Hamlet Guinea Pig Guinea Pig Saint Paul, MN

Our adoption process can be found on our website here: www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/process

Estimated birth date: 11/1/20

Personality: Very shy (you are unable to touch this animal without it running away or being fearful, etc), Aggressive (lunges, bites, etc), Inquisitive, Friendly toward other animals, Chatty, Hamlet still tries to bite at times, including when filling his pellet container—He sometimes nips, but has not drawn blood. However, he also allows his foster to remove him from his carrier (by taking the top off) to brush him, snuggle, etc, and even try to trim his nails without trying to bite. His foster reports "And he also approaches me when I enter the room, especially if I have treats!" He responds very well to food, offered with an open palm.

Favorite treats: Hamlet still really loves all things food! Cilantro is probably his favorite herb, but he seems to like any greens he is given. He also enjoys a small blueberry from time to time.

Favorite toys and activities: Hamlet likes to attempt to taste everything! He loves hideys and tunnels.

Potty trained: He mostly poops in his hidey spot, but he pees when he needs to. In general, though, he tends to not pee often when he is out for floor time.

This animal’s daily routine: He is waiting every morning for some pellets! He also usually gets some bell pepper first thing in the morning. Mid afternoon, he is ready for more pellets and that is also when he gets his Vitamin C tablet. He is also used to begging every time he hears me in the kitchen!

BFF (Does this animal have or need a friend of the same species in their home?): Hamlet has attempted to be friends with other guinea pigs in the past but has not successfully bonded. We encourage the adopter to have other male guinea pigs for him to socialize with. We are not sure if Hamlet will be able to bond with another piggie, but he would love to at least have another boar as a neighbor!

Other species this pet has been exposed to and reaction: Hamlet is very comfortable around his foster's cat and will follow her around the room.

Health concerns: None although he could be more susceptible to future respiratory issues due to his bout with pneumonia in November 2022.

Behavioral concerns: Hamlet is currently in our trust training program for nipping during handling. Due to this, we feel he should be adopted into a home without young children, & feel his adopters should have experience with guinea pigs who are uncomfortable with being handled. To help Hamlet stay calm, his foster calls his name as they approach him and talk to him often. He readily goes into his carrier for wellness checks/vet visits/floor time, and that is the best way to avoid being nipped since he doesn't care to be picked up directly from his condo.

Other notes: Hamlet is a lot of fun, and very sweet even though he can be fearful more often than not about being touched. There have been times, however, when he does allow for some brief petting. When he does, he likes to have his forehead and cheeks petted.

Has this animal been exposed to children? What was their reaction? Not while in the care of the current foster.

Hamlet came to MNPPR when his family was no longer able to make time for him.

Due to our rescue being foster based, not all foster homes are located in Saint Paul, MN. This animal's foster parent prefers to meet at the Richfield PetSmart - 1100 W 78th St, Richfield, MN 55423 or Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies 8537 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420 for meet & greets, & adoptions.

Fee: Hamlets adoption fee is $25

We absolutely DO NOT SHIP ANIMALS! Please do not ask.