How to Introduce Two Guinea Pigs to Each Other

Guinea pigs are social animals. In their natural habitat in the wild, guinea pigs exist in herds. Most domestic guinea pigs prefer to be around other animals, and adopting another guinea pig can have a positive change in your pet's life; however, guinea pigs are territorial and any major change should be made gradually to assure things go smoothly. Take proper precautions and follow specific protocol when introducing a guinea pig to a new companion.^{[1]XResearch source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Understanding the Role of Sex

1
Determine the sex of your guinea pigs. Sex makes a big deal when it comes to how guinea pigs interact with one another. Before you introduce them, you must determine their sex. Pet shop employees often make mistakes, and if you're buying a guinea pig from a pet store the chance of error is even higher.
- You should examine your guinea pig on the floor or a very low table. This way, if they get away they will not injure themselves falling. Handle your guinea pig gently, but keep a firm hold around their chest and shoulders. Spread their back legs apart to examine their genitals.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The distance between the genitals and anus is greater in males than females.^{[3]XResearch source}
- The genital opening of male guinea pigs is shaped like a circular dot, while the genital opening of females forms a Y-shape.^{[4]XResearch source}
- For a decisive test, feel just above the genitals. In a female, this area will be soft, but in a male, you will feel a bone. Push in and up (towards the guinea pig's head) from this point. In a male, this will make the penis come out, whereas you will see no change in a female.
2
Know which combinations work best. Certain pairs work better than others when it comes to guinea pigs. Younger pigs are easier to introduce. They start on a more or less blank slate and then grow and change together.
- If you already have an older guinea pig, getting a baby of the same sex is a good choice. The adult will not feel as threatened by a baby and its dominance will not be challenged.
- Its best to neuter males before introducing them to females; however, neutered or not, never place more than one male in a group with females. They will fight over the female's attention.
- Adult females tend to get along more readily than adult males.
- Understand that if you house two normal (not fixed) guinea pigs of different sex (one male and one female) together, you will end up with babies. Pregnancy is extremely dangerous for both moms and babies (1/4 of sows die as a result of having babies), so avoid this at all costs.
3
Make special accommodations if you have two adult males. Male guinea pigs are very territorial, and if you're introducing two adult males take certain precautions.
- A spacious cage is key to males living in harmony. Provide them with their own space to eat, hide, sleep, and play — provide two of everything. Ensure that hiding houses have two entrances so that one guinea pig cannot trap the other. ^{[5]XResearch source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Introducing the Guinea Pigs

1
Quarantine the new guinea pig. You should keep your guinea pigs separate from one another in a different room for the first two to three weeks. You will need to have the new guinea checked out by a vet during this time to ensure they are healthy. Do not let them have physical contact until this time period is up.
- Placing the new guinea pig directly in the cage with a new one can cause undue stress as they must be eased into a new environment, and their presence may cause the current pig to become territorial.
- In addition to the emotional concerns, many guinea pig illnesses, which are easily spread at pet and department stores, can incubate for long periods. You need to make sure your new guinea shows no signs of sickness before introducing them to your old guinea.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Put the guinea pigs in separate cages next to each other. Position the cages in such a way that the guinea pigs cannot see each other but can smell and hear one another.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Introduce them on a neutral ground. Once the two to three week quarantine period has passed, it's time to introduce the guinea pigs. However, do not place the new guinea pig in the cage right away as it's best to introduce them on neutral ground so neither guinea pig feels their territory is being threatened.
- Find a new territory where neither guinea pig has been before, but that is a secluded and quiet place where both guinea pigs will feel safe. On the floor of a closed-off and small room, such as a bathroom, is a good option.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Put veggies, treats, and hay in the center of the area to distract the guinea pigs from fighting as they get accustomed to one another's presence. ^{[9]XResearch source}
- In case the guinea pigs get physically aggressive, you should have old towels on hand. You can use towels to restrain the guinea pigs while avoiding getting scratched yourself.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If it goes well, and the guinea pigs have not fought for over two hours, you will be able to introduce them to the same cage. Ensure that the cage has been thoroughly cleaned, and all the toys re-arranged to make it seem like a new cage.
3
Take precautions before putting the guinea pigs in a cage together. After the guinea pigs have been introduced, there are steps you can take to smoothen the transition before placing them in the same cage.
- Make adjustments to the cage. Guinea pigs are territorial, so make sure your cage has enough space. As a general rule, a cage between 7.5 and 10.5 square feet is recommended for two guinea pigs. More room is preferred, and if you're housing three or more guinea pigs aim for at least 13 square feet.
- Rearrange and wash the cage so it will smell new and feel more like neutral territory for both guinea pigs.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Gently rub hay from the old cage on the new guinea pig so he smells more like the rest of the herd.^{[12]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Knowing When to Intervene

1
Recognize aggressive body language. The first few weeks for guinea pig cohabitation can be rough, and you should expect some tension between your pets. Know what the signs of aggression are and what body language is a signal for you to intervene.
- Mounting or jumping over one another can lead to aggression if one guinea pig resists or retaliates. Keep an eye on this behavior, but do not intervene unless it leads to fighting.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Squealing, chasing, and teeth chattering are common in the first few weeks. Guinea pigs may also gently nip one another if annoyed, and such behaviors are necessary to establish boundaries between the guinea pigs. Only intervene if the guinea pigs are biting hard enough to inflict wounds.^{[14]XResearch source}
- If one guinea pig is constantly chattering his teeth, this is a sign of aggression that could grow serious. Watch carefully, but do not separate unless blood is drawn.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Raised hair, especially around the neck, and feet stamping are signs guinea pigs are preparing to fight. This can occur but watch carefully. Do not separate unless blood is drawn. ^{[16]XResearch source}
Again, do not separate unless blood is drawn. Two males or two females humping each other is not an intended sexual interaction, it's their method of establishing dominance. Mounting does not necessarily mean your guinea pig is a boar, or mating.^{[17]XResearch source}
3
Recognize normal interaction. Not all body language is a bad sign. There are certain behaviors that are normal, especially early on, and you should be able to recognize these gestures so you do not intervene unnecessarily.
- Bottom sniffing and nudging is a guinea pig's way of greeting a new companion. This is normal and non-threatening behavior. Your guinea pigs may also want to establish their territory by dragging their bottoms across the ground or raising their heads up on occasion to expression dominance, behaviors that are normal during the first few weeks.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Guinea pigs sometimes engage in a behavior called rumble strutting. This is when they walk with their hips swaying and their fur puffed out while making a rumbling sound. This is an expression of dominance and unless it's followed up by aggressive gestures it's usually a normal part of establishing the pecking order.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Don't be afraid of squealing sounds. Although guinea pigs can make shrill noises that may sound like pain, it is just their way of saying that they submit to the more dominant pig.
4
Break up fights when necessary. If fights start to get bloody, you need to intervene. Know how to do so safely to diminish harm for yourself and your pets.
- Act quickly. Guinea pigs have sharp teeth and are capable of inflicting serious harm on one another. If you notice aggressive fighting, separate them immediately. Guinea pigs can cause permanent injury and disabilities to one another if left unchecked.^{[20]XResearch source}
- Do not intervene with your bare hands. An irate guinea pig can cause injuries to you that are serious enough to warrant medical attention. Cover the animal with an old towel or rag or use heavy gloves while separating them.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Separate the guinea pigs after the fight. Keep them in different cages, but in the same room so that they can see, smell, hear, and talk to each other. Continue handling them with gloves or a towel for a few hours after the fight, as they can remain skittish and aggressive for a while after a confrontation.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Reintroduce them slowly, once again introducing them on a neutral ground with treats and food as distractions. Depending on the severity of the fight, wait a few hours to a few days. Keep protective gear on hand in case the fight resumes.^{[23]XResearch source}
5
Don't be discouraged if they don't get along. Some guinea pigs may simply not get along, even after you follow the proper protocol introducing them. You need to be prepared for this. It's a risk when introducing a new guinea pig to your pack.
- Do not feel as if this is your fault. Nature simply works this way, and guinea pigs have different personalities. Some may be more independent and aggressive and therefore harder to introduce to a companion. Even when you do all the right things, guinea pigs are sometimes simply not compatible with one another.^{[24]XResearch source}
- If the first introduction leads to an excess of fighting, you can restart the introduction process, beginning again with the quarantine period. This gives the guinea pigs time to cool off and forget any previous hostilities.
- If guinea pigs are simply not getting along, you can always keep them in separate cages where they can smell, see, and hear one another but cannot physically interact. They get the benefits of some social interaction but without the stress of a hostile environment.^{[25]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Can two boy guinea pigs live together?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Yes, indeed two males can live happily together. However, this depends on them either being brothers and lived together since they were born, or else introducing them in the correct way so they don't feel their territory is threatened.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 34
Question
Can two guinea pigs live together?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Guinea pigs love company and absolutely, two guinea pigs can live together. Ideally, keep a pair of guinea pigs rather than a lone pig, just be careful to introduce them slowly, on neutral territory, and with plenty of resources so that they get along well.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 27
Question
Are guinea pigs better in pairs?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
A single guinea pig is liable to get lonely as they are sociable creatures that love to chat and interact act with one another. A pair is ideal, or even a slightly larger group. Just be sure they all have an individual shelter and food bowl so they aren't stressed about sharing.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 3 Helpful 28

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

It is not necessary to neuter male guinea pigs unless they are going to be kept with a female.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful2
Socialization is a lot easier when one guinea pig is younger. Consider adopting a baby of the same gender as your current guinea pig.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful0
If possible, adopt two guinea pigs who were raised together. This way, you know they are already compatible.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

Warnings

Never introduce an un-castrated male to females. Guinea pigs reproduce very quickly, causing a lot of stress to the female. Guinea pig pregnancies are high risk, and a female that has problems while pregnant will often die a slow and painful death.
Thanks
Helpful10 Not Helpful1
Guinea pigs can become quite aggressive with one another and can inflict permanent injury on their cage mates when fighting. If you notice a fight getting aggressive, intervene immediately.
Thanks
Helpful8 Not Helpful1
Guinea pigs are small but strong. When they are under duress, use precaution when handling them to avoid injury.
Thanks
Helpful4 Not Helpful0