New to Guinea Pigs

ruffian · 10-30-2009, 12:29 PM

At the beginning of Sept my 13 year old became the proud owner of Mr T, a tri coloured male GP. I have to say I'm impressed with his disposition and the amount of interaction/attention he requests (the GP, not the boy

)
Anyway, when we first saw him in the store he was easily picked up, now it's like a rodeo to corner him and get a hold on him. We've always been very gentle and each time he's picked up he gets a food treat (boy are they food motivated!) Did we rush this too much or is there something else we're doing wrong? Mr.T will let me rub his nose and feet through the cage bars and is very vocal when he wants food. He's fine once you have picked him up and will cuddle on your chest (or in my son's case somewhere inside his hoodie)
Any suggestions?

ruffian · 10-30-2009, 12:51 PM

Is there anyone out there with expericene with these lovable furballs?

Skipshooter · 10-30-2009, 01:10 PM

The more you take them out of the cage and interact with them...the more they get used to it and become more relaxed. Let the GP play on the floor....we used to let ours roam around in the kitchen area (be careful on carpeted areas if he is not litter trained)! Start with a small area where they can't run and hide somewhere that you will have a hard time retrieving them from. You will notice that they "week" when they want to be taken out of the cage for some play time

I litter trained our GP, so that he wouldn't mess on the floor when we took him out. It also reduces the amount of total cage cleanings you have to do and really cuts down on the smell. If you have a long haired variety, you will have to make sure that you keep him clean by grooming him regularly with baths and hair cuts. Have fun!

justine604 · 10-30-2009, 01:10 PM

most of my piggies do this. for them, its more of a game than anything.

the way ive found easiest is to kneel on the ground (they are tiny prey animals, i wouldnt want some giant standing over me) and with your hand, slowly approach their face diagonally. lightly touch their whiskers and work towards their cheek. pet their face for a bit and slowly work your way back, and then scoop them up. not many guinea pigs will choose running around and playing games over getting cuddles.

if it seems to be running out of fear or its nervous, start the same but try to get them with their butt against one of the cage walls or by a corner so they feel more secure. try feeding them a little bit of veggies every couple seconds as long as they dont run away, and then pick them up.
the way i find easiest when they are nervous or scared is to have them up beside a wall and use one hand to pick them up, putting it under the belly on the opposite side from the wall, then once they are off the ground holding them properly.

sherriawright · 10-30-2009, 03:36 PM

Piggies have very bad eyesight. I always talk to mine before when I enter the room. I keep talking as I open the door and reach in. One runs from me, the other two sit and wait to be held.

ruffian · 10-30-2009, 03:49 PM

Thanks everyone
I've really gotten more attached to him than I had expected.
He is a long hair we brush very carefully, but I haven't tried a bath yet
When he hears the garage door open he gets very excited and "weeks" (almost like an oink to me) because he knows we're home and coming to see him, with food of course. I'll increase the amount I babble at him so he knows it's me, the bringer of carrots and blueberries

Carri · 10-31-2009, 05:28 AM

For the most part, I think they just really don't like the sensation of being lifted into the air. I have had success with wrapping in a towel before I pick them up, so they feel secure.

Good luck with your new piggie, they are great pets! Now he needs a friend so he wont be lonely when you are not at home!

joustinggirl · 10-31-2009, 08:35 AM

Please visit www.guinealynx.com and www.guineapigcages.com for the most trusted and correct information you can find. Many pig owners don't always do the right thing because what they are doing has worked for them in the past. Much has changed in the last few years regarding care.

barnmom · 10-31-2009, 01:22 PM

I, too do not think I would get so attatched to my daughters piggies. They each have their own personality and they do love Nicole, everytime she rolls over in bed Lucy bweeps, Lacy is a more keep to yourself little girl.

I agree the more they are handled the better, each night they have playtime with Lola the bunny. We got them a huge playpen and Nicole can get in with them. Our Harriet, passed away in July, would come when she was called, run to Nicole when she got scared, and never ran away from her. Lucy does sometimes plays the "catch me if you can game" and I do think she thinks she's playing a game.

Just love and handle your pig and have a blast!

SilverLexi · 11-01-2009, 09:58 AM

I just love my piggies. I have 2 long haired and they are half brothers. My daughter owns their parents so I know exactly where they come from. The only thing I have to mention is watch their nails. One of my pigs has perfect nails and never even have to be trimmed. The other one though has terrible nails and if I don't keep them up they curl badly. At one point one curled into his paw. I know I am a bad mom.

When its hot out I trimmed their fur short, not too short, not only does this keep them cooler but also keeps them cleaner.

OH BTW where are the pictures?????

Rafflesgirl · 11-01-2009, 03:21 PM

Definitely research guinea pigs and their care as they do need certain things that people sometimes don't know (such as their teeth trimmed if they don't naturally wear them down and vitamin C.) I love them they are the cutest sweetest pets ever. By the way for anyone wanting to adopt them check out petfinder.com and you will see there are tons of them out there needing good homes!

ruffian · 11-02-2009, 11:11 AM

Thanks so much everyone. After reading the posts and the links I decided Mr T needed a companion pig. When we first bought him I asked the clerk this (she spent at least an hour with us on care and equipment) and she suggested not, that the males would fight if in the same cage
We now have Phantom, a short hair tan about 3 months old, with a full face mask (Hang on to the pink bats, pics tomorrow, my camera was out of batteries last night)
We introduced them on neutral ground (bathroom) and they are now happily gurgling around in their home. Definitely some wrestling and mounting, but no squealing or actual fighting. Mostly they just putter around making a contented sort of "chugging" sound. They have dual everything, but seem to prefer to eat out of the same dish at the same time.
Phantom is much more mellow and likes cuddles, Mr T is a catch me if you can pig, but much calmer now that he has a friend.

joustinggirl · 11-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Older males often do very well with baby boars. The fighting information is old and outdated. The key is correct introduction, a big enough cage and 2 of everything.

ruffian · 11-02-2009, 08:36 PM

I never get this right, but here is my attempt at pictures of the GP
Mr. T is the long hair, bigger and older
Phantom the short hair tan, with mask

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/P1010536.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/P1010538.jpg

jazzymonster · 11-02-2009, 09:00 PM

this is a great topic. I have a friend that has a pregnant piggie and has offered me one of the babies once they are born and ready to be homed. hubby thinks I'm a weirdo for wanting one!

are they better off when they have a buddy?

SilverLexi · 11-02-2009, 09:18 PM

They due like to have company and seem to thrive. I have been told they even live longer if they are not alone.

Not to steal the thread but here is

Spike

and Squirt

They are 3 years old this month. Enjoy yours.

They have me trained very well.

joustinggirl · 11-03-2009, 05:17 AM

Yes, they should be in pairs or groups. Two males will get along if the cages are appropriate size. Pet store cages are too small. Even females can fight if the cage is too small.

Boys can breed at 4 weeks of age. Babies should be sexed and separated at 3 weeks of age.

WestCoastRambler · 11-04-2009, 05:04 PM

I love phantom's colouring! They're both very cute

I've been keeping GPs since August, and so far have successfully kept 3 young boars in a large cage. As long as they have a lot of space (ours is about half the size of a small horse stall, with a second level

) and lots of hidey holes, all should be well. We're still keeping an eye out for any scrapping, but so far things have been peaceful

The petstore cages are far too small...I purchased one to use as a quarantine cage when we introduced the third pig, and also used it when one was recovering from surgery. Otherwise it serves no purpose. The cavycages site posted earlier is awesome, that's what our cage is made of, for about the same price as one of those miniscule petstore cages

If you haven't already, try the local feedstore for supplies rather than the petstores. I find the prices for hay and bedding at even the larger chains like petsmart are absolute highway robbery. $30 (cdn) for a little cube of bedding that wouldn't even cover our small second floor! I just ordered 3200 cubic inches of Aspen from the feedstore for less than that! The hay is insane too and I find the quality certainly isn't worth the extra price - I just fill up a feed bag with the scraps around the hayloft when I'm at the barn and it lasts them MONTHS

sparkyharky · 11-05-2009, 10:09 AM

Don't forget to make sure your GP gets plenty of vitamin C. They are like us and can't make their own...Buy food with vitamin C added and give half an orange once a week. We have a cute female named Emma that squeals like you're killing her

when you take her out of the cage but cuddles after she's out. Good Luck with the piggy...

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10-30-2009, 12:29 PM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,156	New to Guinea Pigs At the beginning of Sept my 13 year old became the proud owner of Mr T, a tri coloured male GP. I have to say I'm impressed with his disposition and the amount of interaction/attention he requests (the GP, not the boy) Anyway, when we first saw him in the store he was easily picked up, now it's like a rodeo to corner him and get a hold on him. We've always been very gentle and each time he's picked up he gets a food treat (boy are they food motivated!) Did we rush this too much or is there something else we're doing wrong? Mr.T will let me rub his nose and feet through the cage bars and is very vocal when he wants food. He's fine once you have picked him up and will cuddle on your chest (or in my son's case somewhere inside his hoodie) Any suggestions? __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

10-30-2009, 12:51 PM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,156	Is there anyone out there with expericene with these lovable furballs? __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

10-30-2009, 01:10 PM
Skipshooter Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northern Ontario Posts: 135	The more you take them out of the cage and interact with them...the more they get used to it and become more relaxed. Let the GP play on the floor....we used to let ours roam around in the kitchen area (be careful on carpeted areas if he is not litter trained)! Start with a small area where they can't run and hide somewhere that you will have a hard time retrieving them from. You will notice that they "week" when they want to be taken out of the cage for some play time I litter trained our GP, so that he wouldn't mess on the floor when we took him out. It also reduces the amount of total cage cleanings you have to do and really cuts down on the smell. If you have a long haired variety, you will have to make sure that you keep him clean by grooming him regularly with baths and hair cuts. Have fun!

10-30-2009, 01:10 PM
justine604 Halter broke Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 121	most of my piggies do this. for them, its more of a game than anything. the way ive found easiest is to kneel on the ground (they are tiny prey animals, i wouldnt want some giant standing over me) and with your hand, slowly approach their face diagonally. lightly touch their whiskers and work towards their cheek. pet their face for a bit and slowly work your way back, and then scoop them up. not many guinea pigs will choose running around and playing games over getting cuddles. if it seems to be running out of fear or its nervous, start the same but try to get them with their butt against one of the cage walls or by a corner so they feel more secure. try feeding them a little bit of veggies every couple seconds as long as they dont run away, and then pick them up. the way i find easiest when they are nervous or scared is to have them up beside a wall and use one hand to pick them up, putting it under the belly on the opposite side from the wall, then once they are off the ground holding them properly. __________________

10-30-2009, 03:36 PM
sherriawright Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pekin, Illinois Posts: 634	Piggies have very bad eyesight. I always talk to mine before when I enter the room. I keep talking as I open the door and reach in. One runs from me, the other two sit and wait to be held. __________________ Illinois, where our Governors make our license plates!

10-30-2009, 03:49 PM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,156	Thanks everyone I've really gotten more attached to him than I had expected. He is a long hair we brush very carefully, but I haven't tried a bath yet When he hears the garage door open he gets very excited and "weeks" (almost like an oink to me) because he knows we're home and coming to see him, with food of course. I'll increase the amount I babble at him so he knows it's me, the bringer of carrots and blueberries __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

10-31-2009, 05:28 AM
Carri Pasture Pet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 13,653	For the most part, I think they just really don't like the sensation of being lifted into the air. I have had success with wrapping in a towel before I pick them up, so they feel secure. Good luck with your new piggie, they are great pets! Now he needs a friend so he wont be lonely when you are not at home!

10-31-2009, 08:35 AM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,799	Please visit www.guinealynx.com and www.guineapigcages.com for the most trusted and correct information you can find. Many pig owners don't always do the right thing because what they are doing has worked for them in the past. Much has changed in the last few years regarding care. __________________ Pink Tiger says \'Grrrrrr\'

10-31-2009, 01:22 PM
barnmom Coming two Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: northeast pennsylvania Posts: 1,995	I, too do not think I would get so attatched to my daughters piggies. They each have their own personality and they do love Nicole, everytime she rolls over in bed Lucy bweeps, Lacy is a more keep to yourself little girl. I agree the more they are handled the better, each night they have playtime with Lola the bunny. We got them a huge playpen and Nicole can get in with them. Our Harriet, passed away in July, would come when she was called, run to Nicole when she got scared, and never ran away from her. Lucy does sometimes plays the "catch me if you can game" and I do think she thinks she's playing a game. Just love and handle your pig and have a blast! __________________ Remember to thank the horses for the happiness and joy we experience through them! It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice!

11-01-2009, 09:58 AM
SilverLexi Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Manitoba Posts: 329	I just love my piggies. I have 2 long haired and they are half brothers. My daughter owns their parents so I know exactly where they come from. The only thing I have to mention is watch their nails. One of my pigs has perfect nails and never even have to be trimmed. The other one though has terrible nails and if I don't keep them up they curl badly. At one point one curled into his paw. I know I am a bad mom. When its hot out I trimmed their fur short, not too short, not only does this keep them cooler but also keeps them cleaner. OH BTW where are the pictures????? __________________ Why is it when we age our hearts get softer, our butts get softer but that dang ground just keeps just getting harder and harder????

11-01-2009, 03:21 PM
Rafflesgirl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 491	Definitely research guinea pigs and their care as they do need certain things that people sometimes don't know (such as their teeth trimmed if they don't naturally wear them down and vitamin C.) I love them they are the cutest sweetest pets ever. By the way for anyone wanting to adopt them check out petfinder.com and you will see there are tons of them out there needing good homes! __________________ Kelli ~He is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers~

11-02-2009, 11:11 AM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,156	Thanks so much everyone. After reading the posts and the links I decided Mr T needed a companion pig. When we first bought him I asked the clerk this (she spent at least an hour with us on care and equipment) and she suggested not, that the males would fight if in the same cage We now have Phantom, a short hair tan about 3 months old, with a full face mask (Hang on to the pink bats, pics tomorrow, my camera was out of batteries last night) We introduced them on neutral ground (bathroom) and they are now happily gurgling around in their home. Definitely some wrestling and mounting, but no squealing or actual fighting. Mostly they just putter around making a contented sort of "chugging" sound. They have dual everything, but seem to prefer to eat out of the same dish at the same time. Phantom is much more mellow and likes cuddles, Mr T is a catch me if you can pig, but much calmer now that he has a friend. __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

11-02-2009, 07:43 PM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,799	Older males often do very well with baby boars. The fighting information is old and outdated. The key is correct introduction, a big enough cage and 2 of everything. __________________ Pink Tiger says \'Grrrrrr\'

11-02-2009, 08:36 PM
ruffian Long Yearling Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,156	I never get this right, but here is my attempt at pictures of the GP Mr. T is the long hair, bigger and older Phantom the short hair tan, with mask http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/P1010536.jpg http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...n/P1010538.jpg __________________ There is something about the outside of a Horse that\'s good for the inside of a man (Will Rogers)

11-02-2009, 09:00 PM
jazzymonster Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 712	this is a great topic. I have a friend that has a pregnant piggie and has offered me one of the babies once they are born and ready to be homed. hubby thinks I'm a weirdo for wanting one! are they better off when they have a buddy? __________________

11-02-2009, 09:18 PM
SilverLexi Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Manitoba Posts: 329	They due like to have company and seem to thrive. I have been told they even live longer if they are not alone. Not to steal the thread but here is Spike and Squirt They are 3 years old this month. Enjoy yours. They have me trained very well. __________________ Why is it when we age our hearts get softer, our butts get softer but that dang ground just keeps just getting harder and harder????

11-03-2009, 05:17 AM
joustinggirl Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boones Mill, Virgina Posts: 3,799	Yes, they should be in pairs or groups. Two males will get along if the cages are appropriate size. Pet store cages are too small. Even females can fight if the cage is too small. Boys can breed at 4 weeks of age. Babies should be sexed and separated at 3 weeks of age. __________________ Pink Tiger says \'Grrrrrr\'

11-04-2009, 05:04 PM
WestCoastRambler Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC Posts: 215	I love phantom's colouring! They're both very cute I've been keeping GPs since August, and so far have successfully kept 3 young boars in a large cage. As long as they have a lot of space (ours is about half the size of a small horse stall, with a second level ) and lots of hidey holes, all should be well. We're still keeping an eye out for any scrapping, but so far things have been peaceful The petstore cages are far too small...I purchased one to use as a quarantine cage when we introduced the third pig, and also used it when one was recovering from surgery. Otherwise it serves no purpose. The cavycages site posted earlier is awesome, that's what our cage is made of, for about the same price as one of those miniscule petstore cages If you haven't already, try the local feedstore for supplies rather than the petstores. I find the prices for hay and bedding at even the larger chains like petsmart are absolute highway robbery. $30 (cdn) for a little cube of bedding that wouldn't even cover our small second floor! I just ordered 3200 cubic inches of Aspen from the feedstore for less than that! The hay is insane too and I find the quality certainly isn't worth the extra price - I just fill up a feed bag with the scraps around the hayloft when I'm at the barn and it lasts them MONTHS __________________ Man does not rightly know the way of the heavenly world, but the horse does rightly know it. ~Satapatha Brahmana XIII

11-05-2009, 10:09 AM
sparkyharky Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 836	Don't forget to make sure your GP gets plenty of vitamin C. They are like us and can't make their own...Buy food with vitamin C added and give half an orange once a week. We have a cute female named Emma that squeals like you're killing her when you take her out of the cage but cuddles after she's out. Good Luck with the piggy... __________________ In Loving Memory of my mother: Leona T. Harkenreader September 19, 1936 to November 23, 2007. You are missed!