Companionship for Guinea Pigs

As humans, we get a lot out of the companionship we have with our small furry friends. But we must also remember, it’s also really important to consider their needs and what is best for them too!

Guinea pigs really are a lot like us. They need social interaction to thrive. Baby guinea pigs need to watch and learn from their older role models – they will be shown the ropes by their mother and any other older piggies that they live with. It’s also important for young guinea pigs to run around and play with their fellow siblings and to have some ‘competition’ at the food bowl. Guinea pigs are accustomed to an established hierarchy between the males, females, old and young, so that they all know (and fit into) ‘their’ place.

Let’s not forget that guinea pigs need other guinea pigs to cuddle up to if it’s chilly or to steal that prize piece of carrot from! But, food jokes aside, the natural dynamic of guinea pigs in the wild would be to live in a group, technically called a ‘herd’. Within this herd, there are many ways in which guinea pigs communicate with each other through their behaviours, actions and the sounds that they make. This kind of guinea pig group dynamic is fascinating to observe!

If you are thinking about getting guinea pigs, or perhaps you already have some, it’s really important to bear their social nature in mind. Guinea pigs will not be happy living completely on their own in isolation. Well, think about it, would you be? Guinea pigs need a friend - and not a different species kind of friend – they need another of their own kind.

Here are some examples of groupings that can work well:

Two males (boars) together;

Two, or more, females (sows) as a pair or a group;

A group (herd) of females with one neutered male;

A male and female as ‘husband and wife’, as long as one (usually the male) has been neutered.

FYI: It is important with a pair or group of guinea pigs to avoid breeding! Ensure your guinea pigs are properly sexed before you bring them home. Breeding guinea pigs is not something we would recommend, as there can be many dangers and health complications with pregnant females. Plus, there are always more than enough guinea pigs in rescue centres needing a home without adding to this with accidental or irresponsible additional breeding.