I just bought a male guinea pig and thought I should get him a buddy, but I don't want to get a female for him because I'm afraid of them mating and I'm not so sure if it's a good idea to put two males together since they might fight over territorial reasons.
2007-01-07 16:23:39 · 11 answers · asked by chrsitineismyname 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It's not a good idea to put 2 males together.
They will nip one another's ears.
The more dominate male will pick on the submissive one.
Guinea Pigs, like to have ONE MALE pack leader and a lot of female pigs, or be solo.
I had 46 Guinea pigs growing up, and we let them run loose in our backyard, and ONE MALE ALWAYS RULED!!!
He was really MEAN!!!
We had to issolate him.
So, it's best to just enjoy your male Guinea Pig, feed him, and hold him. Leave him dried food and water when you are away, and love him and feed him and hold him when you can!
He's be happier with just you than with another male pig.
AND those Guinea Pigs bread every 40 days they have a litter!!
Best to keep him single.
He's not lonely, he's just your pet!
I only have one dog, He's my dog, I would never buy him another dog to keep him company! It's his job to be my dog!
I feel the same goes for Guinea pigs.
YOU could buy him a rabbit, but not a hamster.
2007-01-07 16:36:35 · answer #1 · answered by Lilly 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Male guinea pigs can definitely live with other male guinea pigs. As a rescue, we pair dozens of strange males of all ages to each other throughout the year. And guinea pigs are social animals, so they do NEED a friend. They shouldn't be kept alone unless they absolutely positively will not bond with any other pig. (And in the past 3 years of rescue, I have never seen such a pig)
However, what most people don't realize is that the size of the cage directly affects if the guinea pigs get along or not. Two males will almost ALWAYS fight in a pet store cage. They're just too small for males to live in (and really too small to keep guinea pigs in, poor things). When they don't have enough room to feel like they each have a territory, they'll squabble for the same territory.
http://www.guineapigcages.com - This site has a guide on how to build appropriately sized cages that you'll need to get your pig a friend.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm - That's the guide on how to do introductions, and so you know what to look for when you pair them together. :)
ETA: Also, do NOT pair your guinea pig with a rabbit. They can both transmit carried diseases to each other, and rabbits are very dangerous to guinea pigs because of their powerful hind legs.
2007-01-07 23:17:20 · answer #2 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs like company. But there is always the chance they won't get along. Keep them separated for about a week, but right next to each other so they can chat and get to know one another. Then try to put them together. Watch them VERY closely for the first few days they are together, to make sure they won't fight. Separate them immediately if they attack.
2007-01-10 02:37:32 · answer #3 · answered by figwitgp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a tough call. each animal has its own temperment. I have put 2 males together and had them fight from time to time. guinea pigs are a little skitish but rarely aggressive. if one pig is in his cage for a while then putting another one in can be a problem only because it can cause some anxiety, wich makes them nip at each other. one practice that I have used for years with animals is puttig them in cages side by side. after a day or 2 I put them out together in a nuetral area, such as my living room or kitchen, where they can interact without feeling they need to be defensive, and I can also supervise. they key is getting them used to each others scent and sound. I have put same sexed animals together of several types that are not supposed to be mixed without any problems on a number of occasions with this method. it takes a week or 2 of slowly familiarizing them this way before you can mix them. if you put them together to soon they may fight and you won't get a second chance usually
2007-01-07 16:36:08 · answer #4 · answered by nyxcat1999 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be great to get him a buddy, however it is likely that they will fight. But that is not always the case as I know somebody who had two male guinea pigs whom didn't fight at all. It would probably be best if you got two males to introduce them at a young age so they grow up together and are less likeyl to fight.
2007-01-07 16:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by Sophi 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some will fight but guinea pigs do enjoy company very much. Just watch them at the beginning and see how the relationship goes.
2007-01-07 16:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends. I have two males. At first when we put them together, they were fine, but now they attack each other if we put them together, so we have to keep them apart. I've heard that other people don't have any problems with housing males together, so I guess it really depends on their personalities. If you do get a companion, just be prepared to house them separately if they do end up not getting along.
2007-01-07 16:31:07 · answer #7 · answered by Andi 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Another idea is to get a rabbit of the opposite sex, and keep them in a big cage. I have a guinea pig & a rabbit & they live together happily. :) Also, as rabbits and guinea pigs cannot interbreed, you won't lots of babies to contend with.
2007-01-08 00:41:15 · answer #8 · answered by Katie C 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no not much of a good idea male guinea pigs aren't that sociable, but female Guinea pigs are more likely to become friends
2016-05-23 07:55:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when putting males together its better to have to males that have known each other since birth. that way they are less likely to fight and know each other
2007-01-07 19:32:33 · answer #10 · answered by animal_rights_4_the_future 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋