Hello
I have a question about young pigs and their behaviour. I will have a pair of two females (one will be 1,5 month old and the other 2 months old). I used to have only one female who did not accept any company. I am wondering where to place the cage. Could you tell me more about behaviour of a pair versus one pig? Are they more noisy? Previous pig was noisy only during feeding time. I heard that the two can "talk" to each other. The question is how loud
Hi and welcome!
It is good that you are doing your research before you collect your new piggies.
Whether you have one or two guinea pigs, they need both at least 2x4 ft (60x120 cm) ground space, ideally more.
Guinea pigs are ground roaming group animals that are not wired to be on their own - if they are, it is usually caused by humans.
Companionship is however central. At the age your baby girls are, they depend on the guidance of others to show them their ropes; the time between weaning and teenage are the equivalent of human school years. The worst you can do to them is keep a baby as a single.
Guinea pigs are at the their liveliest and most vocal while they are at their most vulnerable to predation, having the range but not yet the experience. Since guinea pigs have evolved in the undergrowth of South American grasslands, communication and constant status updates are vital to keep track of the youngster's whereabouts and wellbeing.
From about 4 months onwards they will gradually quieten down, with the exception of strong seasons or squabbles.
Vocal communication is an important component to their complex social interaction, which also includes body language and pheromones/scents. But like with humans, you get the nonstop chatterboxes as well as the quiet deep waters; how vocal a piggy is can vary quite considerably individually.
If you want quiet pets for your bedroom, you may want to rather consider adopting a bonded adult pair of guinea pigs that is past their boisterous youth. Minimal space welfare recommendations still apply, though. Exercise and the ability to get away from each other are vital for physical and mental health, and longevity. Or research for other less vocal small pets if you are a light sleeper and struggle with active pets. Guinea pigs tend to be up once or twice during the night although mornings and evenings are the times they are most active.
It is better for both you and any pets that you are honest with yourself as to whether guinea pigs are the right pets for you and whether you can give them the kind of home they require as a species. It doesn't mean that you are bad owner if you come to the conclusion that they are not ideal - anything but; it means that you are responsible.
I had a long stretch in my life during which I didn't have guinea pigs, living in small rented inner city flats and feeling that this environment was not the kind of home I wanted to give a pet of mine. I have made up for it with a vengeance once I could... The interim has made me treasure them and their presence (not in my bedroom) all the more.
You may find these information guides here helpful:
Guinea Pig Facts - An Overview
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Cage Size Guide
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
All the links above are part of our larger information and practical help bundle for new owners, in which we specifically address the most often encountered issues and concerns:
New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
