Guinea pigs live in herds in the wild and flourish in the company of their own kind. They need a friend, so when kept as pets, they should be in pairs or small groups to prevent loneliness.
The importance of social interaction for guinea pigs is recognised in Switzerland to such an extent that keeping a single guinea pig is illegal.
Guinea pigs communicate with each other in unique ways, forming bonds that are not easily replicated with humans or other animals. Despite this, there are exceptional cases where they may be better off living alone or may seem content without the company of fellow guinea pigs.
In this article we will discuss the following:
- Can Guinea Pigs Live Alone If One Dies?
- Can Guinea Pigs Die From Loneliness?
- How to Keep a Single Guinea Pig Happy
- Can Guinea Pigs Be Left Alone?
- Can Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Live Together?
- Best Guinea Pig Pairings
- What to Do When Guinea Pigs Don’t Get Along
Can Guinea Pigs Live Alone If One Dies?
Guinea pigs can live alone after one dies but thrive best in pairs. It is generally advisable to pair them, except in rare situations where pairing is impossible.
It is important to assess the situation to make the best decision for your surviving guinea pig.
The loss of a partner can lead to depression, especially if the guinea pig was part of a pair rather than a larger group. However, reactions can vary, and some guinea pigs may not show any signs of distress following their companion’s death.
Depending on your situation, you have several options:
Adopting Another Guinea Pig
Adopting a new companion can help your guinea pig get over the loss of their friend. Despite experiencing grief, they can find happiness with a new partner.
Contact a rescue centre to find a suitable match; they might suggest bringing your guinea pig to ensure a successful bonding.
Keeping A Single Guinea Pig
If you don’t want to get another pet, you may be ok to keep your guinea pig as a singleton, but this depends on how they cope in the days after their friend’s death.
If your guinea pig is lively, engaged, and is eating normally, they might manage well alone. Conversely, signs of depression indicate that living alone, especially for a younger guinea pig with much life ahead, would be unfair.
Rehoming Your Remaining Guinea Pig
If you don’t want to have another guinea pig and your remaining pet seems lonely, it’s compassionate to consider rehoming them where they can find companionship.
Letting go of a guinea pig you’ve cherished and cared for can be heart-wrenching. However, it’s a selfless act of love to prioritise their need for social interaction.
I recommend contacting a rescue centre, ensuring they’re placed in a nurturing environment with the chance to make new friends. This approach safeguards their future and provides them with the companionship they need.
Case Study
A lady faced a tough decision when one of her guinea pigs passed away, leaving the other visibly lonely and unhappy. Recognising her pet’s profound unhappiness, she made the difficult but loving decision to entrust the guinea pig to a reputable rescue centre, hoping for a better future for her pet.
I adopted this guinea pig and, now, surrounded by new friends, she’s happy again. This story highlights the importance of companionship for guinea pigs and the positive impact of thoughtful decisions on their well-being.
Can Guinea Pigs Die From Loneliness?
While it’s difficult to attribute death to loneliness in guinea pigs directly, the emotional toll can lead to physical decline. A lonely guinea pig may reduce their exercise and eating habits, triggering health issues and potentially shortening their lifespan. Depression can significantly affect their overall well-being and longevity.
How to Keep a Single Guinea Pig Happy
To keep a single guinea pig happy, provide regular cuddles, attention, and an enriching environment.
While your affection cannot replicate the companionship of another guinea pig, many guinea pigs enjoy human interaction and find it comforting. Keeping a solitary guinea pig indoors makes it easier for you to spend more time together, increasing their happiness.
Ensure their habitat includes all necessities and enjoyable extras to stimulate their minds. Incorporating items like the Haypigs treat ball and mixing into their hay adds variety and excitement to their daily routine.
Can Guinea Pigs Be Left Alone?
Guinea pigs require daily care, including feeding and cleaning, but they don’t need constant supervision. After attending to their basic needs, they can manage independently for the rest of the day. However, if you need to be away for more than a day, you must arrange for someone else to look after them.
Can Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Live Together?
Although guinea pigs and rabbits might might get along, housing them together isn’t recommended due to several risks.
With their strong kicks, Rabbits pose an injury risk to guinea pigs. Additionally, their dietary needs are different, complicating shared living spaces. Moreover, rabbits can carry bacteria that, while not always harmful to rabbits, can be dangerous to guinea pigs, who are more susceptible to certain illnesses.
Therefore, it’s best to house guinea pigs with their own species to avoid these risks and safeguard their health.
Best Guinea Pig Pairings
If getting new guinea pigs, you need to ensure they will get along. Some combinations work better than others and it is best they are bonded before bringing them home. A male should be neutered if he is being housed with a female. This prevents unwanted pregnancies.
Organisations such as Bluecross and the RSPCA recommend neutering males not just to avoid unexpected pregnancies, but also to make it easier for a male guinea pig seeking new companions. If he loses a friend, it enables him to safely join a female or a group of females.
Pairings that work best are:
Neutered Male With One or More Females
Pairing a neutered male with one or more female guinea pigs is highly successful as it mirrors their natural social structure in the wild. A neutered boar can coexist peacefully with several females.
Two Females
Generally, one will take on a dominant role in a pair of females. A combination of two female guinea pigs works well unless both sows have dominant temperaments.
Two males
Pairing two male guinea pigs works best if they are brothers or have been bonded from an early age (before 6 weeks old). Space is a critical factor for males to coexist without conflict; an extra-large enclosure will help towards a successful bonding.
The presence or scent of females can disrupt male bonds, so avoid housing them near females and wash your hands after handling female guinea pigs. According to the RSPCA, neutering males enhances their compatibility.
Older male and very young male (under 6 wks)
An older male can often assume a father-like role for a younger guinea pig. This arrangement can be beneficial, but success isn’t guaranteed. Ensure you adopt them from a rescue centre who can help with the bonding process.
What to Do When Guinea Pigs Don’t Get Along
If your guinea pigs aren’t getting along, separating them and finding new friends they can bond with is important. This is especially so if they are fighting. Be careful with advice from pet shops or people who say a guinea pig doesn’t get along with others. Sometimes, they haven’t been given the chance to bond properly.
Case Study
I adopted a rescue guinea pig that the pet shop said couldn’t be with others and had to live alone. But once home, I bonded him with our guinea pigs, and he lived a very happy life with six female guinea pigs.
Unsuccessful bonding is more common amongst male guinea pigs but also occurs with females. If a guinea pig has experienced multiple unsuccessful bondings, consider housing them in separate but adjacent enclosures. This allows for social interaction without conflict.
FAQs
Can An Unneutered Male And Female Be Housed Together?
Housing an unneutered male and female together is highly inadvisable. Although they might get along well, they can start breeding from a very young age and continue regularly. This can quickly lead to an unmanageable situation with many babies, potentially overwhelming you with a rapidly expanding guinea pig population.
Can More Than Two Male Guinea Pigs Be Housed Together?
Yes, several male guinea pigs can live together, but it can be the most challenging setup, especially if they are at puberty. Success largely depends on the individual guinea pigs’ temperaments. It’s advisable to work with a rescue centre, which can assist in bonding the guinea pigs and provide valuable advice to significantly improve the chances of maintaining a peaceful and happy group.