Guinea Pigs

jed

Nov 18, 2015 at 12:19pm

Any piggie owners out there whom I can hit up for info & tips? Specifically, I'm looking for an affordable kiln-dried pine shavings source, and vet recommendations. I'm in the process of adopting a pair of guinea pigs from a shelter.

Thanks in advance!

cody

Nov 18, 2015 at 4:38pm Edited

They are such sweet pets. We had one for 5 years and she was such good company. Active and alert, vocal, she'd squeak and trill to us when we would go near her and loved to play. I can't help with the shavings, but the local vet who we used for her was Dr. Middleton, who used to be on Springfield Avenue. I know that his practice has relocated to a nearby town (Union?) so perhaps you can find him. I'll see if I copied down the new address and phone. Our girl had a urinary problem and he diagnosed it and treated it. He would also do the nail trims, since I have never, ever been able to cut the nails of small, wriggling animals.

I'm sure you know about the need for Vitamin C and fresh veggies for healthy piggies. Ours loved parsley, carrots, melons and strawberries along with her regular food. Wishing you lots of luck with your new pals!

OK, I was able to find it online: This is from their website: We are proud to announce that we are finally in our NEW LOCATION 465 Chestnut St. Union, NJ 07083. As of April 1st, 2015 our new number is 908-258-7963. The website is: http://www.maplewoodvillagevet.com/

pauli

Nov 18, 2015 at 4:45pm

You can try PetSmart in Millburn next to Trader Joes and ask for Nicole. She knows everything you need to know about Guinea Pigs. She's had them, "pig sits" for others, (and is my niece though that's not why I'm suggesting you talk with her. She knows piggies.) Good luck!

cats

Nov 18, 2015 at 5:12pm

I had pigs years ago. Aspen or Care Fresh is another choice for bedding unless you can find the kiln-dried pine in bulk for better pricing, perhaps online? Get the largest cage possible. They also love dandelion greens (Whole Foods). Great website to check out. http://cavymadness.com/care/index.html

Marchioro cages are great.

https://www.guineapigcages.com/petstorecages.htm

Good luck!

onadare

Nov 18, 2015 at 5:23pm

We also used Dr. Middleton for our piggie and I second the recommendation on the large cage. We got a tabletop rabbit cage from Petco.

They are such sweet animals and very social. Good that you got a pair. Keep the cage as clean as possible, as they are prone to respiratory issues. Also, a healthy diet is important.

Good luck!

jed

Dec 6, 2015 at 9:07am

Terrific, thank you so much!

cody said:

They are such sweet pets. We had one for 5 years and she was such good company. Active and alert, vocal, she'd squeak and trill to us when we would go near her and loved to play. I can't help with the shavings, but the local vet who we used for her was Dr. Middleton, who used to be on Springfield Avenue. I know that his practice has relocated to a nearby town (Union?) so perhaps you can find him. I'll see if I copied down the new address and phone. Our girl had a urinary problem and he diagnosed it and treated it. He would also do the nail trims, since I have never, ever been able to cut the nails of small, wriggling animals.

I'm sure you know about the need for Vitamin C and fresh veggies for healthy piggies. Ours loved parsley, carrots, melons and strawberries along with her regular food. Wishing you lots of luck with your new pals!

OK, I was able to find it online: This is from their website: We are proud to announce that we are finally in our NEW LOCATION 465 Chestnut St. Union, NJ 07083. As of April 1st, 2015 our new number is 908-258-7963. The website is: http://www.maplewoodvillagevet.com/

jed

Dec 6, 2015 at 9:10am

Here they are, in their fabulous cage! Not sold on this fleece lining, however... I'm skeptical that I could go a week without washing, as it says on the instructions. (Says to spot-clean every day and pick up poop but only needs to be thrown in the wash 1/week).

They are so cute though!!