Yes, guinea pigs need a friend. Guinea pigs are social animals and, as such, need companionship. So it is vital to keep them well-socialized and adjusted to their new environment. If you have more than one guinea pig, ensure each has its room so they don’t get confused and fight. This will also provide them with a safe environment in which to socialize.
Guinea Pigs Can Live Alone
Guinea pigs can live alone, but it’s not recommended because they’re more likely to get lonely and stressed out. If you keep your guinea pig solo, provide plenty of enrichment activities like tunnels and wood chips.
Additionally, monitor the guinea pig’s behavior closely so there are no unwanted surprises! Finally, provide the animal with a safe place to hide when it feels scared or anxious.
Good Guinea Pig Pairings and Combinations
Guinea pigs are social animals and need companionship to be happy. Therefore, choosing a good guinea pig pairing is essential as keeping them in groups of four or fewer to avoid conflicts.
Good guinea pig combinations include an active, playful pig and a calm one. If you’re ever worried about your guinea pigs, always have another cage available. Guinea pigs love company, so it’s a good idea always to have another cavy available in case they get lonely!
Neutered Boar With One or More Sows
There is no right or wrong way to pair guinea pigs as long as they are compatible. However, if you have a boar (male cavy) and want to add another sow (female) to your home, it is best to do so when the male is already neutered. This will help reduce any potential conflicts that may arise between them.
A mix of genders will create a lively and healthy home environment for your guinea pigs! In addition, having more animals in the household can also provide additional opportunities for playtime and enrichment – something essential for keeping everyone happy!
Two Sows
Regarding guinea pig ownership, two sows are the optimum number because a good pair will provide plenty of love and care for your little piggies.
Older Boar and Very Young Boar
Consider getting an older male and a very young male pair. Young boars will be more active and playful, making them great friends for your guinea pig. Additionally, older males will provide leadership and protect the more youthful males – so you’ll have one guinea pig who’s always looking out for your pet.
Guinea Pig Combinations to Avoid
Guinea pigs are social animals and need companionship to feel happy and comfortable. If you want to keep more than two, avoid getting guinea pigs of different breeds – this can cause severe injury or death in their communicative society.
Guinea pigs are also intelligent creatures and must be physically and mentally stimulated. So, please provide them with plenty of toys, branches, and tunnels to keep them busy and happy.
Unneutered Male and Female
It is essential to avoid combinations of unneutered male and female guinea pigs, as this can lead to aggression and fighting. This ultimately affects the pet’s health and reproductive abilities, which can be challenging, if not impossible, to fix.
More Than Two Males Together
If you must bring more than two males together, it is best to do so in pairs or groups of three to five animals. Not doing so will result in the animals being hostile toward each other.
What to Do When a Guinea Pig’s Partner Has Died
When a guinea pig’s partner dies, it can feel pretty lonely. However, there are ways to cope and get through this tough time. Make sure to get plenty of exercises – guinea pigs are very active animals. This will help you to move your body and release some built-up emotions.
However, be careful not to overdo it, as guinea pigs can get injured when running around too much. Instead, offer food and water to the remaining animals in the home, as they may be hungry or thirsty.
Find a New Piggy Partner
Guinea pigs can live around four to eight years, so it’s essential to make sure you find a new piggy partner before they pass away. It is also wise to keep your guinea pigs social and give them lots of love in their time of mourning. If this isn’t possible, or if you need another pet and help find the right one, consider getting a new guinea pig!
Rehoming Your Remaining Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are social animals and will miss their partner greatly when rehomed. Therefore, it is essential to consider your guinea pig’s feelings before deciding to rehome them.
If you do so, ensure that the new home is big enough for them and has plenty of toys and hiding places. Guinea pigs can take up a lot of space, so it’s best to bring them only a few friends at once!
It can take up to three weeks for guinea pigs to get used to their new home – be patient! They may act out to test things out, but eventually, they’ll adjust and become very happy.
Keeping a Solitary Guinea Pig
Having a single guinea pig in the home can be fun, but keeping things in perspective is essential. You can help them by providing plenty of toys and hiding places. Spend time with your guinea pig and ensure they are stimulated somehow – playing games or giving them treats might do the trick!
It is natural for a guinea pig to miss their partner and become lonely sometimes – give them lots of love and attention to help ease their concerns. If things get too tricky, consider adopting another guinea pig into the home.
