with just one for the time being. I am open to any suggestions!

Excited to start posting and becoming involved with some great discussions!

-Kacie W.

[bazookagoof]

Welcome to the board!

I too only had one guinea pig, until I started doing some research. Then I thought it might be a good idea for my Oscar to have a friend, since cavys are herd animals. Although the two don't always get along, I have no regrets because I got his buddy from a shelter, and they basically accept each other... as long as they don't try to steal each others' treats.

Caring for two guinea pigs hasn't really been twice the work, either. Just a little more, that's all.

[Bean]

Hello and a warm welcome to Wheekers! Congratulations on graduating from your college course, and what a great subject to study! What do you plan to do next?

I'd also definitely advocate having two. Even if we spend a lot of time with our pets, there are still long stretches of hours at a time they're alone, and as social animals, it's so great for guinea pigs to have a buddy to muck about with or to just keep them company. And as bazookagoof says, two really aren't much more work than one.

I have two girl-boy pairs (the boys are neutered) and both the girls came from homes where they'd been kept as solo pigs for months or years. The difference in them from getting a friend was amazing to see - they became more active and playful and you can tell they just love having company. You do get the odd pig who prefers to live alone, but it's pretty rare - I've never had one.

Another female or a neutered male would be a great companion for your girl. Do you have any animal rescues or shelters in your area? They sometimes provide help with bonding to find your pig a compatible match. Keep us posted with what you decide!

[3piggles]

Hello and welcome I also advocate 2 or more. Pigs are herd animals. They are extremely social, and extremely interactive. They have a fluid hierarchy structure, changing as one pig steps down, or a new pig challenges the dominant pig. Sometimes their interactions seem cruel to us, but they are totally known and understood, even preferred, by the piggies.

You girl has been your only pig, but that doesn't mean she'll be the dominant pig. Take her to a rescue that does dates, putting her together with different pigs to find the best match for her. Once you all agree that the newbie is a good fit, they still need some bonding time, in a neutral place like a play pen or even the bathtub. Once they have gotten through any chinning (each trying to raise their chin above the others), rumble strutting (doing a butt waggling walk while making a rumbling sound), chasing, mounting and otherwise posturing, they should settle down to either the less dominant pig grooming the dominant pig, or just sleeping next to each other. While they're doing that, clean the cage of all of your girls' scent, even the water bottles, food bowls, houses, toys and cage, so when they go into the cage together, it will be their cage, not her cage.

Good luck

[jolovespiggies]

Hello and welcome to the forum love. Yes guineas are social creatures and like to have a companion. Please keep us posted.

Hugs
Jo xx