Is it better to have 2 male or 2 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.

Which gender of guinea pig is friendlier?

Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle. It can often be easier to find a suitable companion for a female guinea pig though as they tend to be more amenable with their guinea pig friends.

Are 2 male guinea pigs OK together?

Can you put male Guinea Pigs in the same cage? Yes, as long the cage is big enough for two cavies. Guinea Pigs are social animals and housing them together can prevent loneliness. When they first meet or move in together they may need to assert dominance.

Should a male and female guinea pig be together?

Guinea pigs are commonly kept in single sex groups, so a pair of males or a pair of females. Siblings or father-son/ mother-daughter pairings often live well together. Pairings of male and female guinea pigs can also work well - just make sure they are neutered to prevent any unwanted litters!

Can male and female guinea pigs live next to each other?

Teenage Guinea Pig

If they can hear, see & smell each other than it is perfectly fine for them to live side by side. In the wild there would be the alpha male with his harem and the bachelor boys would each live separately but close enough to the main colony & each other.

Choosing Your New Guinea Pigs: Males or Females?

Do guinea pigs do better in pairs?

Guinea pigs are social, herd animals. It is unnatural for them to be alone. They love companionship and social interaction with other guinea pigs. They also feel safer, and therefore happier, in larger groups.

Can I introduce a new guinea pig?

Introducing your guinea pigs

You can place one in a run next to the other's hutch, or two runs alongside each other. If housing the guinea pigs next to one another hasn't been possible before this stage we would recommend making a barrier in the neutral space that they can see and smell each other through.

Can 2 male and 2 female guinea pigs live together?

In the wild guinea pigs live in groups of 10 or more, they are social creatures, and like company. As pets they are usually kept in pairs; two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are brothers.

Can male guinea pigs live alone?

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.

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.

Will two female guinea pigs fight?

Why do female guinea pigs fight? It isn't often that female guinea pigs fight, but when they do, it can be for dominance. These encounters shouldn't last long once a hierarchy has been established. It is best to keep an eye on them to make sure things don't escalate.

How big of a cage do you need for 2 guinea pigs?

Two guinea pigs: 7.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 10.5 square feet (30” x 50”) is preferred. Three guinea pigs: 10.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 13 square feet (30” x 62”) is preferred. Four guinea pigs: 13 square feet (minimum), but at least 30” x 76” is preferred.

What is the most affectionate guinea pig breed?

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

The Abyssinian has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and affectionate breeds of guinea pig, although they may be too energetic and excitable for younger children.

Is it better to have 2 guinea pigs than 1?

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.

How do you pick a friendly guinea pig?

When choosing a guinea pig for a pet, look for an animal that appears healthy, plump, and alert. The animal may initially be fearful or skittish but should, in a short time, respond positively to gentle stroking. Check over the animal carefully. The eyes should be bright and clean, not crusty or lusterless.

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.

Do guinea pigs need a companion?

That's right, guinea pigs for the most part need a friend! Guinea pigs are social animals and live in herds in the wild. To prevent accidental babies, guinea pigs should be kept in same-gender pairs or groups unless they are spayed or neutered.

Do guinea pigs get fleas?

Guinea pigs can get fleas, but it's generally less commonly seen than dogs and cats, possibly because guinea pigs don't readily mix with other animals as much as dogs and cats do.

Should I get a third guinea pig?

The minimum size for a group of guinea pigs is two. However, there are good reasons why should consider acquiring three or more at the same time and keeping them together: Several guinea pigs will stimulate each other and encourage active behaviour.

Can you put a baby guinea pig with an older one?

Yes, you can definitely put baby guinea pigs with older ones. Overall, baby guinea pigs do well with older ones – as long as they're matched up based on their personalities (which is the most important factor anyway). The guinea pigs need to be introduced to each other properly.

How long do guinea pigs take to bond?

Bonding may happen in one afternoon or it may take months. What you don't want to do is plop the new guinea pig into your existing guinea pig's cage. Never try to introduce guinea pigs in one of their cages.