Guinea pigs can function quite well as single pets, but owners may want to add a companion someday.
Considering the relative affordability of a guinea pig, a common question among new owners is 'Should I buy a single guinea pig or a pair?' Some owners fear their solitary pet will become lonely without another guinea pig's company, while others are perfectly content with a single animal. Experienced guinea pig owners suggest that a single guinea pig can easily bond with his or her human family and not experience feelings of loneliness. But guinea pigs are social animals, which means they have instinctual preferences for companionship. Having another guinea pig is never a bad idea, especially if the owner's companionship time is limited.
So what should a new guinea pig owner expect with a single pet or a pair? Different things, depending on the specific combinations, sexes and temperaments. Here's a guide to the most common combinations of pet guinea pigs:
1. Single female. In general, female guinea pigs tend to be more docile and a little less social than their male counterparts. Of course, individual pigs don't know this, so don't be surprised if a female pig does become very social after a while. Female guinea pigs may not become as large as males, so they may be able to live in smaller cages.
As far as loneliness or boredom is concerned, humans tend to assign emotions to pets which may or may not be present. Guinea pigs spend most of their day staring at the same four walls and hearing the same strange sounds. They are also prey animals in the wild, so they like to remain 'on alert'. If there's no sign of danger and the food service is steady, guinea pigs like to sleep most of the day. What owners might see as boredom is really a state of disconnection from all the over stimulation of the outside world.
A female guinea pig can become bored or lethargic, but quality attention from owners can alleviate these feelings. Females also resist some of the digestive tract problems which can spell early death for males. If you want a single pet with few health problems and a 10-12 year lifespan, a single female guinea pig may be the best choice.
2. Single male. A single male guinea pig can be quite social, and will quickly learn to make specific noises whenever owners open the refrigerator or pass by the cage. Males tend to be more curious than females, and will benefit from a larger cage and a few toys. Males held in communal cages at the pet store may become territorial, leading to some vicious confrontations. Before taking a male guinea pig home, check him for bite marks and scratches. Male guinea pigs tend to reach full size within months, so owners may have to purchase a larger cage from the very beginning.
Single male guinea pigs can control their sexual urges and will not 'spray' or mark their territory like cats. A male does not need a female companion for health reasons- neutering is not necessary for a completely single male pig. One major drawback of a male guinea pig, single or in pairs, is a tendency to develop serious gastrointestinal conditions such as megacolon and constipation. All guinea pigs are prone to respiratory illnesses, so owners must be careful where bedding and cage placement are concerned. Guinea pigs do not tolerate excessive dust or drafts, so owners should make sure a single pig is kept in a clean spot away from direct air conditioning.
3. A mixed pair. If an owner can afford to have one or the other guinea pig sterilized, a mixed pair of pigs may be a good idea for houses with children or those concerned about a pet's emotional state. A mixed pair in the same general age group may learn to get along better than a very mature male and a young female. Older females may welcome the company of a younger male, but neutering or spaying is essential unless owners can handle numerous offspring. There are professional guinea pig breeders who supply pet stores, but this is not an easy way to earn extra money.
4. Two males. This may be the most controversial pairing option available. Male guinea pigs can be very concerned with dominance of their social group. If a fight breaks out in a pet store cage, there is every chance the combatants will be two young males or an older male and a new male arrival. Males will also attack females from time to time, but in general they concentrate on establishing their territory. If an owner wants two male guinea pigs, they may have to invest in two cages until both pigs have matured or separate areas in a VERY large cage. Males tend to become more agitated than females whenever they feel cramped or the food supply is threatened. The trick to keeping two males together in the same cage is to keep the food bowl filled and the water bottle available.
5. Two females. If an owner really wants to make sure their animals have companionship, a two-female combination may be the best choice. They tend to be less confrontational than males, and can live in smaller spaces without feeling confined. Spaying is not necessary, since pregnancy is not a possibility. Females are very affectionate towards their owners and are usually less willing to bite. Since females are less likely to contract gastrointestinal ailments, they may live out their entire 10-12 lifespans together.
6. Guinea pig and a dwarf rabbit. This combination may not occur to many owners, but a dwarf rabbit can be a good companion to a guinea pig of either sex. They have different dietary needs than guinea pigs, but they do tolerate pellet food and also enjoy fresh vegetables. A dwarf rabbit may require a larger cage and more exercise than a guinea pig, but the two animals do get along well as a rule.
