What to do??

1. 66

   vicki simmsposted 13 years ago

   I bought a male Guinea Pig about a month ago and was told by lots of people that they like company so I bought another male (as advised by pet shop owner) anyway they do not like each other and my newest has had to have half his lip taken away by the vets as the other one attacked him badly, I have seperated them obviously but feel bad that now I may have 2 lonely guinea pigs. Does anyone have any tips or maybe reassurance that they are quite happy on their own...................

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2. 82

   Whitney05posted 13 years ago

   Sometimes they do better alone, especially if you already have one and then add another.
   
   Otherwise, a proper introduction is better than just throwing them together. Set up two cages, so they can smell each other and communicate. Start with outside cage playtime together, and then small amounts of within the cage playtime together. Slowly increase the time together until they are cohabitable. Otherwise, they just may not be able to live together, which is fine too as long as you can provide ample attention.
   
   My younger cousin had a female that she tried to introduce another female to, but it didn't turn out well. She had to return the second female. The one guinea pig has lived many, many years.

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   1. 66

      vicki simmsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for this advice I feel a bit better now!!
      They seem quite happy seperate but i've never had guinea pigs before so just need a bit of reassurance

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3. 82

   Whitney05posted 13 years ago

   All depends on the animal. I had two males that lived together fine, but they were purchased together.

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4. 0

   DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years ago

   My guinea pigs were always fine alone. But I did hold them alot every day. They got lots of time out of the cage to run around and stuff. Im sorry you littel guy got hurt.     I bet they will be fine on withtheir own space.

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   1. 66

      vicki simmsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Oh it was so upsetting when little Harry got hurt but he's doing good now!! they are both squeaking lots now and making lots of happy noises.

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      1. 0

         DoorMattnomoreposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         awwww. I love the happy noises, and Harry is a great name!! Im glad they are ok. Honest, I wouldnt worry too much about the company thing.

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         1. 66

            vicki simmsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you

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5. 90

   Polly Cposted 13 years ago

   We got two male guinea pigs a month or so ago. They get on fine but we bought them together. I heard that they do like company but if you keep them alone they can be fine as long as you socialise with them and handle them a lot.
   
   I don't know that much about it, but how about if you keep them separate for a while, but near to each other, and then start bringing them out together in a run for short periods where you can keep an eye on them? I don't know, it might work.

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   1. 66

      vicki simmsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I think im going to have to give that a go, I have one in the house and one outside at the moment!!!!!

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6. 82

   Whitney05posted 13 years ago

   I wouldn't keep the one outside, unless it's in a complete enclosed pen. Dogs, birds, and cats, can easily harm a guinea pig.
   
   I would strongly suggest another cage, and properly introducing them as I suggested.

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   1. 66

      vicki simmsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The cage outside is a fully enclosed outside cage where no animal can get to him in there.

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