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Should you separate male and female guinea pigs?
It’s important to split male and female guinea pigs up by the time they’re 4 weeks old. If you don’t, mating is just a matter of time. Not only can male siblings mate with their siblings, the males can even do so with their mothers.
Can guinea pigs live in separate cages?
Yes, two single guinea pigs can live next to each other as long as they have full communication by scent (pheromones), sight (body language) and by ear (vocalising) for round the clock social stimulation.
How do you house a male and female guinea pig?
It’s recommended to have a hutch of at least 7.5 square feet for a single guinea pig, increasing to 10.5 square feet for two guinea pigs and 13 square feet for three guinea pigs. It’s easier to house guinea pigs that have grown up together.
Is 3 guinea pigs better than 2?
The minimum size for a group of guinea pigs is two. However, there are good reasons why should consider acquiring three or more at the same time and keeping them together: Several guinea pigs will stimulate each other and encourage active behaviour.
Can you keep 2 pregnant guinea pigs together?
Yes, as long as they are getting along with each other, they can live together in the same cage.
Can two female guinea pigs live together?
In the wild guinea pigs live in groups of 10 or more. They are social creatures, and need the company of their own kind. As pets they are usually kept in pairs or trios of the same sex. Two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are siblings.
Is it OK to keep two male guinea pigs together?
Can you put male Guinea Pigs in the same cage? Yes, as long the cage is big enough for two cavies. Guinea Pigs are social animals and housing them together can prevent loneliness. When they first meet or move in together they may need to assert dominance.
Can I keep a female and male guinea pig together?
Two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are siblings. If a female and male live together the male will have to be castrated, unless you are planning on breeding them. Make no mistake – guinea pigs can breed on the same level as the metaphorical rabbit!
How do you introduce two guinea pigs together?
Introduce your guinea pigs in a neutral territory – somewhere neither have been before. Choose a quiet, enclosed and large space where both will feel safe. Block out any distractions such as loud TVs, children or other pets. Start by having one person hold each guinea pig and hold them up to one another.
Can you kiss guinea pigs?
Your guinea pig might get you sick. Guinea pigs can sometimes carry germs like salmonella that can make humans sick. That’s probably why the CDC suggests that you avoid kissing your cavy altogether and that you avoid snuggling your guinea pig too closely to your face.
Can you handle a pregnant guinea pig?
If you have a pregnant guinea pig, it’s best not to handle them unnecessarily during the month before they give birth. They will be feeling a bit tender and very protective of their babies after the birth, so it’s best to leave them alone for a month afterwards too.
When should I separate my guinea pigs?
The girls should ideally remain alongside their mothers until they’re about 4 weeks in age. When you separate male guinea pigs from their mothers at three weeks, remember to separate them from their female siblings, as well. Just as they can get their mothers pregnant, they can do the same to their sisters.
Can you keep a female guinea pig and a male pig together?
It’s not advisable to keep a female guinea pig and two male pigs together in a cage because this can make the males behave aggressively. It makes more sense to have your pets properly sexed prior to bringing them home so that they don’t cause problems or so you don’t have a pregnant female guinea pig on your hands.
How big of a cage does a male guinea pig need?
Again, remember this can happen with ANY guinea pig pair, male/male or female/female. While minimum cage size requirements for two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet (or a 2×3 grid cage), we recommend a 10.5 square-foot cage (or a 2×4 grid cage). Even one guinea pig needs 7.5 square feet.
Is it safe to breed guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs also are susceptible to several horrible, painful genetic diseases that can’t be cured. Please do not breed your pigs. If you absolutely must put male and female together you need to get your male neutered and wait at least a month for him to be sterile.
How long do you keep guinea pigs in separate cages?
1. For at least 2 weeks, keep them separate. Put them in separate cages next to each other so they cant see each other but can hear and smell each other. This is so that the guinea pigs can be checked out to see if they have and kind of disease.