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What do I need to know about guinea pigs

2 replies

msreddotty · 10/04/2015 18:40

So I'm going to rescue two guinea pigs.

Is 2 a good idea or do I get a trio? What sex setup is best?

They will be outside guinea pigs. What setup is best? A two tier hutch and a run with a 'house'?

I've had rabbits before but it know gps are much harder.

And any other tips would be much appreciated Grin

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 10/04/2015 20:33

YY they are more fragile than rabbits.
Do they need to be outside? They're quite hard to manage in winter (I've had my pigs in at night from Guy Fawkes to Easter. There are many nights I've gone to bed thinking "thank goodness the pigs are in")

If you do need to keep them outside, a shed or non-car garage to put the hutch in will protect them and you can insulate with hay and covers. But it's the damp they don't cope with.

Our pigs are far too idle to use ramps and levels, they like on-the-floor-living Grin

Definately a pair (or more) though if you want boars, get a bonded pair (can be brothers, dad and son or two bonded together unrelated).
With boars though, 2 is the magic number

Sows can be funny little characters, they don't automatically 'get on'.
With ladies, the only limit is room, so you can have 2,3,4+.

We had boars which were lovely,affectionate,bolshy boys. You need to give them lots of room.

We had a neutered boar + 2 non-related sows (all similar age) Now we have the sows.
They're more reserved (though when we got them, my pig wouldn't even sit on my lap, so they have improved hugely)

They pee more too Wink

msreddotty · 11/04/2015 21:12

Thanks for your message. I've ordered a 5ft by 2ft hutch and seen some YouTube videos of hutch set ups. Is using fleece a good idea? I can imagine much more Eco friendly but do you have to wash it loads if they pee everywhere?

Also what's a good size for a run?

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