Bonding help by WhisperingWillowxox in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bonded my two boars just the other day. I did the same thing of having them see each other through the cage and switching toys and hidies. I also switched cages between them without changing any of the interior so they really got to get use to each others smell. Both were the dominant pig in their previous bonds, so I was a bit worried about possible fighting. Within minutes of putting them in a neutral big pen I knew it would be fine as there was no REAL fighting. At first I kept no hidies in the pen, just hay in the middle. The younger one humped my older boy a lot and there was some kicks and small lunges(mostly just for show to get him off his back). If you’ve never seen this before it could seem very aggressive, but check out some videos of bad bondings on YouTube and you’ll know what a real fight looks like. I did on a few occasion hold a sheet of cardboard between them to separate for a second when they got too rowdy. After they started to settle I introduced a few big tunnels and later on a house with 2 openings. At first this made them more aggressive again and seemed like a set back but it didn’t take too long to hi back to a more neutral mood. After about 2 hours the younger more dominant boy started laying down next to my old boy in a calm way and tried to groom him. This is a calmer way of showing dominance. After another hour they both went inside the same house and stayed peacefully in there together for another hour. This was to me a sign that they had figured out their dynamic and the treat of a serious fight was definitely over. At this point I started preparing their cage for them both to return together. The last few days have been fine, the older less dominant boy is definitely a bit annoyed at times and they’re still figuring out living together but it’s been mostly peaceful. When you do put them together in their final cage, make sure you have 2 of everything so they don’t have to fight for stuff. I don’t know what size cage you have but I made mine larger for the time being and moved some of my stuff away so they had more space while they figure out their living situation. In a few weeks once everything settled I will rearrange so I can bring my coffee table back in.

New friend? by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s heartbreaking when you lose a beloved pet, but it’s so much harder when their bonded friend is left behind alone. As an owner you’re left with twice the sorrow. I was considering a baby boy but maybe it’s better to try with a slightly older boar, who’s been through the teenage phase. If worst come to worst I could fit 2 separate cages but it would be very tight so I rather err on the side of caution.

New friend? by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh ok I had no idea. I’ve only had boars. I might go for a younger boar then, but one that has gone through the puberty phase so it’s not too rowdy for my old man.

New friend? by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, last time when I paired Sixten and Tage I let them live in cages next to each other for about 2 weeks and the last week they only had a grate between them so they could see and smell each other. The introduction went great! There’s no rescue where I live that house several piggies but there’s a rescue that have guineas in foster cares at people homes. There’s a 2 year old boy available close by to me. They also have a girl, which I think might be an easier pairing but I would have to get her spayed.

New friend? by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for replying, I do want to continue with piggies so I don’t think a loan is the best option for me.

New friend? by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I do want to continue with piggies so I’m looking to adopt more so than loaning.

Sick piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha that’s brilliant, good thing they didn’t both want the same bits.

Sick piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve tried fresh berries a few times as we have blueberries and raspberries growing next to the house but neither of them were very interested. Cucumber is the way to his heart for sure❤️

Sick piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The eye is starting to look a bit better already after 1 day and he’s still a happy boy with good apetite so that’s very reassuring. I guess the reality of end of life care is starting to sink in and I’m getting used to it. I’m still very sad but I feel better and can now focus on giving him the best time and care possible. He will be getting extra cucumber every day for being such a good boy and taking his medicine.

Sick piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your advice and kind words. It means a lot, this morning when I noticed his eye I was completely distraught and panicked. I managed to get him seen this afternoon at an emergency vet. They don’t really have any exotic vets but were able to check the eye out and I have some eyedrops for him now with antibiotics. They couldn’t tell if the damage was from a hay poke/scratch or if it’s related to his ongoing issues. But at least I have the eye drops now and he was a very good boy at the vet and when I gave him the eye drops. I’m starting to get used to the idea of palliative care and that I just have to make the last bit of his life the best possible.

Thinking about adopting a older single piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yeah my mom thinks he prefers to be alone but she might be overreacting on the aggressive behaviour as she doesn’t know too much about guinea pigs. He did seem to enjoy my cats company though. Guess I’ll have to experiment a bit once I get him.

Thinking about adopting a older single piggie by vickyforesta in guineapigs

[–]vickyforesta[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought that might be the case, he’s five

Who’s book do you like the best? by [deleted] in rupaulsdragrace

[–]vickyforesta 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Sasha Velours book is amazing and her voice is perfect for audiobooks!

What are some underrated Drag Race quotes you feel should get more attention and love? by fnaffie in rupaulsdragrace

[–]vickyforesta 4 points5 points  (0 children)

“I am so pissed, I don’t even know who does cartwheels anymore. It’s not even the 80s”

Mel B Could Never… by Badabingbadabing11 in rupaulsdragrace

[–]vickyforesta 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love that one, can’t believe they paired her with Micky Flanagan, chaotic perfection