My neice got a pet guinea pig (female) for a pet a couple of days ago. It is only about 5 or 6 weeks old, just weaned. She is shy and a little scared, which is to be expected. But we've heard a lot about guinea pigs needing constant interaction, either form its owner, or from the company of another guinea pig. Should we get the guinea pig a room mate? If we should, we want to get one SOON so they will get used to eachother quickly, rather than wait and have them fight. Anyone have a single guinea pig? Anyone have more than one? What's your advice? And when will this guinea pig relax and be friendly?
2007-01-29 06:03:55 · 9 answers · asked by Jennifer H 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
i had two a for a long time, one finally died, the remaining guinea pig was devasted and lonely. so now i have 4 guinea pigs total, he's alot happier. they diffentately need a friend. you need to handle the guinea for it to get used to you, also treats help, my pigs love carrots and lettuce, but their favorite treat is tomato and timothy hay. also be very careful with the bedding, do not use cedar or strong smelling woods as they have a negative effect on guinea pigs that usually results in death, if you are using wood shavings then use pine. guinea pigs are also very sensitive to dust so if you are feeding pellets make sure you remove all the extra dust. always keep fresh water on hand for them to drink, guinea pigs dehydrate very fast and can die if they dont have water for medium lengths of time. there is no need to bath a pig unless in has been playing in mud or other dense liquid, they keep clean. don't be scared to let your guinea pig run loose around a nicely fenced area, mine actually roam the backyard at their own will. probably more info then you asked for but hey i've had guinea pigs for over ten years and i want your pig to survive.
2007-01-29 06:12:32 · answer #1 · answered by blur b 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Guinea Pigs need the attention of their owner, more so if it is just one, so unless the owner is able to provide the attion required for a single, it is best to get another one. So in all reality it just depends on how much time and attention the owner can provide the Guinea Pig. If not a alot of time then it is best to get a second one, other wise the guinea pig may get depressed and in turn make it's self sick. Even if you get the second one soon they are still going to fight, once they get to be about 6 months old or so they are going to start little fights to astablish who is in charge, they are group animals and as such they have alphas in the group. So either if you get another one now or wait they are still going to fight, though it is easier to get another one now so as when fighting does happen it won't last more then a week or so instead of the month it takes when they are older. I own 2 Guinea Pigs (females) and they are spoiled rotten.
2007-01-29 07:58:52 · answer #2 · answered by rainbowlillie3587 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea Pigs are very sociable animals. They like other Guinea Pig companions.
2007-01-29 08:11:38 · answer #3 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We used to have gineau pigs, started with one, got another to keep it company - they like company. You just need to be sure it the same sex, otherwise you'll have a small family in no time! We ended up with 4! They will probably fight at the beginning- but thats natural so don't worry.
2007-01-29 06:14:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The above answer is incorrect, as men get alongside with eachother basically as wonderful as women human beings. i easily understand for my area how properly men can get alongside, because they're all I own. basically because your pig is male does no longer mean you may want to not get him yet another chum. this is truly as a lot as you once you may want to come to a call to get yet another one, in case you truly do. It truly doesn't count number how lengthy you wait, likely the quicker the more effective powerful, previously he receives himself too depressed. in spite of the undeniable fact that first i might want to discover out how your piggy died. i might want to take your pig you've now to a cavy savvy unique vet, because in case your one pig had an ailment, your pig now more effective than likely has an identical element. previously you even imagine about getting yet another pig, take your pig to the vet for a examine up.
2016-10-17 04:01:56 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is good for them to have a piggie friend. Just think about u. u dont want to be alone all ur life so u have human friends. well its the same with any animal that u get. they should have a friend of the same species to live with them.
2007-01-29 07:50:06 · answer #6 · answered by Chantal H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a guinea pig called amber and well she lived on her own for about 4 years nd then she mated and had 6 babies of her own we kept 1 of them as only one of the babies was a girl bt she passed away about 3years ago so the mum is still alive and she seems to be ok now and before i suppose it can depend on how they act or something but mine is still living and going strong on her own but you need to give it quite a bit of attention! if it will be on its own! good luck! xxx
2007-01-29 06:20:24 · answer #7 · answered by meeky 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
i have loadz of guinie pigs and i think its important that theyve got company
2007-01-29 06:08:58 · answer #8 · answered by chimpapple 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, that is what you are there for
2007-01-29 06:12:17 · answer #9 · answered by twatwaffle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋