i play the squeaking of another guinea pig from you tube and my guinea like freezes and pick up one foot and then the other looks like stomping .... would it be good to get another
In the wild, guinea pigs live together in groups of 10 or 12; they are truly creatures born to love each other.
Any guinea pig owner will tell you that it's in your piggy's best interest to have a playmate. Having two or more guinea pigs really brings out their own individual personality.
It's always recommended that you keep them in the same cage so that they can bond and become companions.
The best combination is two females, since they are not as aggressive as two males could be.
However, two male guinea pigs are just as likely to get along if the right steps are taken to introduce the two, especially if you already have an older guinea pig.
IMPORTANT - MUST READ -
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com One section this article does not include is how to introduce your guinea pig to a new mate.
It's important to bond with your new guinea pig first, as all guinea pigs are scared and cautious of their new environments. Also, it's best at first to keep the two in separate rooms while you welcome your new piggy.
After a few days, your new guinea pig will become more acquainted with you and allow you to pick him up and play with him. At this point, an introduction can be made.
Place each guinea pig in a NEUTRAL (they go by scent) closed-off environment so that neither can run away or get lost. A good idea is to lay down a clean, washed towel for the two to sit on. They will stare at each other for a minute and then become increasingly interested in one another as they sniff; some aggression can be expected but it's considered normal.
If the two piggies begin to fight or become hostile, immediately separate them and do not attempt to introduce them again for a few days to a week.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
If all goes well, let the two play on the towel (making sure they don't get away) for about 15 minutes or as long as time permits. Place each piggy back in their separate cages and the next day repeat the process, using another washed towel (no scent) and allow them to play some more. The older or bigger piggy will try to establish his/her dominance over the other; this is also normal, expect a little tension, but they will work it out between themselves .
If they are getting along fairly decent at this point, bathe both of the piggies in the same bath using the appropriate shampoo and wash out the cage they will be sharing. You will also need to wash water bottles, toys, and food bowls thoroughly to remove any scent. This is a very crucial part of the process, because scent from the dominant guinea pig can lead to fights over possessiveness of the items in the cage, leaving the little one left out and possibly deprived.
If the process is done correctly, over a short period of time, the two guinea pigs will bond and eventually become friends, but there will always be a dominant piggie. If they are put together for a day or two already and start "disagreeing" ; with each other, do not interfere, they will work it out amongst themselves, unless they literally hurt one another.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com Unless you want babies, never pair a male or a female together. You can get the males neutered, but for rodents, that type of surgery is traumatizing most of the time.
Please consider having two!! Your guinea pigs will be happier and will thrive more and more each day as they grow together. Piggies with no friends can become depressed and lonely: (
Novice owner clearly. Guinea Pigs should never live alone, they will be happier, healthier, and live longer if they are kept with a cagemate or more. Males with males, and females with females, to avoid any pregnancies. Or you can neuter one male and keep him with many females, but never more than one male with a group of females. A MUST READ:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife. htm If you read that whole page their is a whole section about introducing them. Follow closely and you will be fine.
Now cage space is another biggie. You MUST have enough space for two or there WILL be territory issues. Two will need at lease 8 sq ft and if you have boys then they will need 10sq ft. The best cages are C & C cages, made of cubes and coroplast. This is a great site for making them,
http://www.guineapigcages.com/. You can use extra cubes to make a pen to take them out to eat grass in, only in the warm months though, and in the evening, around sunset.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
Other good sites:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/care.htm http://www.guinealynx.info/
