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. Our guinea pigs need other guinea pigs.
Should I get 1 or 2 guinea pigs?
In the same way you can’t eat just one potato chip, you can’t adopt just one guinea pig. It isn’t healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species who 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 guinea pigs live better alone or in pairs?
To summarise, a guinea pig can live alone, but ideally shouldn’t. This is because they are social animals that want and need the companionship of other guinea pigs. A piggy on its own requires a lot of care and interaction, which is why experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.
Is it cruel to only have one guinea pig?
Typically, it’s not okay for guinea pigs to live alone. Most don’t do well as single pets, because they’re social, herd animals, thriving with at least one friend. However, some guinea pigs are human-oriented and transfer their social needs to humans. And live happy lives with devoted pet parents.
What happens if you only have 1 guinea pig?
Guinea pigs often help keep one another active via playing and wrestling. A lone guinea pig may become sedentary and put on weight. Make sure your guinea pig gets adequate exercise and does not put on too much weight. Conversely, guinea pigs can lose interest in food if feeling stressed and isolated.
Do guinea pigs understand kisses?
Typically, guinea pigs like being kissed if they’ve formed a bond with a person doing the kissing. It also depends on the personality of the individual guinea pig. Some enjoy swapping kisses (or licks) as a display of affection.
Is 3 guinea pigs better than 2?
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.
How do you hug a guinea pig?
Guinea pigs are social animals and once used to people, love cuddles and attention. As long as the guinea pig is happy, then cuddle as often as you like. However, it’s a good idea to cuddle sitting on the floor and have a hide close to your lap. That way when the guinea pig has had enough, they can retreat to the hide.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to bond with you?
It can take a guinea pig anywhere from three days to as much as three weeks or more to get used to their new owner. While that can sound like a long time, try not to get too discouraged if your guinea pig takes that long or even longer before getting used to you.
Do guinea pigs stink?
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 friendlier than females?
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.
Can two male guinea pigs mate?
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. It’s rare that fights break out and even rarer that two male Pigs aren’t compatible but it does happen.
Why do guinea pigs squeak?
Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
Do girl guinea pigs have periods?
Females can have estrous or fertile periods at any time of the year, but they are most common in the spring. The estrous cycle length is 16 days. A female is fertile for about 6 to 11 hours, most often during night hours. Female guinea pigs begin a new estrous cycle shortly after giving birth.
Will two female guinea pigs fight?
Why Do Female Guinea Pigs Fight? Female cavies fighting is very rare, but if it happens, it is mostly to ascertain dominance. Once the hierarchy has been made, the guinea pigs stop fighting. This means female guinea pigs fighting should not be a problem.
Is guinea pig urine harmful to humans?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a rare viral disease that can be transmitted through the urine, droppings, saliva, or cage material of infected wild and domestic rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and other small rodents.
What is the best number of guinea pigs to have?
(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.) Two guinea pigs: 7.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 10.5 square feet (30” x 50”) is preferred.
Can guinea pigs recognize their name?
Yes! Guinea pigs can certainly recognize and respond to their name with the help of some training, along with consistency, patience, and time. Guinea pigs can learn words through classical conditioning. As such, they can be trained to recognize individual words, meaning they can also learn their name.
How can you tell if your guinea pig loves you?
10 Signs Your Guinea Pig Loves You
- Your Guinea Pig Likes Being Hand-Fed.
- Your Guinea Pig Doesn’t Bite!
- Your Guinea Pig Nibbles You, Very Gently.
- Your Guinea Pig Climbs On You.
- Your Guinea Pig Comes To Say Hello.
- Your Guinea Pig Responds To Your Voice.
- Your Guinea Pig ‘Talks’ To You All The Time.
Why does my guinea pig close his eyes when I pet him?
A super-duper relaxed guinea pig might close their eyes for some sleep. If this happens, take it as a compliment — your pet feels safe and secure in their guinea pig cage.
Can you leave guinea pigs alone for 2 days?
A guinea pig on its own is at risk of dehydration, starvation, injury, illness and loneliness, which is why it needs constant care and attention. Although some websites suggest that you can leave a cavy alone for a maximum of 24 hours, we recommend no more than 12.
Do guinea pigs know when their mate dies?
Guinea pigs benefit from seeing their deceased cage mates too. They may push, lick and even gently nip at a friend that has died but only in an attempt to wake them. With time, they begin to realise that their companion isn’t moving and seem to feel less distressed when the body is removed from their habitat.
Can guinea pigs live alone after one dies?
There are always going to be times when a lifelong guinea pig partner dies and you have one guinea pig left alone. Your guinea pig may grieve after the loss of a companion. … This will most likely be felt more strongly if your guinea pig was one of a pair rather than a herd.