Number of Guinea pigs

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Ali3020

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Hi, I'm Looking for a guinea pig, but I only have space for one, is it really a must and will they really be affected if I get only one guinea pig?
 
Yes they will. Guinea pigs are social creatures and need the companionship of their own species.

I am a but confused by your comment that you only have space for one though. The cage size requirements for 1 and 2 piggies is exactly the same. What size space do you have available?
 
Oh I didn't realize that, I know that 1 guinea pig needs at least 7.5 square feet, and that's probably the maximum size I will be able to get, is that enough for two of them?
 
Ali3020 said:
Oh I didn't realize that, I know that 1 guinea pig needs at least 7.5 square feet, and that's probably the maximum size I will be able to get, is that enough for two of them?
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I believe thats very good. Something like 220cm square. Anyone agree? Its double the minimum....almost
 
Ali3020 said:
Hi, I'm Looking for a guinea pig, but I only have space for one, is it really a must and will they really be affected if I get only one guinea pig?
Click to expand...

Hi!

It is great that you ask the questions first!

Guinea pigs are ground roaming group animals. They really need all the space they can get to stay healthy and they also really rely on companionship of their own kind.

The minimal recommended welfare space is 2x4 ft - which is the same for one or two as they need to be able to run and move around.
One of my guinea pigs did live as a single in a tiny hamster cage for two years before he ended up on the free-ads as no longer wanted. When I adopted him, he wasn't able to walk properly even for a yard without hopping and without his back end sagging because his muscles had withered away. It took several months of daily exercise to build them up again. I also hope that the bad 'lettuce and carrot' diet of his early life has not impacted on his long term health, especially on his liver. It has also taken quite a while to get him used to a healthier veg and herb diet.
Dylan was neutered in the rescue I adopted him from and now lives very happily with a little wife from the same place with daily exercise and a companion he loves and is loved by in return after failing to find favour with any of my adult sows and struggling to cope when his initial baby boy companion hit the teenage months because of Dylan's lack of socialisation and his isolation at the start of his life which have cause him some social problems. He is a lovely chap and has thankfully caught up in the year he has spent with me.

If you cannot provide either of this and are also not able to save up for vet care right from the start to be able to see a vet asap in an emergency for live saving treatment or an operation, then I would strongly recommend to not get guinea pigs.
What good is all your love when it is tinged at all times by your knowledge that you are withholding the most important species needs from your pet? A healthy guinea pig lives 5-7 years. That is a long time in a tiny cage waiting for you to have time for an animal that needs to be able to run around and that needs somepig to chat and interact with at all times.

Dylan on the right with his young wife Begw
IMG_9244_edited-1.jpg


Better start saving up and researching, and then go for pets when the time is right and you can really give them the kind of home you want to give them and have the satisfaction of giving them the long, happy and healthy life that they deserve - whatever the species.

Please read these information links
Cage Size Guide - all cage sizes in one picture for comparison
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Guinea Pig Facts - An Overview

Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
 
Thanks all! Another thing that I was wondering was about their food, because I have no idea on how much hay they consume daily and how often does the cage needs to be refilled etc., I know they need an unlimited supply of hay, but is there really an estimation about the amount they eat every day?
 
Ali3020 said:
Thanks all! Another thing that I was wondering was about their food, because I have no idea on how much hay they consume daily and how often does the cage needs to be refilled etc., I know they need an unlimited supply of hay, but is there really an estimation about the amount they eat every day?
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Hi!

Please have a read through our comprehensive food guide; it also contains a sample veg diet and pellet amounts.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
It also contains further links with more information on specific areas.

Hay and water intake can both vary massively from piggy to piggy; they will also eat more if the hay is tasty...

There are different beddings; for indoors housing you can look at fleece with a suitable absorbent underlay, which can cost you just a few dollars/pounds in the cheapest version instead of wood chippings etc.
We recommend to cage clean twice weekly. With fleece you need to do a daily poo patrol.
Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview

You may find our New Owners Guide collection helpful as it contains all the most important information guides:
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
 
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