I had my bunny & guinea pig in May so the weather was nice & warm. They have a large hutch & my partner built them a huge pen around it so that they could not get out & nothing else could get in. The guinea pig doesn't come out of the hutch, he prefers to be inside. At first, we used to lock the hucth with them both inside at night. However, our bunny would rattle the door for ages when we shut it as he wanted to stay outside. We eventually gave in & left the hutch door open at all times so our bunny stays out all the time cos he likes it. However, I fear we've made things worse for ourselves as now it's getting cold I want him to stay in the hutch overnight so that I can pull their windproof blind down & keep them both snug & warm. But I think we're going to have real problems with him. I can quite easily shut him in when he goes in for his food but how can I shut him in there but keep him happy about it at the same time. I don't think he's going to be impressed with me.
2006-10-30 02:47:49 · 14 answers · asked by EmmaB 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I think some integration training is required here - however, it is in the rabbit's nature not to spend time close up and personal with a guinea pig, and the guinea pig may be really intimidated by the rabbit.
So what's the kindest thing to do? Well get down to a pet shop and buy your guinea pig its own home or get your partner to build a second one with cavity walls which he can insulate if you are going to leave it outside all winter.
You can't force animals [or insects for that matter] of different species to live in close harmony. For any change to succeed you have to start integration at birth!
Goodness, it sounds as though this answer should be in the Government & Politics section - after all we are animals too, so remember what your animals suffer from and how they are treated, probably need the same response as you would want.
2006-10-30 16:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have two female's rabbits, called Ttracle & Toffee,they have a lovely large hutch,its kept clean,we have a nice back garden and a green house,they spent the summer out and slept on straw in the green house,but weve had to put them back in there hutch for the winter,they have a heater for when its really cold,but there as mad as hell because there back in the hutch.
Have you thought your rabbit may not like your guinea pig,I'd get some advice on it.
The rabbits can give you a nasty nip so beware.
2006-10-30 15:30:43 · answer #2 · answered by shirley m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont worry if bunny sulks it will eventually get over try puttin toys and nibble stix in hutch at night then when you get him out in the morning give him a treat or pamper him a bit until he likes goin in the hutch its just like kids reward good behaviour and ignore the bad stop giving treats when he is outside as he will want to stay out.
i would also seperate him/her from guinea pig he might not actually like it. if all that fails then dont worry rabbits are very resillient place a box big enough in the pen for him to go in in the cold weather.
good luck
2006-10-30 13:18:15 · answer #3 · answered by allyson w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why lock you rabbits in ?I have two rabbits and they are free to come out of the hutch in all weather, the 3meter run is covered on top, to keep most of the rain off them, but they come out in all weathers even winter when it's frost, and love when the snow blows in their run,Only when there a Gail warning do I shut them in.The hutch is well protected with double walls lined with polystyrene between wood, I also have polystyrene under the top to keep the frost out, with wood shavings and 6inch or 150mm of straw on the floor, they are as warm as toast.but I always check to make sure they are OK , make sure in winter their water doesn't freeze.Don't know about the guinea pigs though but always thought they were OK together In pet shops they are always together?
2006-10-30 11:27:59 · answer #4 · answered by alex winefly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe bring them inside in Winter? I don't know what else sorry. My bun hates this too but luckily we have a shed so he is loose in there.. and jumps in and out of his cage whenever he wants.
By the way - guinea pigs should never live with rabbits. There are many reasons why (ie. a rabbit can break a guinea pig's back with it's hind legs by accident). Read more here http://www.guineapigcages.com/rabbits.htm
2006-10-30 10:56:24 · answer #5 · answered by Trina 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi I have bred & shown rabbits for a number of years & some bunnies just have attitude & it seems the only way to stop that is by getting them fixed...
Some breeds are more inclined to have bad temper like some dutch can be bad & little Polish can be real nasty & they do bite & hard...I have seen a few judges & stewards at shows get bit & they make you bleed...
Females can have attitude when the hit 5 months old & sexually mature,they can turn into the bunny from hell lol...I had around 250 at one stage & they can had attitude...
If you are not going to breed from him then get him fixed & he will be a sweeter bunny for it...Regards Jake
2006-10-30 10:58:00 · answer #6 · answered by Jake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits and guinea pigs shouldn't be placed in the same hutch because the rabbit and guinea pig do not communicate on the same communications. Get your rabbit neutered this may help. Good Luck
2006-10-30 10:51:45 · answer #7 · answered by bigbird_gem 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest you get get it a neutered partner, this at least would keep it happy to have someone to snuggle up to. Make sure your one is neutered too and I would also ask to separate your guinea. Although pet shops put them together, it is not advisable and your guinea needs a friend too. In or out, some toys will help, loo rolls filled with hay, wicker balls, bunch of keys etc will help keep boredom down.
2006-10-30 11:58:18 · answer #8 · answered by india 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put the guinea pig in a seperate hutch for one, the try to lure him in with a tasty treat, maybe put some play toy in there fo him.her. Good luck
2006-10-30 11:14:38 · answer #9 · answered by helen f 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's all about routine. Get your bun used to getting put in at a certain time at night and let out at a certain time the next morning. Give him a nice piece of carrot or some kind of treat for going in. Your bun might not like being shut in at night but he'll get used to it. Mine are trained to run into their pen when I clap my hands. They always get a tasty treat once inside and soon settle down. If I'm not out of bed to let them out the next morning at 7 am, they thump on the floor to tell me to get up!
2006-10-30 10:58:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋