Bringing Your Guinea Pig Home
Before You Bring Your Guinea Pig Home
You have likely heard that guinea pigs are social creatures and exist happier in groups. While every animal is an individual and some may not prefer the company of others, by and large guinea pigs are happier with companions. With this in mind, and considering the likelihood of regular procreation, it is best to keep same sex animals together. The most harmonious pairings are usually between a mature guinea pig and a youngster or two youngsters who have been raised together. Also be sure to provide a separate hiding space for each guinea pig as this should reduce unnecessary fighting.
Spaying and Neutering
Neutering males is a less invasive surgery than spaying a female. Frequently when obtaining pets from rescue shelters these procedures have already been done. If your guinea pig has not been fixed and this is something you would like to do, be sure to find a guinea pig specialist. For more information on how to select a veterinarian please see Guinea Pig Veterinarian.
Are you bringing a new guinea pig home? Are you looking for a quick checklist and information on how to guinea proof your home and introduce your new pet to others? If so, click here.
Bringing Your Guinea Pig Home
Your new guinea pig is not going to want to be held as much as you will want to hold it in those first few days. Its a normal part of the guinea pig nature to be timid and shy and run from the giant hand coming out of the sky to grab them. What you will need to do is spend some time building up a trusting relationship with your new friend. This will involve treats, slow movement, a calm attitude, and a quiet atmosphere.
The first 3-4 days
Give your guinea pig time to adjust to his or her new surroundings. Avoid trying to cuddle, making loud noises, and lurking around (especially leaning over the cage – this is called “looming” and it triggers your guinea pig’s instinct to hide as you appear to be a predatory bird who is about to swoop him up.) Make sure if you must observe your guinea pig that you kneel down to eye level. Remind your children that their new pet needs peace and quiet to get used to his new home and that this is not a good time to bring all of their friends over to play. If you have existing household pets, you will want to keep them away during these first few days. Afterwards you can slowly introduce them one by one.
Learning to handle your guinea pig
The average new guinea pig is not going to want to be held. This is behavior you will have to teach them to get used to. Remember, if you pick your guinea pig up against his will he will likely struggle to escape. This could result in injury or even a fall, which could be serious. The proper way to pick up your new guinea pig is to place one hand under his rear and the other underneath his body. You then want to gently cradle your pet against your chest as this position is going to feel most secure. If you feel your guinea pig begin to struggle, gently lower yourself down to the floor. This will reduce the chance your guinea pig will be injured in a fall.
Introducing new guinea pigs
If you already have guinea pigs at home and wish to add to your guinea pig “family” please keep in mind that these animals will behave aggressively towards each other. The reason for this is that each guinea pig is going to try to fight for the dominant position. Spaying and/or neutering your animals can greatly reduce this possibility as lowered hormone levels will result in calmer animals. In general when selecting partners for cohabitation we have had good luck pairing males and females (spayed and neutered unless you want pups) as well as groups of females.
When introducing the animals for the first time, choose a neutral location that is neither guinea pigs’ territory. This will reduce the possibility of fighting as neither animal will be trying to defend their turf. Do not let the guinea pigs co-mingle initially – instead place their cages near each other until they seem comfortable with each other. This will likely take multiple attempts. Once it appears mutual hostility has faded, allow the guinea pigs to interact in a neutral space. Don’t be worried if a little fighting occurs. This is normal.
Groups of Males
Males will always want to determine which animal is the most dominant. You will see lots of rumbling and mounting. None of this should be cause for concern unless an actual fight breaks out. Males can usually get along well together, especially if neutered but sometimes personality clashes occur.
Groups of Females
Usually females get along fine and problems that occur are usually personality clashes. Just make sure everyone has their own hiding spot and provide supervision.
Male and Female
Males and females can get along quite well. Initially one will see mating ritual type behavior where the male will try to mount the female. Unless the female is in season, mating will not occur and the female will grow progressively irritated with the behavior. This is normal. Just be sure that unless you want puppies, the male has been neutered (and not very recently either as some latent sperm survives.)
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