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Small pets

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Original poster

How long did your guinea pigs live?

19 replies

FancyFanny · 15/11/2022 21:30

We have 2 guinea pigs who are 4.5years old.

How much longer will they likely live?

I have never had them live more than 4 years when I kept them as a child. Google says up to 8 years but hoe likely do you think this is?

They have destroyed their C&C indoor cage base, and we found the whole thing a pain, wobbly, unstable etc. They are now in a temporary standard plastic tray type cage but it really doesn't seem big enough. I want to replace with large wooden indoor one but this costs one £300. I'm worried we'll get the new cage and then they won't live much longer and it will be a massive waste of money.

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Hesleepswiththefishes · 15/11/2022 22:05

You really need to try some alternatives like a pop up pen filled with hay for a change during the day and look for things on marketplace if you can’t stretch to a new purchase

up until today had two pigs who had a fab Eglu hutch and run outside and then come in overnight in an xl two tier house to be safe and cosy

they are sweet mammals that require the same input and care as other standard pets, please get them the appropriate space they need

Original poster
FancyFanny · 15/11/2022 22:22

Of course I know they need proper care and they get it- no need to be snarky! Their current accommodation is perfectly adequate by RSPCA standards, and bigger than most give two piggies, but we want better for them that's all! Just asking how long other peoples lived so can decide if it's going to be financially viable long term.

They also have an outdoor run for when the weather is ok and a large outdoor house but want them indoors for the cold weather.

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Theoldwoman · 15/11/2022 22:25

We have had 3 boys in the last decade.

One passed away at 5, the next was 7 and the last one was 8.5 years.

GuppytheCat · 15/11/2022 22:25

Anything from four years to seven or so. But even if you lose one, the remaining one needs a new friend, and you find yourself in a never ending cycle.

Original poster
FancyFanny · 15/11/2022 22:25

Can anyone link to their fab indoor guinea pig accommodation ideas?

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poppym12 · 15/11/2022 22:26

I think I had one of mine for almost 7 years. Not sure of her age when I got her, she's been abandoned in a garden.

Unicorn34 · 15/11/2022 22:27

I've had sooo many piggies and the ones that lived the longest were indoors in a plastic 1m cage, they were very close to 8 yrs each when they died of old age. I do miss them but not the hay getting everywhere!

Eastmeetswest1 · 15/11/2022 22:29

Ours lasted till they were c 5 & 6 years old. HTH's.

Original poster
FancyFanny · 15/11/2022 22:30

GuppytheCat · 15/11/2022 22:25

Anything from four years to seven or so. But even if you lose one, the remaining one needs a new friend, and you find yourself in a never ending cycle.

Tell me about it! We're on cycle 3 at the moment- hope they die together like a proper old couple as the cycle will need to end at some point!

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Original poster
FancyFanny · 15/11/2022 22:33

I'm sure they live longer when inside for the winter!

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fruitpastille · 15/11/2022 23:32

Ours were rescue so were already about 3 then lived 2 years with us. We had a Ferplast indoor cage and we got an outside wooden one for the summer months. You can often find them secondhand on Facebook marketplace. Also you can sell them on when no longer needed.

fruitpastille · 15/11/2022 23:35

I must admit I don't miss ours. Hay everywhere and a noticeable smell even though cleaned regularly. I'm sure our single one was more contented without his 'buddy' - they didn't always get on and would avoid each other.

TimeToSellAKidney · 15/11/2022 23:38

The Ferplast 160 is good (or the 140 + the additional house extension), & usually on Zooplus for around £70.
Most of mine have lived to 6-6.5 years. I had one make it to 7.5 years.

JustBkind · 15/11/2022 23:38

We had two females that lived for over 7 years and died during the covid lockdown, they lived
in a 3m x 3m indoor cage. We recently got 2 gorgeous boys in the same space and the week later got another boy from the same litter that had initially been removed due to an eye infection. For that reason we invested heavily in a C&C 4m x4 m indoor cage with loft space and fleece bedding. I read so much about three boars not getting along but so far so good!! Only problem is I’m highly allergic to them now! Love to hear them squeak though and love feeding them fresh veggies!!

Original poster
FancyFanny · 16/11/2022 07:36

JustBkind · 15/11/2022 23:38

We had two females that lived for over 7 years and died during the covid lockdown, they lived
in a 3m x 3m indoor cage. We recently got 2 gorgeous boys in the same space and the week later got another boy from the same litter that had initially been removed due to an eye infection. For that reason we invested heavily in a C&C 4m x4 m indoor cage with loft space and fleece bedding. I read so much about three boars not getting along but so far so good!! Only problem is I’m highly allergic to them now! Love to hear them squeak though and love feeding them fresh veggies!!

How is your C&C cage 4mx4m? That's approx 12ft each side? Have you used your own base for it rather than the standard corrugated plastic floor tray they sell?

There's no way we could fit a 4m long cage into our house without it taking up an entire room- our kitchen is smaller than that- even the entire spare bedroom is smaller than 4m x 4m!

We got the biggest C&C cage with loft space that they sell on their website which is 6 panels x 2 panels and it's just over 2m long

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Eastmeetswest1 · 16/11/2022 10:20

We got 3 boys together from babies and they lived happily for 11 months..... then one attacked another. The vets were great and told us to bring in both the one that was being attacked and the one that was doing the attacking. Both checked and nothing could be found wrong (ill) with the attacking one.

Long story short, we tried everything but had to split them so had to get a second cage for the one being attacked. We kept them all together in the kitchen / family room so the single one could still see the other 2 but never managed to integrate them again - and we tried!! Had asked if neutering them would help but the vets were unwilling to do that as they may not survive the op (so separated they lived. fingers crossed yours stay friendly!

Tysoe · 05/12/2022 18:07

My Guinea pig died day his name was popcorn and I miss him so much and I love him to bits 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Original poster
FancyFanny · 05/12/2022 20:44

Aww, so sorry to hear that @Tysoe 😟

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Original poster
FancyFanny · 05/12/2022 20:45

Our piggies' new home is ordered and due delivery on Wednesday🙂

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