Guinea pigs and COVID-19
I didn't see any threads on the question I need an answer to and I don't see the need to start one as it's a simple question and would be a very short thread. It's kinda related to COVID-19, so here goes.
The humane society took in a really sweet, 1 year old Abby. Due to coronavirus, they're short staffed and looking for foster care for their animals. I want to provide foster care, but it's a female and I have 4 boars. If I were to foster her, I can only keep her in the same room as the boys because of the dog. What kind of problems would that cause? Obviously she would be in her own cage across the room, but the boys will still be able to sense her. Is it torture for them knowing she is there and they can't get to her? Will my paired boys; Sammy and Dean start fighting over her even though she's across the room in their own cage?
What about her? Is knowing that there are 4 boars nearby be stressful or problematic for her? I really want to help, but not if it does more harm than good. I'd really like to get some input from you guys.
The humane society took in a really sweet, 1 year old Abby. Due to coronavirus, they're short staffed and looking for foster care for their animals. I want to provide foster care, but it's a female and I have 4 boars. If I were to foster her, I can only keep her in the same room as the boys because of the dog. What kind of problems would that cause? Obviously she would be in her own cage across the room, but the boys will still be able to sense her. Is it torture for them knowing she is there and they can't get to her? Will my paired boys; Sammy and Dean start fighting over her even though she's across the room in their own cage?
What about her? Is knowing that there are 4 boars nearby be stressful or problematic for her? I really want to help, but not if it does more harm than good. I'd really like to get some input from you guys.
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- And got the T-shirt
I don't think you'll know what happens until you try it, and I think the result depends on the boars.
I always had sows, and I once pig-sat for an intact boar for several months while his owner was out of the country. All the pigs were in the same room, and seemed completely oblivious to the others' presence. But I've read of situations where the boars were stressed by the presence of the female.
I always had sows, and I once pig-sat for an intact boar for several months while his owner was out of the country. All the pigs were in the same room, and seemed completely oblivious to the others' presence. But I've read of situations where the boars were stressed by the presence of the female.
Three of the forum members I hoped would answer as I've grown to value their knowledge and opinion. Thank you! I'll call and see if they want me to foster that cute little Abby girl. Don't worry, she'll be safe and sound and won't be having babies!
So I called the humane society and they don't need a foster home for the Abby girl just yet as she's the only guinea pig there. I explained the circumstances and they're okay with me as a foster home if the need arises.