Is it OK to have two guinea pigs together?
Two males that are likely to get along will drop the aggression (or not display it at all) and sniff each other and even purr with contentment. If you are looking to add 2 new guinea pig companions then we strongly recommend that you don’t have three males living together.
Is it better to have a male or female guinea pig?
The answer to this question depends on which sex you already own. If what you got is a male, getting the second one to be a female is better. This is because males tend to dominate each other when together. They are very territorial. If you have a female and you need a companion for it, then another female is the best choice.
How can you tell if you have two guinea pigs?
The only real way to tell if two male guinea pigs are going to get on well together is to put them in the same environment and see what happens. A bit of initial aggressive behavior between the two males is fairly normal. You may hear hissing noises, teeth chattering and see them arching their backs to each other.
What’s the best way to introduce a male guinea pig?
If you already have two males, aim to get a third male rather than introducing a female. Quarantine the new guinea pig. You should keep your guinea pigs separate from one another for the first two to three weeks. Do not let them have physical contact until this time period is up.
Is it better to put two guinea pigs together?
If guinea pig males live together it is much better if they are from the same litter. If you are going to put two males together then it is better to have one dominant one and one shy one as if you have two dominant males together they are much more likely to fight.
Is it okay to have a guinea pig alone?
Male guinea pigs do just okay being alone. Yet, you have to remember that getting a companion for your male guinea pig can increase his life expectancy by a factor of 10! Let’s face it, nobody wants their pet to die earlier.
The answer to this question depends on which sex you already own. If what you got is a male, getting the second one to be a female is better. This is because males tend to dominate each other when together. They are very territorial. If you have a female and you need a companion for it, then another female is the best choice.
The only real way to tell if two male guinea pigs are going to get on well together is to put them in the same environment and see what happens. A bit of initial aggressive behavior between the two males is fairly normal. You may hear hissing noises, teeth chattering and see them arching their backs to each other.
Is it OK to introduce a male guinea pig to a female guinea pig?
If you already have an older guinea pig, getting a baby of the same sex is a good choice. The adult will not feel as threatened by a baby and its dominance will not be challenged. Its best to neuter males before introducing them to females; however, neutered or not, never place more than one male in a group with females.
Why is it illegal to have more than one guinea pig?
The law about having to own more than one guinea pig was passed under pressure from animal rights groups that are listened to in the country. They campaigned for the social rights of guinea pigs and this enabled the passing of the law. You may already be aware that guinea pigs are herd animals. In the wild they always run around in packs.
Can a male guinea pig live with a female guinea pig?
Male guinea pigs are very territorial, and if you’re introducing two adult males take certain precautions. A spacious cage is key to males living in harmony. Provide them with their own space to eat, hide, sleep, and play — provide two of everything.
When do guinea pigs have to be separated from their mothers?
However, since males must be separated from their mothers and sisters at 3 weeks old, it is crucial to sex them by this time. Otherwise, they can impregnate their mothers and sisters. Don’t worry about handling young guinea pigs.
Can a mature male guinea pig fight a stranger?
Mature males, and especially strangers, will fight. However, two males raised together from a young age or a group of nonbreeding females will not encounter dominance problems. Social problems are diminished with castration and ovariohysterectomy, but learned behavior in adult males after castration may still make them antisocial.
Guinea pigs are social pets and are therefore best kept in groups of two or more. This enables them to express their natural behaviour, and allows for all of their social needs to be met.
