The Pigloo Forums

cavyaddict · Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 145 Location: NE Ohio

I took in a guinea pig last Friday. This is his 3rd home & he's about 1 1/2 - 2 years old. He was originally my cousin's daughter's piggy, then she got married in July. Her husband didn't like the guinea pig & didn't want him so my aunt took it because she felt sorry for him. She is having health problems so I took him in.
I'm not to happy about the condition this pig is in. He use to be friendly when she first got him, now he is fearful & bites. He also has a big patch of hair missing on the lower part of his back so I'm treating him for mites. Right now I'm just letting him settle in. What is the best way to start to socialize him?

Bride of Chad · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 7:03 pm Post subject:

I am glad the little guy was lucky enough to be homed with you. It sounds like the poor guy has had a bit of a rough start.

When we brought Rosie and Patches home (Taken from a home that was "bored" of them.), neither of them were social. They ran for cover at the slightest whisper. That's when they came out from their hidey. I slowly sat with them more, and allowed them to sniff at me. I would hold them for a few minutes at a stretch, just enough to get them used to my smell and mannerisms. Eventually they would come out and sit for a bit, and liked to be held. Rosie was the quickest at becoming social. She was a little smooshy loveball! She was all about the snugglins and let us pick her up. She would even wheek when she wanted some lovin'. :)

I hope your new addition becomes a happy and all better little piggie! What's his name, and do you have any pictures?

Chad · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 7:36 pm Post subject:

Three homes. *sigh*

At least the little guy is in good hands now.

SandyF · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 109 Location: Hoosierville, USA

Poor little guy. Ditto -- at least he's in a good home, now. Kudos to you for being concerned for his welfare and taking him in.

Treating the mites may also go a long way towards improving the biting and fearful behavior, as the parasites can be very painful and cause normally friendly pigs to become nippy and anti-social. Are you using Ivermectin? If so, what type and how are you dosing it?

And yes! Pictures, please!

cavyaddict · Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 145 Location: NE Ohio

He improved a bit from being over at my aunt's house but he was only there for about a month. We talk to each other on the phone & she felt bad about giving him up but feels better that he's over here since I know more about guinea pigs.
Yes I'm using the injectable Ivermectin topically. I'm following the instructions for the mite treatment on guinea pig lynx site. I also have a vet book diseases of domestic guinea pigs. I'll get pictures of him when he settles in & try to figure out how to down load them to the forum. His first name was piglet & the second name is digger. Not sure if I'm going to rename him. He's cute. Brown & white. His hair grows towards his head. Never seen anything like it. And he likes classical music.

Chad · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:32 pm Post subject:

I agree with SandyF on the treatment helping the fearful behavior. Mites are exceptionally painful.

And he likes classical music.

Our pigs dig contemporary jazz.

Bride of Chad · Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 9:32 pm Post subject:

Sounds like one awesome little piggie!

If you have problems with pictures, Photobucket is really easy! I use it for all of our pictures, and you can direct link or attach the picture in a post. It has several choices to chose from as far as that goes.

Our piggies loved Jazz music. But then the station went all modern dance/techno one day. Not even any warning! Gr! Now they listen to classic rock. I have to say, I think I saw Jake head banging the other day to some Floyd. Heehee

SandyF · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 109 Location: Hoosierville, USA

Bride of Chad · Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:37 pm Post subject:

When we brought Jake home we noticed he does have a tiny hole in his one ear...

You're right Sandy! LOL Now we have to watch for tattoos!

cavyaddict · Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 145 Location: NE Ohio

Well Sandy I think you are right. I took him out of the "cage" cut his nails & gave him a bath & he didn't try to bite me. He was in one of those storage containers. I got my tommy 120 out of storage & cleaned it up. He also seems happier to have a bigger cage to run in.

SandyF · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 109 Location: Hoosierville, USA

Oh yay! That's really good news.

By the way, if you'd like to do another upgrade after he has settled in a bit more, there are some really great "do it yourself" cube & coroplast cage building ideas on this site: www.guineapigcages.com.

cavyaddict · Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Posts: 145 Location: NE Ohio

I'm aware of that site. I built the cage I have my other 2 pigs in. I use the 120 cage for an isolation cage. I'm going to hold off until he is done with his treatment before building another or modifying the cage I have now.

SandyF · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 109 Location: Hoosierville, USA

Sounds like a good plan! :)