Continue handling them with gloves or a towel for a few hours after the fight, as they can remain skittish and aggressive for a while after a confrontation. They are safe for children to handle and can be lots of fun. Favourite Add to More colours Adjustable Guinea Pig Sling handmade small Pet Carrier bonding pouch BangBang714. Some may be more independent and aggressive and therefore harder to introduce to a companion. Handle your guinea pig gently, but keep a firm hold around their chest and shoulders. It includes a dark area for the guinea pigs to rest and hide, which has a bedding of: The other section of the hutch should be light and large enough for a separate exercise and toileting area. Understand that if you house two normal (not fixed) guinea pigs of different sex (one male and one female) together, you will end up with babies. Once the temperature exceeds 30ºC you must regularly monitor your guinea pigs. He’ll grow to a weight of about 2.5 pounds (Approx 1.2 Kgs), or maybe a little less if you have a female, and maybe ten to twelve inches long. When they are under duress, use precaution when handling them to avoid injury. “Our guinea pigs dine on a variety of veggies, … This is normal and non-threatening behavior. The guinea pigs should also be treated by a vet or provided with parasite treatment. Depending on the severity of the fight, wait a few hours to a few days. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. Ensure they have a rest period between litters, at least long enough for them to become fit and healthy again. To prevent mastitis do not over breed female guinea pigs. Too many grain products are not suitable because they are low in fibre and high in sugar. This is an expression of dominance and unless it's followed up by aggressive gestures it's usually a normal part of establishing the pecking order. Never introduce an un-castrated male to females. It is best to pick up guinea pigs with two hands. This can occur but watch carefully. Long hair can easily become matted. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. pest infestation such as fleas and mites. Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Raised hair, especially around the neck, and feet stamping are signs guinea pigs are preparing to fight. If possible, adopt two guinea pigs who were raised together. Keep an eye on this behavior, but do not intervene unless it leads to fighting. There haven't been any more big fights. A blind guinea pig and her sister - who acts as a guide to help her get around - are in need of a new home. You can feed your guinea pig: They also need to eat vitamin C rich foods such as citrus or kiwi fruit  as guinea pigs do not synthesise their own vitamin C. Don't feed your guinea pig potatoes, onions, rhubarb leaves and oxalis clover as these species are poisonous to them. Ensure that hiding houses have two entrances so that one guinea pig cannot trap the other. This way, if they get away they will not injure themselves falling. The baby is very aggressive and they are all trying to be dominant, but no one has drawn blood. Females photos 2 and 3 Males photos 1, 4,5,6 1st photo - Silky male 8 months $20 2nd photo - Abyssinian girl 5 weeks $40 3rd photo -short haired girls 6 weeks old $30 4th photo - Abyssinian boy 6 weeks $30 5th photo - silky boy 6 weeks $30 6th photo - short haired agouti/cream boy 6 weeks $30 All come with a guinea pig Care Sheet and Cuddle Sacks. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Ensure that the cage has been thoroughly cleaned, and all the toys re-arranged to make it seem like a new cage. Do not house guinea pigs and rabbits together. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. A cage for two guinea pigs, using that rule, should have anywhere from nine to eleven square feet of space. 2 x 3 C & C Enclosure with Narrow Loft. Squealing, chasing, and teeth chattering are common in the first few weeks. Guinea pigs can cause permanent injury and disabilities to one another if left unchecked. Is it fair to introduce an established guinea pig to a new, rescue pig? In their natural habitat in the wild, guinea pigs exist in herds. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Ad posted 6 hours ago 3 images; baby guinea pigs 2 boys 2 girls Broughton, Buckinghamshire 4 baby guinea pigs for sale. Make adjustments to the cage. … This gives the guinea pigs time to cool off and forget any previous hostilities. Guinea pigs have sharp teeth and are capable of inflicting serious harm on one another. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. A standard size is 30 by 50 inches. The distance between the genitals and anus is greater in males than females. tips were helpful. We'll try it this. Avoid uncovered wire mesh floors. References If they get on well, wash the cage before you put them in since this will make it feel like new territory. Long-haired guinea pigs may need 2-3 baths a year. Although guinea pigs can make shrill noises that may sound like pain, it is just their way of saying that they submit to the more dominant pig. Take your time, and patience is key. This way, you know they are already compatible. If guinea pigs do not have clean bedding they can suffer from: Guinea pigs are very sensitive to temperature change. 5. Push in and up (towards the guinea pig's head) from this point. More room is preferred, and if you're housing three or more guinea pigs aim for at least 13 square feet. The older white one passed away, we are thinking about getting a friend for the younger, "Knowing that males (showing dominance) hump one another and I don't have to worry about having gotten a new female. Guinea pigs are herbivores — they only eat plant material. Guinea pigs are one-of-a-kind creatures meant to have special names to fit their equally unique personalities. Keep it in the shade even on warm to cool days. Is it safe to introduce a 3-week-old boy to an adult male? unlocking this expert answer. The feet have hairless soles and short sharp claws. Guinea pigs are social animals. Provide them with their own space to eat, hide, sleep, and play — provide two of everything. Guinea pigs can develop dental problems. If you notice a fight getting aggressive, intervene immediately. Do not intervene with your bare hands. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Guinea pigs sometimes engage in a behavior called rumble strutting. [1] I just got 3 guinea pigs today, Dad, Mom and Baby. Best guinea pig cage size for 2. Watch for signs of illness. Do not house guinea pigs and rabbits together. Guinea pigs' teeth are always growing and need to be worn down by eating. In a female, this area will be soft, but in a male, you will feel a bone. This spacious and strong cage gives your guinea pigs plenty of room to play and rest while feeling safe and secure. Most new guinea pig owners are advised to get a pair of piggies to keep each other company. The genital opening of male guinea pigs is shaped like a circular dot, while the genital opening of females forms a Y-shape. They must have a warm place to snuggle in the winter that will not be affected by frost, rain or cold winds. Foyle's War, series 3, episode 2, "Enemy Fire" (2004) features a stately home converted to a burns unit in which the patients are encouraged to drink beer, wear their own clothes and organise entertainment. In case the guinea pigs get physically aggressive, you should have old towels on hand. Always keep at least 2 guinea pigs. Preventing your guinea pigs from escaping is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Guinea pigs prefer to be in a group, so if you're keen on getting a new guinea pig, then go for it! or 4 payments of $47.48 with Info. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. % of people told us that this article helped them. Only intervene if the guinea pigs are biting hard enough to inflict wounds. per piggy. To avoid this problem ensure there is soft material such as hay or grass for them to walk on. The, "It helped me a lot. 3 days ago. If guinea pigs are simply not getting along, you can always keep them in separate cages where they can smell, see, and hear one another but cannot physically interact. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Research source. Yes, it is suggested to introduce a younger boar to an older boar. Pregnancy is extremely dangerous for both moms and babies (1/4 of sows die as a result of having babies), so avoid this at all costs. In a male, this will make the penis come out, whereas you will see no change in a female. At times, when they stay still that means they want to be alone for a while. In addition to the emotional concerns, many guinea pig illnesses, which are easily spread at pet and department stores, can incubate for long periods. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. 2 x 4 C & C Enclosure with Narrow Loft. Pet stores sell a wide variety of cages labeled as being good for guinea pigs. Find a new territory where neither guinea pig has been before, but that is a secluded and quiet place where both guinea pigs will feel safe. According to the American Cavy Breeders Association, there are thirteen species of guinea pig. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Need a Guinea Pig Cage 1 – 3 Guinea Pigs. See Options. If your cage is too small it may be difficult for successful introductions. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Adult females tend to get along more readily than adult males. Gently brush out dead hair, tangles or burrs. Most guinea pigs will live from five to nine years but, if kept in optimum conditions and in good health, some are known to live up to 10 years. Mastitis of the udder is a common problem for lactating guinea pigs. Watch carefully, but do not separate unless blood is drawn. Gently rub hay from the old cage on the new guinea pig so he smells more like the rest of the herd. Very helpful! Position the cages in such a way that the guinea pigs cannot see each other but can smell and hear one another. A spacious cage is key to males living in harmony. Fresh green vegetables should be included in their daily diet. Otherwise, two females or two males are best. It does not take long for heat to build up in small areas. 2 guinea pigs i think both female with cage and wa . Keep them in different cages, but in the same room so that they can see, smell, hear, and talk to each other. For Guinea Pigs; Premium Enclosures (2 Levels) Premium Enclosures (2 Levels) 7 Products Found Sort. Guinea pigs are social animals. Hold them close to your chest or on your lap so they can rest their feet and feel secure. A good rule of thumb for choosing cage size is to add an additional two to four square feet of space per animal. If you have more than one guinea pig, it is best if you have one tunnel, igloo, etc. One of the boars bit the baby after he kept bothering him, and the baby acted hurt but it put him in his place. X Fresh, cool water must be provided at all times. Spread their back legs apart to examine their genitals. Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation. It includes 3 platforms and 3 ramps so your pets can run around and have fun.