In nature, animals from the pig family live in colonies. In a group, it is easier for rodents to escape from predators and obtain food. At home, the guinea pig is not in danger of being attacked by animals or starving. The presence of companions is not mandatory, but the animal is more comfortable in company.
Making two guinea pigs friends is not difficult. By nature, they are inclined to communicate and pets are more fun together. Thanks to active games, animals move more, which has a positive effect on their physical fitness and health.
Pair selection
Owners are concerned about the possibility of guinea pigs fighting. It is easier to prevent conflict between pets if you deliberately select suitable individuals. It is better to purchase a guinea pig from a trusted breeder. You can get information from him about the character of each animal and its position in the pack.
Important factors when choosing a pet partner:
Young animals develop easier relationships with each other than adults. It is best to have two babies at once, raised together. In this case, the struggle for leadership is easier, or is not required at all. The new resident must be younger than or equal in age to the permanent resident.
If one or two individuals are approaching the age of 3-5 months, it is better to postpone introduction. During this period, guinea pigs master the role of an adult rodent and zealously defend their boundaries.
The settler who dominated the previous flock will aggressively defend its position in the new place. The owner will not tolerate this and the rodents will begin to conflict. Therefore, it is better to choose a non-ambitious individual for sharing.
Patterns of groups by gender
It is not worth having a different-sex couple if breeding is not planned. Animals experience stress when living together. The female does not like the persistent attention of the male, and his constant refusals. Uncontrolled mating depletes the girl’s body. You can keep a male and female together only if the male is castrated.
Two female guinea pigs converge more easily on the same territory. Fighting for terrain between girls rarely ends in injury. This pair is optimal for a beginning livestock breeder.
Boys jealously defend their territory. Competition for the lady may break out between them. Two males don't get along well together. Vigilance is always required with them; even friendly rodents can suddenly start a fight. You can make friends between two males only if they do not smell the female.
To maintain order in the group, it is necessary to provide pets with toys and entertainment, plenty of hay, food and space. A cage for a pair of guinea pigs should be at least a meter long.
Relationships in a pack of three or more animals develop according to the same patterns. Among the trio, an unspoken conspiracy of two pigs against the third may arise. Therefore, it is optimal to group animals into colonies of 4-5 individuals.
Rules for sharing
The new tenant must spend two weeks in a separate cage so that the owner can make sure that the rodent is healthy. After quarantine, you can introduce the guinea pigs to each other. Before attempting, you need to make sure that both rodents are full and in a good mood. It is better to introduce guinea pigs on neutral territory.
The first meeting place should be:
- new for both rodents, not marked by odors;
- protected by high sides, or located closer to the floor;
- spacious so that there is enough space for pursuit and escape;
- equipped with through shelters for a passive individual.
Competition for food is not typical for the species, so while the animals are getting to know each other, you can try to defuse the situation with treats. During the procedure, you need to be vigilant, since a fight may arise for the owner’s attention, or simply out of principle.
When joining a group, it is recommended to rub the newcomer from behind with sawdust from the common cage. Sensing the familiar smell, the flock will accept the guest more loyally.
After several meetings on neutral territory, if the pigs behave calmly, you can put them in one cage. Before doing this, you should wash it thoroughly and change the location of the accessories. For each individual, you need to install separate feeders and drinkers on different sides of the cage. The room will look unusual for both pigs, which will allow the rodents to inhabit the territory on equal terms.
Actions during a fight
Guinea pigs fight fiercely and can hurt each other and their owner. During the meeting and check-in process, a person should prepare a towel in case they have to separate the rodents. It is strictly forbidden to intervene with bare hands; animals react aggressively to humans.
Two guinea pigs will be wary of each other. At the first meeting, everyone should sniff their friend, this is how the rodents get to know each other.
Chatting teeth, ruffled fur, chasing and persecution should not be stopped. Pigs determine the hierarchy in a pair. Until the animals figure out who is in charge, they will not be able to find a common language.
At the beginning of the acquaintance, pigs should establish a hierarchy
If a fight breaks out between rodents:
- You can knock loudly near the cage so that the sharp sound distracts the animals;
- It helps to spray the ball with warm water from a spray bottle;
- separate by hand, through thick fabric, or with rough gloves.
After a conflict, pigs should be housed in different rooms for several weeks. Attempts to make friends with pets will have to start all over again. After getting to know each other on neutral territory, it is recommended to place the rodents through the bars close to each other. This will allow the animals to get used to the presence of a neighbor in safety.
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Video: about paired and single keeping of guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are social creatures, and therefore are unlikely to refuse the company of their own kind. In the wild, they live in flocks of 10-20 individuals; at home, 2-3 pets can comfortably coexist in one cage. An important condition for a peaceful neighborhood is animals that are correctly selected by gender.
When it comes to the cohabitation of several guinea pigs, the behavior of such animals cannot be called unambiguous. On the one hand, they are really comfortable in company, on the other hand, these rodents, especially males, are ardent defenders of their territory - the pig’s reaction to a neighbor moving in can be unpredictable. Therefore, it’s worth starting with which “duets” or “trios” will turn out to be the most friendly.
The right neighbors: which pigs are easier to make friends with?
Best friends are same-sex guinea pigs. Of course, it is possible to keep pets of different sexes in the same cage, but this must be done carefully. There can be several neighbor combinations:
1. The ideal option is to buy two same-sex little pigs at once. Growing up together minimizes the likelihood of conflicts.
2. If you want to add another pig to an adult pig, choose a “recruit” based on age - it’s easier for an adult pet to get along with a baby.
3. You can only place a castrated male with a female or not do this at all - guinea pigs literally breed like rabbits. You cannot place two males with a female, even if they are castrated - they will still fight for the girl’s attention, which will forever put an end to peaceful cohabitation.
4. Girls get along better - their sense of territoriality is not so developed. In boys it is “dulled” by castration. Such an operation is rare for guinea pigs, so it is better to choose a neighborhood option that does not involve surgical intervention.
What to do after buying a second pig?
You cannot introduce pets immediately after purchase. First you need to endure a two-week quarantine. At this time, it is better to place animal cages in different rooms.
Wherever you buy a guinea pig - in a nursery or a pet store - it is not immune from diseases. Some have a long incubation period—symptoms of infection do not appear immediately—so the seller and you may not be aware that the animal is sick. This is why quarantine is needed - so that one pet does not infect another. This situation is an exception to the rule, but it is better not to neglect the usual precautions. Observe the rodents for a couple of weeks, how they eat, how they behave - if everything is fine, you can introduce them.
How does the dating process work?
To begin with, place cages with pets in the same room, so that the pigs do not see each other, but smell and hear the movements of their future neighbor. After a while, you can move on to direct acquaintance. This needs to be done on neutral territory so that none of the animals has a feeling of encroachment on their personal space. A playpen will do. If this is not the case, simply place the pigs on the floor. There is no need to introduce them to the sofa or table - these rodents are afraid of heights and falls.
Offer your pets vegetables, hay or other treats - they will distract and relax the pigs. Such pets usually do not protect food, but if you see that it has become the subject of a dispute, immediately hide the food. In case of a sudden fight, prepare towels so as not to separate the animals with your bare hands.
If the pigs are fussing and pushing, but it does not lead to fights and bloodshed, this is a normal everyday situation. Sniffing each other and light nudges indicate that the animals are saying hello.
How do guinea pigs behave?
These animals are cute and interesting pets, and watching how they behave is a real pleasure. By the behavior of a guinea pig you can understand what mood it is in, how it feels; determine whether she is hungry. If the person who gets a guinea pig already has such animals, he will quickly be able to distinguish their characters.
For example, one pig is calm, another is active, and the third is timid.
Guinea pigs, or cavias, are social and friendly animals by nature. They are not characterized by attacks of aggression and other habits that are seen in other rodents.
They are characterized by poor tolerance to loneliness, a high need for daily communication with the owner and movement around the apartment.
People who get such an animal for the first time note that after a while the animal’s behavior changes. If the owners do not have time to communicate with the pet, the animal will be bored, become lethargic, lose appetite, its skin will begin to itch and its hair will fall out.
To eliminate all complications in the animal’s well-being, he needs to purchase a pair. The second guinea pig may be of the opposite sex. Two females can also get along well together, but whether two males can get along in the same house depends on the breed of pets purchased.
If the animal is not the only pet, this is not a problem. He will easily make friends with the rest of the residents of the house. Pigs have good connections with rabbits, hamsters, dogs, cats and even birds.
The main dangers for a guinea pig are large differences in diet with other animals and possible infections.
Their owners also note that animals quite often lick their owner's hands. Sometimes this is due to the fact that the hands have a specific smell, and in other cases this action of the animal is a gratitude for the attention received. A guinea pig can express its devotion to its owner by licking its owner's hands.
Making friends with two pigs is quite easy. By their natural qualities, they are communicative, and living together is not only more convenient, but also more fun. Thanks to active games, they are in motion most of the time, which has a positive effect on their physical fitness and health.
Breeding
Breeding rosette pigs has its own nuances. The gene that is responsible for the formation of spirals and the rigidity of the cover is dominant. When mating two representatives of the breed, offspring without rosettes may appear if the recessive allele for smooth hair (r) is present in the genotype of both parents.
In addition to the rosette gene, an important role is played by the genetic modifier marked M. If it dominates, then the formation of correct rosettes is suppressed even in the presence of the rosette gene.
In such pigs, instead of normal spirals, the following are formed:
- combs only;
- curls on wool;
- only 2 sockets and one comb.
If the modifier gene is in a recessive state (marked mm), then rosettes of the correct shape are formed. In fact, to breed good pigs, a superficial knowledge of their genetics is not enough. Under the influence of various factors, even purebred animals can produce descendants that are far from perfect.
The rosette pig is mated with a male at the age of 4-10 months, if it weighs more than 700 g. Estrus occurs every 16-20 days. The most favorable time for fertilization is the first 6 hours of sexual heat. It is advisable for the male to make several cages during mating games, then the likelihood of pregnancy will be higher.
The rosette guinea pig carries its young for 63-66 days. There are 3-4 piglets in a litter, less often – up to 6. The more babies in the womb, the shorter the gestation period. The first birth can last 2-3 hours, each subsequent one occurs faster. Rodents are born at intervals of 5-7 minutes.
Caring for rosette pigs cannot be called difficult. Rodents are unpretentious, so they won’t cause much trouble. In response to the care and love of their owner, they will willingly give a lot of positive emotions.
We select a couple
The owners are worried about possible fights between animals. It is easier to avoid contradictions between pets if you choose breeds that suit each other. It is necessary to buy an animal from trusted breeders. They can also provide you with the necessary information about the character of any pig.
Young individuals establish relationships much faster than adults. Experts recommend having two little pigs that grow up together. Their struggle for championship will take place in a lighter form or not at all.
The new resident's age must be less than or equal to the age of his fellow resident. Experts recommend postponing the introduction of animals if the age of one of them is approaching 5 months. This is due to the fact that the animal turns into an adult pig and will zealously defend its comfort zone. A rodent that was just acquired at this age will defend its position in its new home with particular aggressiveness. Accordingly, the pet already living in the house will not tolerate this, and a conflict will occur between the animals. For sharing, it is worth choosing less ambitious individuals.
In the natural environment, guinea pigs live in a group that includes a male, females and offspring. One group contains up to 15 female pigs. In the process of growth and development of offspring, young males strive to knock out two or three females from a mature male and form their own group. In young individuals this does not happen immediately, and they continue to live in a group consisting of males until they are able to win females for themselves.
Domestic breeds of guinea pigs have the same needs as their wild relatives. Such needs include proper nutrition, the required amount of space and the presence of another animal of the same breed.
Necessary for care
Like any other pet, a guinea pig requires a wide variety of grooming accessories. These include:
- cage or aquarium;
- feeder;
- sippy cup;
- house;
- filler;
- mineral stone;
- toys;
- carrying;
- hygiene products;
- brush-comb and nail clipper.
Cage or aquarium
Keeping a guinea pig is allowed both in an aquarium and in a cage. The main condition is size: the dwelling must be at least 50 cm in length and 30 cm in height so that the animal can move comfortably. If you have decided on a cage, then it is best to take a closer look at the options that have a plastic bottom. Plastic is quite easy to care for, it is easy to wash, dry, etc. A wooden base is not suitable due to the fact that these animals drink a lot of liquid per day, and therefore excrete a large amount of urine. The wood will simply become unusable in a very short time. You can purchase an aquarium in the above sizes. It, like a cage with a plastic bottom, is easy to wash and clean. But you should be careful, since glass is a very fragile material and when moving it, for example, to another room, you should follow safety rules (the pet should not be in the aquarium, it should be transferred to a carrier).
cell
Feeder
The feeder should be heavy enough so that the guinea pig cannot knock it over. An excellent option would be bowls made of ceramics, stainless steel, etc. It is also recommended to buy 2-3 containers. For example, one will be used for vegetables or fruits, and the second for dry food.
Sippy cup
A vertical ball sippy cup is perfect for a guinea pig. It is usually made of plastic with a metal tip. In such a drinking bowl there is no need to change the water daily, but this is done about 2-3 times a week.
House
Be sure to install a small house in the cage or aquarium. Your pet will sleep in it, relax, or simply retire when he wants to be alone. Most often, such houses are made of wood with a round “door” cut out in the middle. The most optimal size is 25 cm in length and 15 cm in height. This space is enough for the animal to hide and at the same time feel comfortable.
house
Filler
When arranging the cage, do not forget about the bedding. It will create comfort in the cage, prevent the animal from freezing and, to some extent, maintain cleanliness. You can use sawdust or ground corn cobs as a filler. Under no circumstances put cotton wool, newspaper, paper, etc. in the cage as bedding, as this is not safe for your pet’s health.
Mineral stone
To maintain dental health and calcium levels in your guinea pig's body, mineral stone is essential. After all, it serves not only as a vitamin complex, but also perfectly helps the animal grind its teeth. This stone is sold in a pet store, and its price is quite affordable.
stone
Toys
Guinea pigs are somewhat similar in behavior to decorative rabbits. They love to play. Therefore, be sure to buy some interesting and funny toy for your pet, for example, a tunnel, a hammock, a mirror, a rolling wheel, etc. The game will not only bring joy and pleasure to the animal, but will also strengthen muscles, and will also be an excellent preventive measure against obesity.
Carrying
If your plans did not include traveling together or any trips with your guinea pig, then you will still need a carrier. Transporting an animal in your arms, in a box or blanket is strictly prohibited. For example, you need to visit a veterinarian or transport the animal to another house or apartment; in such life situations, a carrier will definitely help you out. The pig will feel safe and the transportation process will go smoothly.
Hygiene products
Guinea pigs are considered clean animals, but sometimes they are still allowed to be bathed. For such cases, it is necessary to use special hygiene products that can be purchased at a pet store. The most popular of them:
- "Biogance" - bio-perfume;
- "Veda" - wheat shampoo.
Brush-comb and nail clipper
Caring for your guinea pig's coat and claws is extremely important. To do this, you need to purchase a special comb with soft bristles (combing is done daily), as well as a nail clipper for trimming the claws (the procedure is performed as they lengthen).
