How should I handle my new Guinea Pig?(I have one already)

Question

Hi, I have two Guinea Pigs. I've had one for about 4 months now. I bought another one today. I brought my first one to Petco, and let the other meet him. They seemed happy. I have them now in a big cage with fresh water, food, hay, etc.. My first one keeps on trying to sniff the second's one's behind. I know they mark their territory's and establish dominance, but how can I help them get along together? They are both female. Please help!

Answer 1

When I introduced my guinea pig pipin to my family of 3 girls, I first followed the internets advise and introduced them in a neutral territory.

That didnt really work, so-although it may seem a bit heartless- I just put my new guinea pig straight in with the others.

Ofcourse there was a bit of nipping going on between them but after it was established, who was the "top dog", they all just accepted one another.

It took about 2 days at them most before they settled down though.

This method worked with my guinea pigs but it may be different for you, just depending on the nature and attitude of your ginea pigs.

If you do try this way, keep an eye on them and if blood is drawn at all, you must immediatly remove the injured guinea pig and then, once healed, try again in a few days or so.

You cant expect them not to fight a bit though, so dont keep pullng the new guinea pig away everytime she gets nipped because this will just make it worse.

Leave them to sort out their own problems and all should be fine within a couple of days.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Pet store guinea pigs are often sold sick, missexed and.or pregnant.

You should have quarantined http://www.guinealynx.info/quarantine.ht...

Also read http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm...

You sure they are both female? Please adopt next time.  

Answer 3

The previous poster is right.  Guinea pigs from different litters should NOT live together in the same cage.  I always kept the cages side-by-side so they could visit, but live together.   Males especially may fight with terrible consequences!  I wouldn't worry about the smelling of butts, they do that.  However, just let them play together every day on a blanket rather than having them live in the same cage---you are asking for trouble!

Answer 4

They are not supposed to be in the same cage together..I have 2 and had them for about 4-5 months..but they have been together since birth..they are sisters..you are not supposed to put a new guinea pig in with your one you've had for a while..they are supposed to be in seperate cages..they are suppose to be in seperate cages for about a week and not let the new one see the older one..they will fight and your one you've had is going to be very dominate over the new one..take my advice and remove the new one or leave it and see them fight for dominance..

Good luck..