If you’re considering adopting guinea pigs, you may have heard that they thrive in herds. This might lead you to question how many guinea pigs you should bring into your home.
For beginners, a bonded pair of guinea pigs is an ideal choice! You could also opt for a trio if you prefer three, but it’s advisable to hold off on having four or more until you are confident in your ability to care for them properly. Avoid adopting a solitary guinea pig unless you plan to pair them with another guinea pig promptly.
This article will delve into the dynamics of adopting pairs, trios, and herds of guinea pigs to assist you in determining the right number of piggies for you.
Can You Keep a Solo Guinea Pig?
Guinea pigs are social animals that thrive in herds. In their natural habitat, they live in large groups consisting of a boar and multiple sows. Keeping a single guinea pig is not recommended.
Humans cannot fulfill all the social needs of a guinea pig. Just as we require interaction with other humans, guinea pigs need the companionship of their own kind!
Solo guinea pigs can experience stress and even develop depression. They should only be housed alone in their cage if they have had unsuccessful bonding attempts with other guinea pigs. In such cases, they should be placed next to another pair or group of guinea pigs for safe socialization. This has been proven to reduce stress in solitary piggies.
Can Guinea Pigs Live With Other Animals?
Similar to humans, other animals such as rabbits are unable to fulfill a guinea pig’s social needs. Furthermore, it is risky to keep guinea pigs with other pets.
Rabbits, cats, and dogs can harbor Bordetella, a common cause of upper respiratory infections in guinea pigs. URIs can be fatal, particularly if left untreated.
These animals can also pose a threat to guinea pigs. Dogs and cats may view them as prey, while rabbits may bully guinea pigs and inadvertently cause injuries with their powerful kicks.
Keeping Two Guinea Pigs
A pair of guinea pigs can consist of two males, two females, or a neutered male and a female. A spayed female and a male can also coexist, although this is less common due to the higher risks associated with spaying.
Most individuals start with two guinea pigs, which is a good initial step if you are uncertain about the number you wish to adopt. You can always increase the number in the future if you desire!
The minimum cage size for two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet, but the ideal size is 10.5 square feet or larger. Larger cages are always preferable, and males often require more space to maintain their bond.
Keeping Three Guinea Pigs
A trio of guinea pigs can comprise three females or one neutered male with two females.
Male guinea pig trios are seldom successful. They require ample space, and all males must exhibit docile behavior.
Two males will likely compete for a female, making this an unsuitable match!
Guinea pig trios necessitate a minimum of 10.5 square feet, with 13 square feet or more being preferable.
Keeping Four Guinea Pigs
With four guinea pigs, you officially have a herd! Similar to trios, herds can comprise all females or one neutered male and multiple females.
Caring for four guinea pigs is labor-intensive and can be costly. Ensure you have a cage size of at least 13 square feet (preferably 15 square feet or more), are prepared for frequent clean-ups, and can cover veterinary expenses in case they fall ill.
If this is your first time caring for guinea pigs, it is recommended to start with two or three initially.
Keeping Five or More Guinea Pigs
Herds of five or more piggies are not suitable for most individuals. They require a lot of space, are messy, and can be expensive to care for–a minimum of 16-19 square feet of space is needed!
Remember, even if you can manage their daily needs, veterinary expenses can accumulate rapidly, especially as your piggies age. My guinea pig, Baby, required medication in his final year, which was a monthly expense. While I was fortunate to avoid surgeries or emergency vet visits, these could cost upwards of $500.
This is not to dissuade you from adopting a large herd if you have a genuine passion for guinea pigs and can provide proper care! Just bear in mind that it’s a significant commitment to care for a large number of guinea pigs, and it should not be taken lightly.
Bonding Guinea Pigs
You cannot simply introduce a new guinea pig into your existing piggy’s cage, as this often results in conflict between the two! It is crucial to learn how to bond your guinea pigs, starting with a neutral territory.
This area should be unfamiliar to both guinea pigs, with new or cleaned items, so that neither of their scents dominates the space. This helps reduce territorial behavior.
Initially, avoid providing hiding spots and only leave a pile of hay in the center of the bonding area. Once you observe positive interactions, you can introduce double-entrance hides such as tunnels.
Before introducing your piggies, familiarize yourself with bonding behaviors. Humping, rumble strutting, and light chasing are normal. However, if they engage in aggressive spinning attacks, known as “tornadoes,” these should be stopped. Always have a protective barrier, like an oven mitt, to intervene and prevent accidental bites.
If your guinea pigs draw blood during interactions, it’s time to end the bond.
Conclusion – How Many Guinea Pigs Are Right for You?
While the ideal number of guinea pigs varies for each individual, most beginners find that adopting two to three guinea pigs is a good starting point. Managing more than this can be overwhelming for novices!
If you have the space, time, and resources to care for additional piggies, there’s no harm in expanding your furry family in the future. Just remember that caring for a large herd is a significant commitment, akin to a full-time job, and may not be feasible for everyone.
It’s essential to bear in mind that you don’t necessarily need to maximize the number of guinea pigs that can fit in your space. Opt for a cage that exceeds the minimum requirements, providing your piggies ample room to frolic and enjoy their surroundings!