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A veterinary blog for pet lovers, vet voyeurs and the medically curious...
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OK so I caved to your recommendations in favor of keeping no less than two guinea pigs at a time. It seemed a fair recommendation, especially after noting how well my goats do in tandem.
Orange (pronounced oh-ronj-uh, as in the German word for the eponymous fruit) is now a part of our household, along with Apfel (apple in German). She snuggles with her con-specific and relaxes nicely when held—though she’s still more likely to hide when the dogs appear than is our acclimated Apfel.
I found Orange at a local big box pet superstore being hawked by an adoption group of questionable origin. But that was that—she was mine. A $30 adoption fee sealed the deal. An extra $100 in extra Guinea pig supplies made sure the store made out big in the deal with the adoption people. I played my part.
Though I live in double fear of allergies now that we have two pigs in the household, I couldn’t help but ensure our Apfel had the best of everything. Especially after hearing that Guinea pigs are not sold separately in progressive places like Sweden, I had my misgivings about the sole pig thing and had to make sure Apfel had her Orange.
The similar scenario in my goat mix was what finally convinced me: When I acquired Poppy, my stray goat (yes, it happens—only in Miami), she’d been a nervous creature the whole time I knew her. It was only when I took your advice and gave her a playmate (my Tulip, a silly, now 5 month-old Nubian) that she relaxed and began to accept human companionship (other than my own).
So it was that your advice to seek another pig fell on accepting ears. They now have two enclosures. I switch them daily to the playpen, where they can more easily interact with us, then back to the cage, where they have plush bedding and can relax for the night. I figure it gives them some measure of stimulation to go back and forth.
Though I worry that Vincent (my adolescent Frenchie) plays too rough with them (jumping around them and pawing at their enclosure from time to time) it seems they’re holding up well as long as they have their hiding spots. Apfel actually seems to welcome Vincent’s playfulness, running in and out of the caves and tubes I’ve purchased for their pleasure, teasing the dog mercilessly.
Though Orange is still in “you don’t see me” mode, she’s coming along quite nicely. Perhaps by next week she’ll be squeaking up a storm. I can’t wait… I’m afraid cavymadness is upon me…
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"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
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- Mohandas Gandhi
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Piggies love to hide. Make sure you get one or two of those igloos or, large diameter cardboard tubes......my parents' pigs always hide their faces under things when they are scared, never the whole body. I fear they must not 'make it' in the wild if that is their approach to concealing themselves. Lol......
I have noticed it takes my guinea pigs about two weeks to adapt fully to any change. They are a bit slow, but I'm sure Orange will be 'popping' and 'squeeking' away in no time. Regular handling of the pigs or 'lap time' with a few green morsels is also a good way to foster friendly, calm piggies (it takes them a few days in a row of consistent 'lap time' to figure out what it really means).
As for allergies it took me two years to figure out I was allergic to Timothy Hay, much more than the Guinea Pigs. I found that Orchard Grass from Oxbow (you can get it shipped to you on-line) doesn't even make me sneeze. It has been worth the change- as now I have no fear of reactions when handling the pigs. You may want to give it a go for a month or two to see if the allergies are reduced. (also invest in a neti pot- it is odd but it works) ;-)
Wheeeeek! Welcome to the herd.
Joanne
I'd love to hear more about Orange and Apfel. I think I shall be including your entry in my next CavyMadness newsletter! :)
Tammy and The Madness