I know they shouldn't be alone, but there is one in the pet shop that I'm thinking of getting, it's been alone in the cage for at least 2 months. If I got that guinea pig, would I need to introduce another guinea to it, Or would it be fine living alone since it has been living alone already?
Can I have a Guinea pig alone if it is already alone?
- Thread starter Lb010012
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Hi and welcome!
Thank you for asking and doing your research before you get guinea pigs (plural).
Guinea pigs are group animals; just because there is just one left doesn't mean that it is not dreadfully missing it companions and that it is happy to be on its own - rest assured that it is desperate for company! You should never keep a single guinea pig; however much you love it, you are willingly and deliberately failing a basic need of it.
They should not be kept single and they are never too old for company. Sadly Switzerland is still the only country where it is illegal to keep and sell any group animals as singles.
There are only very few guinea pigs that are not interested in their own kind. The vast majority of single guinea pigs are cavies that have been failed often more than once by humans.
Companionship
Guinea Pig Facts - A Short Overview
This guides are part of our information pack for wannabe owners: Are Guinea Pigs For Me? - A Guide
Ok thanks. Do you think I should introduce the lone one to another, or get the two that were together in a different cage?Hi and welcome!
Thank you for asking and doing your research before you get guinea pigs (plural).
Guinea pigs are group animals; just because there is just one left doesn't mean that it is not dreadfully missing it companions and that it is happy to be on its own - rest assured that it is desperate for company! You should never keep a single guinea pig; however much you love it, you are willingly and deliberately failing a basic need of it.
They should not be kept single and they are never too old for company. Sadly Switzerland is still the only country where it is illegal to keep and sell any group animals as singles.
There are only very few guinea pigs that are not interested in their own kind. The vast majority of single guinea pigs are cavies that have been failed often more than once by humans.
Companionship
Guinea Pig Facts - A Short Overview
This guides are part of our information pack for wannabe owners: Are Guinea Pigs For Me? - A Guide
What age and sex is the solo piggy?
It is a couple months old, but I don't know if it's a boy or a girl
It’s vital to know the sex of any piggy you plan to adopt. If it’s a solo Male (boar) who is over about 3 months but under 12- 18 months then bonding with another boar could be tricky, as he will be at the most difficult age as juvenile boars have hormonal surges as they develop. If it’s a solo sow (female) then she may be easier to bond.
Ok thanks I'll find out
Even if they are living alone at present, guinea pigs really appreciate the company of another guinea pig. So I would definitely look at finding a friend. There are some stickies at the top of the page about how to do introductions. It's also REALLY important to make sure of gender before introducing a friend, as you don't want any unexpected babies, so make sure of the gender of both pigs before they meet.