Guinea pigs are one of the cutest pets you can get. But were you aware that they are social animals? It’s always a good idea to get a pair of guinea pigs or more so that they can keep each other company. Some potential owners ask if they should adopt a bonded pair. This refers to two guinea pigs that have a strong attachment. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about bonded guinea pig pairs and how to care for them.
Bonded Guinea Pigs Can Make Great Companions
It’s a common sight at some pet stores and animal rescues: an enclosure featuring two guinea pigs with a sign that reads, “Bonded pair; must be adopted together.” Despite the ominous message, there is nothing “wrong” with a bonded pair of guinea pigs—or any pet, for that matter. The term simply means that the two animals have a very strong attachment and separating them would cause too much stress. Guinea pigs have more complex behaviors than most people realize.
Some bonded pairs have been together their entire lives, such as those from the same litter. Other guinea pigs may have been introduced later in life and still have an intense bond. It’s not uncommon for pet shops to sell bonded guinea pigs in a two-for-one scenario.
The good news is that getting a bonded pair is very beneficial for the pigs. Guinea pigs are social animals, and they seek solace from each other. It’s common for them to snuggle together for warmth and security. They’ll help with each other’s grooming and even feed each other. It’s also better for owners because a pair of guinea pigs will be quieter than getting one. When they’re lonely, they tend to squawk out of distress.
It’s fun to watch a pair interact, play together, and bounce around. Research shows that guinea pigs live longer lives in pairs because they’re less likely to suffer common stress-related diseases.
Bonding a Pair of Guinea Pigs
You don’t have to introduce a pair of guinea pigs at birth or from a young age for them to bond and keep each other company. However, it will take patience, and there are cases where failure occurs, although this is rare. First, ensure that you get an appropriate match. The best combinations include a neutered male and multiple females, or two females and neutered brothers.
If you already have one guinea pig, you should quarantine the newcomer in case it has any unknown health issues. After about three weeks, you can introduce the two guinea pigs. Yet, don’t just shove the new pig into the hutch and shut the door. Introductions should be a gradual and time-intensive process. We advise putting them in a neutral area, like another cage, so they don’t feel territorial. Observe them closely to ensure there’s no tension. Give them some hiding spots, so they can take space if they need it.
Positive signs include mutual grooming and sleeping near each other. This is a sign of trust. However, in the rare instance they start fighting, separate them.
Take Care With Unneutered Males to Avoid Litters
Always neuter males because they may become territorial and aggressive with each other. This is less likely to be an issue after a vet desexes them. Meanwhile, avoid putting a male and a female together unless you are 100 percent sure the former is neutered. There are cases where irresponsible dealers accidentally paired unneutered male guinea pigs with females. This can lead to a surprise litter, and it’s not something you likely want to deal with!
Never leave a female with a male because they are prolific breeders. They can fall pregnant extremely quickly, including after giving birth! A female guinea pig may become pregnant again just two hours after delivering a litter. Obviously, there’s an issue for the owner because suddenly they could have over 10 guinea pigs instead of two. But it’s also dangerous for females to have too many births, as it can fuse their pelvic bones. This makes labor extremely risky, so talk to your veterinarian about spaying and neutering.
Feeding a Bonded Guinea Pig Pair
There are a few things to know about feeding multiple guinea pigs. First, it will cost more because you must buy more food. However, the main issue is that there’s a slight risk of competition. You can eliminate this by providing two water feeders, so they don’t fight over the same one. Also, you should keep two food dishes in their hutch so both guinea pigs can eat.
It’s common for one guinea pig to have a more assertive personality. It may dominate or bully its companion if you don’t take action. You should check their physical condition weekly to ensure that they maintain a healthy appearance. Your guinea pigs should be plump with shiny hair. If one shows signs of losing weight, it could be suffering from bullying and not getting enough food. Remember to provide unlimited hay for your guinea pigs.
Guinea Pigs Need Ample Space to Thrive
Even bonded pairs may suffer from stress in the wrong conditions. Incorrect husbandry and a poor hutch setup are the main reasons why they don’t work out. You must ensure that there’s a big enough space for both guinea pigs to run around and escape from each other if necessary. They will spend most of the time close to each other, but not always.
Experts recommend a minimum hutch size of 7.5 sq ft., but 10 sq ft. is much better if possible. This will reduce the risk of tension arising from cramped living conditions. Don’t forget about enrichment activities. There should be plenty of room for your guinea pigs to play and run around. Ensure there are hideouts so they can enjoy some alone time. There should be at least two of everything, so there’s no risk of territorial dominance.
