Is it better to get boy or girl guinea pigs?

Generally speaking, guinea pig pet parents have found that male guinea pigs tend to be a little more confident or bolder than females. This can sometimes lead to training males and being able to handle them a little easier than their shyer counterparts.

Is a female or male guinea pig better?

What makes the best pet – male or female guinea pigs? Male guinea pigs (boars) have a tendency to live a little longer than females (sows), especially if the females are having young. Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle.

Should I get 2 male or female guinea pigs?

As pets they are usually kept in pairs or trios of the same sex. Two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are siblings. Two boars of different ages will usually get along together, as long as there are no females around.

Do girl guinea pigs have periods?

Female guinea pigs have estrous cycles in which they go into heat several times a year for several days, with different stages. However, they don't experience bleeding or periods as in a menstrual cycle. While they are in heat, they are fertile and go through spontaneous ovulation.

Are male guinea pigs messy?

Health and Care. The male guinea pig is much messier than the female. It will toss its bedding around the cage, which can end up on the floor. It will also throw around the fruit, hay, lettuce, and other food you supply them.

Choosing Your New Guinea Pigs: Males or Females?

Are male guinea pigs friendlier than females?

Of the two, males are generally more aggressive than females. This is because they are more territorial and feel the need to protect their space a lot more. Female guinea pigs are more laid back. Having said this, some females are feisty and will get into a scrap if they feel it's necessary.

Do female guinea pigs smell?

In a nutshell, guinea pigs shouldn't smell. If they are giving off an unpleasant odour, it's usually a sign that the cage isn't clean, their diet is wrong, they're sick, or they're struggling to groom themselves. Also, boars may smell more than sows because of an oily buildup around the grease gland.

Are male guinea pigs aggressive?

Guinea Pigs are social animals and are usually happy living with other cavies, however, bust ups do happen. It's not recommended to house two male pigs and a female together as this can cause the males to become aggressive.

Is 2 or 3 guinea pigs better?

One guinea pig: 7.5 square feet, or about 30”x 36”, is the bare minimum recommended, but bigger is better. (Keep in mind that guinea pigs are highly social, so it is best to have at least two guinea pigs who get along with each other.)

Are male guinea pigs better alone?

Of course, there is always an exception to the rule, and some guinea pigs do better on their own. For example, boars, or male guinea pigs, are more solitary than females and can live alone quite happily. Aggressive or extremely timid guinea pigs may prefer being alone too.

How often should I play with my guinea pig?

Ideally, a guinea pig will enjoy 3-4 hours of free range play time each day, especially if their cage habitat is small. Even with a big cage, however, it is important to provide adequate exercise out of the cage, and guinea pigs that can get these good workouts will be happier, healthier and better adjusted.

Is it OK to keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?

It is critically important to the long-term health and happiness of your guinea pig that you place its cage central to family activity or at the immediate periphery. Do not put cages in children's bedrooms. The guinea pig should be part of family life, even if it is designated as one person's pet.

Is it OK to just have one guinea pig?

If you have recently purchased a guinea pig as a pet, one of the most frequently asked questions people have is if their furball will be alright living alone. The short answer is yes. Your guinea pig can survive living alone.

Do guinea pigs like to cuddle?

A healthy guinea pig is a happy guinea pig, and a happy guinea pig loves cuddles. So regularly grooming your guinea pig is an excellent way to keep an eye on its health, and of course, it helps build that all-important bond.

Should you get 2 guinea pigs?

Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair

It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with. Companionship is so vital to their well-being that Switzerland has made it illegal to keep only one.

Do boy guinea pigs spray?

We recommend spaying and neutering pet guinea pigs. Female guinea pigs have a very high incidence of uterine disease/cancer and spaying will prevent these problems. Intact male guinea pigs can exhibit unwelcome reproductive behaviors, such as mounting and urine spraying.

Is it OK to have two guinea pigs together?

Guinea pigs are very sociable creatures and need to live in pairs or small groups, as they would in the wild. We recommend always having two or more guinea pigs together, with safe introductions to keep them happy.

Why you shouldn't get a guinea pig?

Because they are fragile. They are faddy eaters and need a constant supply of hay, vegetables, and vitamin C or their complex digestive systems will stop working. Two: they hate temperature change. Anything warmer than 80 degrees and they can boil to death; anything colder than five degrees and they will freeze.

How expensive is a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs usually cost between $10 and $40, and you will need at least two. There are lots of guinea pigs without a home in pet shelters, so source your pets there if possible.

How expensive is it to have a guinea pig?

You can expect to pay a cost per year of between $100 and $500 per guinea pig, with a higher-end cost of $200 to $1,000. The low end is $500, the high end is $800 and the average is $650, while food, bedding, and healthcare total an annual cost of at least $200.

Can guinea pigs sleep with you?

Your guinea pig can sleep with you. But, it's probably not a good idea. Although there can be benefits to sleeping with your guinea pigs, many precautions need to be taken to keep the experience safe and happy for you and your guinea pig.

Are guinea pigs noisy at night?

Anyone who has tried to sleep in the same room as a guinea pig cage knows that the little rodents can be noisemakers at night. While you may not be able to get them to match your sleep schedule, you can take a few steps to minimize their activity during the overnight hours.

Should you cover a guinea pig cage at night?

How Much of the Cage Should you Cover at Night? Covering the whole cage at night can create problems and affect your guinea pigs breathing. That means that you should only cover part of their cage at night. This ensures that the cage remains properly ventilated while still letting in some light.

Can I hold my guinea pig on the first day?

Don't take your guinea pig out of their guinea pig cage when they first arrive at your home. It is often best to avoid handling them for a few days so they can adjust to their new surroundings.

Is it OK to hold your guinea pig?

Many guinea pigs like to be propped up against your chest for security and comfort. Very young children should not be allowed to pick up or carry a guinea pig; they may squeeze them too tightly or accidentally drop them with upsetting consequences.