Which is better girl or boy 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.

Are male or female guinea pigs more affectionate?

It's often more outgoing, confident, and friendly. The male is more likely to let you carry it around or sit on your lap, but it is also likely to run off exploring when it gets the chance. If you have never owned a guinea pig before, you might find the male more approachable.

Are female guinea pigs better pets?

Commonly, getting a pair of young females is the best option if you're a new guinea pig owner. However, if you've decided to only get one guinea pig, then the gender doesn't really matter as long as the cavy is healthy – both genders make excellent pets and are delightful in their own way.

Why are female guinea pigs better?

While sows may “bicker” a little more to reinforce their social standing with one another, guinea pig pet parents have relayed that female guinea pigs tend to have fewer fallouts that require separation.

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.

Choosing Your New Guinea Pigs: Males or Females?

Do male guinea pigs smell?

Male guinea pigs, or boars, may smell more than female guinea pigs (sows). This is because they secrete a scent from their grease gland when they want to show dominance or mark their territory. The area around the gland, located under a guinea pig's tail, can become greasy and start to smell if not cleaned regularly.

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.

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.

Can I potty train my guinea pig?

Guinea pigs can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box. Some get the hang of it quickly, while some never learn. That's just how it is. Just remember that it's not your guinea pig's fault if they poop outside the litter box - sometimes they can have accidents or simply forget.

Do guinea pigs bite?

Guinea pigs are not typically aggressive so if they bite, there is a reason for it. Guinea pigs are very popular small pets and are great for both kids and adults. Guinea pigs are personable, don't take up a huge amount of space, and are usually very gentle. On occasion, however, guinea pigs may nibble or bite.

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.)

Can 2 female guinea pigs live together?

In the wild guinea pigs live in groups of 10 or more. They are social creatures, and need the company of their own kind. 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.

What you need before getting a guinea pig?

Is it OK to have 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 have 1 guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are social animals that naturally live in groups. While it's best to have more than one guinea pig in your home at a time, this is not always possible. Make sure you know how to keep you guinea healthy, happy, and secure in his environment even without a cage mate.

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.

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.

Can 2 male guinea pigs live together?

On average, male guinea pigs (boars) live together happily when they're matched with other males they're compatible with. The personalities of the individuals and mutual liking dictate whether or not they're compatible. Additionally, the environment they live in must be boar-friendly to keep boars from fighting.

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.

Do guinea pigs need shots?

While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

Are female guinea pigs less smelly?

If you're worried about guinea pig smell as a prospective owner, then some experts recommend adopting sows rather than boars, as some owners have found that female guinea pigs produce less smell than males.