So, Companions.

[GuacTheGuinea]

I have 1 guinea pig currently, and I would like another. I do NOT have room for another cage, so it would stay with Guacamole. He's been here for 4 weeks now, and he's 11 weeks old. I'm not sure if by now, he would be okay with another piggy in there with him.

On one hand, he's spunky, and gets along fine with the dog. I don't think he would necessarily be the one to start the fights, but on the other hand, he's been here a while, and I'm not sure if he would be okay with another guy in his place.

What do you all think?

 

[DM030819]

How big is your cage?

You have two options, try him with another boar or have him neutered and pair him with a female.

 

[Wiebke]

I have 1 guinea pig currently, and I would like another. I do NOT have room for another cage, so it would stay with Guacamole. He's been here for 4 weeks now, and he's 11 weeks old. I'm not sure if by now, he would be okay with another piggy in there with him.

On one hand, he's spunky, and gets along fine with the dog. I don't think he would necessarily be the one to start the fights, but on the other hand, he's been here a while, and I'm not sure if he would be okay with another guy in his place.

What do you all think?

Yes, please give him a came sex companion as soon as you can and before he hits the teenage months when bonding gets a lot more difficult. Guacamole will hopefully be popcorning with having a friend, and you will enjoy their antics!

Please a) double check Guacamole's gender before you go and get him a companion; b) double check the gender of his new companion when you bring him home and c) please take your time to read our detailed guides. Bonding doesn't work if you just plonk a piggy in another's cage!

If you are within reach of one of these rescues, please consider adopting! You are guaranteed a healthy (quarantined) and properly sexed companion. Some rescues even offer meet & greets (dating), so Guacamole can choose who he wants to friends with. That makes for a much happier relationship.
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

Here are our bonding guides. They will help you how to prepare, stage and conduct a bonding, what to expect and which behaviours are good ones and which not in order to give you the best chance for a successful bonding. .
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Cage Size Guide

 

[GuacTheGuinea]

Well, I have 8 sq. feet, with a divider but not in the center. I can't get him neutered, because we can't afford it. Our vet does it, but she want ALOT for it.

 

[GuacTheGuinea]

Yes, please give him a came sex companion as soon as you can and before he hits the teenage months when bonding gets a lot more difficult. Guacamole will hopefully be popcorning with having a friend, and you will enjoy their antics!

Please a) double check Guacamole's gender before you go and get him a companion; b) double check the gender of his new companion when you bring him home and c) please take your time to read our detailed guides. Bonding doesn't work if you just plonk a piggy in another's cage!

If you are within reach of one of these rescues, please consider adopting! You are guaranteed a healthy (quarantined) and properly sexed companion. Some rescues even offer meet & greets (dating), so Guacamole can choose who he wants to friends with. That makes for a much happier relationship.
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

Here are our bonding guides. They will help you how to prepare, stage and conduct a bonding, what to expect and which behaviours are good ones and which not in order to give you the best chance for a successful bonding. .
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Cage Size Guide

Oh, thank you! I tried to adopt when I got him, but it wasn't meant to be..

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I think (but don't quote me) boars do best with 10 square feet but others may be able to verify that.

A friend would be great asap, a good rescue will be able to help you with the boar dating. Might be worth looking at the rescue locator on the forum

Always bear in mind that fall outs are possible in later life, so another cage might be needed (but not definitely).

I know you don't have the money for neutering but it's usually a safer option to neuter and after the 6 weeks waiting period try to look for a female friend as fall outs are less common.

Good luck!

 

[GuacTheGuinea]

I actually got him 8 sq. feet because they need 7.5.. I don't have room for another cage, either, so I'm reluctant for fall outs.

I [you]think[/you] (but don't quote me) boars do best with 10 square feet but others may be able to verify that.

A friend would be great asap, a good rescue will be able to help you with the boar dating. Might be worth looking at the rescue locator on the forum

Always bear in mind that fall outs are possible in later life, so another cage might be needed (but not definitely).

I know you don't have the money for neutering but it's usually a safer option to neuter and after the 6 weeks waiting period try to look for a female friend as fall outs are less common.

Good luck!

 

[Lorcan]

Hey I have a boar pair in an 8ft sq home at the minute. It's been suiting them both just fine, they have a tendency to go to opposite corners and give each other stink eye if one irritates the other, heh. But it is far, far better to have them together before the hormonal stage starts. That's when Guacamole is more likely to fall out with a new companion, and the sooner they could be settled into a routine with each other, the better.

 

[GuacTheGuinea]

Thank you!

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Unfortunately piggies are like people, so you can't guarantee they will be friends for life but more often than not it works out that way. We just can't control how they feel about each other

I'm sure which ever companion you get for your little one will be absolutely fine, and your piggy will have a much happier life with a friend as they do get terribly lonely.

 

[Freela]

Guinea pigs generally are happier in pairs or groups. They are social animals by nature. There are some stickies about introducing guinea pigs to one another- it should be done in a neutral space, and if they accept each other you should make the cage a 'neutral' space by washing it down thoroughly to remove the smells of the original occupant. The resident guinea pig is much less likely to be territorial or protective over the space once this is done.

We're going to be introducing two pigs in the upcoming weeks- right now our 2-year-old is alone after losing her 6-year-old companion and we have a new baby in quarantine on another floor. Just waiting to be sure that everyone is healthy before putting the two of them together. It's a bit nervewracking waiting to see if they will get along, but I've been here a couple of times before and they were always very happy to have a friend, so hoping for the same outcome again!