This is my first post since returning from my trip to Albuquerque, NM. Woohoo
!
Anyway, I thought I'd post about my newest addition -- a guinea pig! I've not posted about guinea pigs here before as I was finding myself quite discouraged after looking to adopt a pig from a local shelter or rescue group for well over a year. But, the time finally came yesterday when I brought my new little girl home.
But, while our story does have a happy ending, she didn't have a good start to life. Apparently, she was purchased from a pet store by a family to be their child's Easter gift. They couldn't find a bunny Easter weekend and decided a pig would have to do, but she wasn't their first choice. At any rate, over the last month or so, they grew bored of their new companion and decided to ship her off to the shelter. And, because her previous owners were so stellar (yes, I'm being sarcastic here
), they decided, while at the shelter, to adopt a rabbit instead. But, in the end, it all worked out because I was called last week that they had a guinea pig and that they were holding her until I could meet her and decide whether or not she would be the right addition to my home. And, guess what?! She was!
So, I'm now a guinea pig owner. I built a large C&C cage (you can read about them here: http://www.guineapigcages.com/cubes.htm) months ago and had everything ready to go for her once I brought her home. And, so far, things have been going as well as could be expected. She's very frightened and has taken to hiding, but she is as sweet as she is cute. She is an Abysinnian and is golden and white with pink eyes. She's quite small and is estimated at 6 months old, but I think she's probably younger than that. I've owned guinea pigs before and she resembles babies that are just around 4 months of age. But, that's neither here nor there -- especially as she now has a loving, forever home where she will be doted on, spoiled, and adored!
Unfortunately, while guinea pigs are typically social animals, she does not seem to get along with other pigs. She was fostered by a shelter volunteer who had other guinea pigs and found some disturbing behaviors when they were introduced. Therefore, for the time being, she will be my only pig. But, that's okay. I know I can provide love, companionship, and stimulation to her. And, who knows, perhaps the future will bring another pig into my home and heart, but, even if that's not the case, I'm happy to provide a stable home for my little girl.
As of yet, I haven't decided on a name for her. I was considering Libby because it's cute, sweet, and not all that common. But, I was also thinking about something more unique such as Kokopelli -- especially since I just returned home from the southwest. You can read about what Kokopelli is here: http://www.indigenouspeople.net/kokopelli.htm. But, I could definitely use help with other suggestions for names. I may post another thread specifically for naming my new pig, but we'll see what kind of responses I get here first. As most know, I am partial to human names, but I don't want something ordinary. So, we'll see where that leads...
So, are there any other guinea pig owners here? If so, please share. How many pigs do you have? What are their names, breeds, colors, personalities, and the like? What kind of cages do you use and what type of diet is your guinea pig on? Any information you can provide would be most appreciated. Like I said, while I've owned guinea pigs in the past, it's been a while and I'm just so excited that I want to share my good news with as many people as possible. So, please, share away
!\\
And, yes, pictures will be forthcoming...
Anyway, I thought I'd post about my newest addition -- a guinea pig! I've not posted about guinea pigs here before as I was finding myself quite discouraged after looking to adopt a pig from a local shelter or rescue group for well over a year. But, the time finally came yesterday when I brought my new little girl home.
But, while our story does have a happy ending, she didn't have a good start to life. Apparently, she was purchased from a pet store by a family to be their child's Easter gift. They couldn't find a bunny Easter weekend and decided a pig would have to do, but she wasn't their first choice. At any rate, over the last month or so, they grew bored of their new companion and decided to ship her off to the shelter. And, because her previous owners were so stellar (yes, I'm being sarcastic here
So, I'm now a guinea pig owner. I built a large C&C cage (you can read about them here: http://www.guineapigcages.com/cubes.htm) months ago and had everything ready to go for her once I brought her home. And, so far, things have been going as well as could be expected. She's very frightened and has taken to hiding, but she is as sweet as she is cute. She is an Abysinnian and is golden and white with pink eyes. She's quite small and is estimated at 6 months old, but I think she's probably younger than that. I've owned guinea pigs before and she resembles babies that are just around 4 months of age. But, that's neither here nor there -- especially as she now has a loving, forever home where she will be doted on, spoiled, and adored!
Unfortunately, while guinea pigs are typically social animals, she does not seem to get along with other pigs. She was fostered by a shelter volunteer who had other guinea pigs and found some disturbing behaviors when they were introduced. Therefore, for the time being, she will be my only pig. But, that's okay. I know I can provide love, companionship, and stimulation to her. And, who knows, perhaps the future will bring another pig into my home and heart, but, even if that's not the case, I'm happy to provide a stable home for my little girl.
As of yet, I haven't decided on a name for her. I was considering Libby because it's cute, sweet, and not all that common. But, I was also thinking about something more unique such as Kokopelli -- especially since I just returned home from the southwest. You can read about what Kokopelli is here: http://www.indigenouspeople.net/kokopelli.htm. But, I could definitely use help with other suggestions for names. I may post another thread specifically for naming my new pig, but we'll see what kind of responses I get here first. As most know, I am partial to human names, but I don't want something ordinary. So, we'll see where that leads...
So, are there any other guinea pig owners here? If so, please share. How many pigs do you have? What are their names, breeds, colors, personalities, and the like? What kind of cages do you use and what type of diet is your guinea pig on? Any information you can provide would be most appreciated. Like I said, while I've owned guinea pigs in the past, it's been a while and I'm just so excited that I want to share my good news with as many people as possible. So, please, share away
And, yes, pictures will be forthcoming...
