No, it is not advised to have rats and guinea pigs living together, as they can cause many issues. Rats are known to be aggressive around other animals, so it’s best if the guinea pig doesn’t get too close.
If you do decide to bring them together, provide plenty of space for each animal in terms of the size and design of their home. Also, ensure food is accessible to both pets so they don’t become territorialized. As long as you take these precautions and provide the animals with a stable environment, they should get along just fine.
Guinea Pigs Cannot Live With Rats
Guinea pigs do not like rats and vice versa, so it is crucial to get a compatible pet if you decide to bring them home together. Make sure your rat is up-to-date with all the vaccines required by guinea pigs, including the rabies vaccine.
However, provided enough space, these two species will not bother each other. Guinea pigs are very clean and won’t leave rat droppings all over the place like some larger pets. If you have any concerns or questions about introducing them to one another, always contact your vet before doing anything.
Why Guinea Pigs Attract Rats
Guinea pigs and rats are naturally attracted to each other and can sometimes cause trouble. For guinea pigs, rats can spread diseases such as plague, while rats can damage guinea pigs’ teeth and fur. Therefore, keeping the populations of guinea pigs and rats separate is essential if you want them to coexist peacefully.
Leftover Food
Leftover food is one of the biggest dangers guinea pigs face. Rats are attracted to the scent of guinea pigs, and once they detect it, they will start raiding the pig’s food supply in search of a meal.
If left unchecked, this can quickly become a problem as rats are known to prey on small animals wholeheartedly. However, there are several ways you can prevent rat problems from arising in the first place.
First and foremost, keep your food supplies clean – if leftover food is within reach of your guinea pigs, rats will be drawn toward it like magnets.
You can also use rat traps to capture and dispose of unwanted pests; however, ensure that these traps aren’t placed near your pets, or they might get hurt or even killed!
Improper Living Environment
One of the biggest threats to rat populations is an unhappy and unhealthy living environment. This leads rats to search for new homes, leading guinea pigs into conflict. Proper housing prevents conflicts and ensures that all rodents have access to necessary food, water, bedding materials, and nesting areas.
Their Poop
Rats are attracted to guinea pig poop because it is high in nitrogen. This means that the rat droppings will smell similar to guinea pig poop, and the rats can find it easily.
Additionally, guinea pig poop also contains seeds that rats eat, leading to their spread throughout the house. You can try keeping the number of rats down by providing them with different habitats and separating guinea pigs into other cages or areas of your home.
How to Get Rid of Rats Around Guinea Pigs
There’s no doubt that rats can be a real nuisance. A few options are available if you’re worried about them getting into your guinea pigs’ habitat. Place them near the guinea pigs’ area for rat or snap traps. You can seal any entrances using wire mesh pieces or a metal gate.
Get Rid of Spare Food
It is vital to get rid of any food that might tempt rats. This includes anything that has been left out – scraps from the kitchen or accidentally leftovers in the fridge.
Make sure your rat-free areas are kept clean and tidy so they can’t find a place to live. If professional help isn’t an option, then using traps may be your best bet. Traps work by luring the rats into them and then killing them humanely.
Use Peppermint Essential Oil Around Your Garden
There are plenty of ways you can use peppermint essential oil to keep your garden pest-free. For rat deterrence, add a few drops of the oil to a spray bottle and spritz it around the garden. You can also place peppermint leaves in the guinea pig’s food as a deterrent. Keep an eye on them and remove any rats that are spotted!
Use a Rat Trap
Rats can be a big problem for guinea pigs, and the best way to get rid of them is by using a rat trap. This is a mechanical device that captures rats, and it is very effective.
To ensure the rat trap works appropriately, place it near the rat holes and bait it with food or water so the rats will take it into their nest. Once they are trapped inside, release them into an outside area where they will no longer hurt your guinea pigs.
Raise the Enclosure
Rats are a big nuisance and can quickly damage your guinea pigs’ enclosure. If you want to get rid of them, the best way is to trap them and raise the pen they live in high enough so they can’t escape.
You can do this by using a rat trap or poison bait. Once the rats are trapped, ensure they have plenty of food and water and a place to sleep and hide from predators.
Seal Cracks
Seal any cracks or openings that could let rats in, including door and window seals, gaps around pipes and wiring insulation, and cracks in the floor. Keep a watch for rat sightings and take appropriate measures if necessary!
