I'm wondering if I should get another Guinea Pig...

Question

I've got a male guinea pig which we got when he was still really young, like a couple weeks, and we've had him for about 4 months, and he can get kinda lonely sometimes. Do you think I could put another male in there? I've heard when they're older they fight more. I know I'd have to get a bigger cage and all but I'm talking about the relationship between the two piggies. Would that work?

Also:

Would i need to get two houses?

Two bowls?

Two water bottles?

Answer 1

Yes, you should definitely get another guinea pig but the process of adopting another isn't as simple as just sticking them together in your cage. First of all, make sure the cage you get is large enough. Check out http://www.cavycages.com to figure out how to build a C&C cage, which is the only type of cage large enough to accommodate two guinea pigs.

Males are perfectly capable of getting along, but your guinea pig is an adolescent and most likely has a lot of testosterone right now, which means adopting one at a similar age makes it more likely for them to fight. At his age I'd go for a guinea pig that is at least over a year old and therefore isn't surging with so many hormones! Check out http://www.petfinder.com . They have a lot of adult and even young guinea pigs listed for adoption. Don't go to a petstore, the guinea pigs often have parasites, illnesses, or aren't the gender they claim to be.

Yes, you'll need two hidey houses, two bowls, two water bottles, two everything! It'll keep them from being territorial, and although they may share, it's always best to keep a second of everything as an option if they are arguing or having a bad day.

Be warned, guinea pig introductions are very stressful for the owners because they often don't get along right away. Make sure the new guinea pig is kept in quarantine in a separate room for three weeks to watch for signs of parasites or illnesses that could be transferred to your current guinea pig. When introducing, make sure they're in an area neither has set foot on and have two piles of hay or vegetables as distractions. The new cage must have clean toys, bowls, etc. inside it when the two are put in together, or else the scent of one guinea pig will already be on those items.

They'll most likely argue, rumble, mount, and bully each other. They may nip each other and pull out tufts of fur, but it's all okay! Guinea pigs shouldn't be separated from their cagemate unless there is bloodshed.

Answer 2

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

It talks about your question and make sure you have a big enough cage.  Since you are already getting a bigger cage, why not make a nice C&C cage if you haven't already.  They are easy to make and they can be made BIG and CHEAP!

If you want to make sure you have success with another guinea pig, go find a female that is spayed.  If you can't find one you can always try a male.

Answer 3

i have two guinea pigs and they get along very well but they grow up together. if u do get one take them out and let them play together for about 15 20 mins so they will interact with each other. for the houses get two little homes they can play in and sleep in all u need is one bowl just make sure theres extra food for two. and the water bottle they can also share.

Answer 4

they are supposed to be in pairs but have an extra cage and slowly introduce them have the cages next to each other and let them play while you watch them if they are both young you shouldnt have problems when they are older

Answer 5

If you keep them in two separate cages right next to eachother for a while and keep letting them play together (supervised) they will eventually warm up to eachother.

But yes, it is important for guinea pigs to have a friend, they are very social animals.