Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Q: Why is Cocoa a lone pig?

Hi, Melon here. Cocoa's been in a smaller cage than I'd have liked for a long time now, so I'm happy he's got a bigger place now. He'll just need a couple days to settle into the new space and new bedding.  Anyway, just a note from me because it's a good time for me to say something I've wanted to make clear for a while: why is Cocoa a lone pig? Some of you may have wondered, because guinea pigs are sociable animals and do better with a buddy of their own species. Cocoa is alone due to decisions made by my family when I was younger when my mental health issues were just starting. I'd love for him to have a friend. But Cocoa is my 'last pig' for a while and at his senior age it doesn't make a lot of sense to introduce someone new now. But do I believe that guinea pigs should be in pairs or groups? Yes. Would I keep a lone pig again? I'd try not to. In this case, however, we are blessed that Cocoa has managed really well by himself, and I hope he'll enjoy his time in his mansion. 

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11 comments:

  1. Unknown17 September 2013 at 18:05

    We are sure as a senior all the one to one attention is just what's needed. Looks like the new cage is a hit. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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    1. Melon18 September 2013 at 23:22

      Thanks Molly, have a wacky Wednesday! :P
      Melon and Cocoa

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  2. Pia18 September 2013 at 04:04

    Oh Melon, so nice to see you on the photo!! Sorry Cocoa, also nice to see YOU :-)
    My beloved Lümmel, known as Guinea Pig Prince, who waved good bye at the end of last year (at the age of nearly 10 years) was a single pig for many years. I always thought he will be my last piggie. If I had known there will be a new generation of them, of course, I had done another decision.
    But who knows. It could also be that they don´t like each other and you end up with two cages with singel pigs....
    Don´t let it trouble you. You both look very very happy together!
    Liebe Grüße,
    Pia

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    1. Melon18 September 2013 at 23:32

      Thanks Pia, the photo turned out so nice I couldn't help but share :)
      Cocoa: Wheekheehee thankyou, I'm so glad somebody remembered this is MY blog! Okay back to Melon...
      It's lovely to hear of your Guinea Pig Prince who lived to nearly 10 years. I totally understand about making different decisions if we had known - if I'd known how long Cocoa would be with us, I would have gotten him a friend after his cagemate, Chocolate, passed away.
      And when I say 'last pig' I hope it's just for now... :)
      And yes, pairing males is a little more difficult than pairing females, I try to remind myself that when I feel guilty about it. Thanks for the kind words.
      Melon

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  3. Little Miss Titch19 September 2013 at 01:51

    Don't worry your self over what people ask or think,Rabbits are highly social animals to in the wild the live in large family groups.I only have One bunny at a time as any more would be hard for me to afford as I only work part-time.but all of my previous bunny's had plenty of social interaction from me and my Hubby.guinea pigs and rabbit don't mind where they get their socialising from as long as they get it so having more than one isn't necessary.Cocoa and my Speedy get what they need from us and that keeps them content and happy and on a plus we get to see more of their character with them socialising with us too!
    Cocoa you and your Mummy look very happy together and thats all that matters doesn't it our cheeky little friend,xx Rachel and Speedy

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    1. Melon20 September 2013 at 13:51

      I understand that it is practical in all cases to have a pair, but I've always heard that pigs (and probably rabbits also) do much better with company of their own species. I do believe that your bunnies are better off than most alone in a cage because they are house bunnies. As for the company of pigs, I hope to have some more pairs/herds in future to see the difference for myself!
      Coke's settled into his new cage now.
      Thanks for the comment!
      Melon

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  4. Daisy and Cress19 September 2013 at 16:29

    Awww Cocoa is so cute!
    Love from Daisy and Cress the Guinea Sisters x
    (Guinea pigs)

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    1. Melon20 September 2013 at 13:56

      Thanks for stopping by, Daisy and Cress!
      Nice to meeeet you!
      Cocoa

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  5. acd6pack21 September 2013 at 23:07

    You both look so happy!

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    1. Melon24 September 2013 at 19:35

      Thanks acd6pack! Melon wasn't sure about putting her photo up (she's obviously not a natural model like me!), but it was such a nice shot we thought, why not.
      Cocoa

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  6. Mollie26 September 2013 at 20:11

    Well he sure looks a happy piggy :) xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!

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