I have a male and female guinea pig and I have a few questions...?

Question

I have a male and female guinea pig and i have a few questions...

I had the male since February, and at the time he was around four months old. he is about a year old, then.

I got a female guinea pig yesterday(its actually my sisters, for college, but the pig will be here a lot) and she was a little bigger than the size of the male, when we first got him, so she is about 5 months old. leaving them about 5 monthes appart.

I have their cages next to each other so they can meet. My male became very.......excited. He started purring, then I was holding him, and he started humping my leg, and released a liquid(it wasnt pee. Sperm I think it was??) and they keep standing up on their cages, to see face to face. My female has also been VERY happy, for being the second day we got her. She keeps hopping and whistling(which I know means shes happy)

I dont want them to mate, and I dont want babies, so

Should I seperate the cages?

Should I neuter/spay one if I want them to be able to play together?

How long should I wait until I let them play together? should I wait until the female is bigger?

Answer 1

well, i don't know if vets spay animals that small, but I guess they could more easily neuter the male...and if you don't want babies,then you better do this or not ever let them play together, because they can and will reproduce.  Maybe you could get them same s*x playmates for companionship without complications. But I wouldn't separate the cages...I would rather see a cute guy I like next door even if I couldn't be with him that not be able to see any of my own kind, haha. they are still company for each other with side by side cages, even if they can't mate.

Answer 2

If you plan to allow them to play together or house them together, have the male neutered. It is less expensive, less invasive, and less risky than having the sow spayed. You'll need to find a competent EXOTICS vet in your area. Be sure the vet is very familiar with doing cavy neuters.

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

Its not necessary to separate the cages, unless you dislike all the accompanying noises they make trying to get to or talk to each other. Personally, I'd leave them where they can see & talk to each other, as it provides companionship for the both of them.

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

Good luck!

Answer 3

If your having them for a long time. Do some research. On fixing them.and if you think it's ok I would only fix the female. If that doesn't help fix the male.

Answer 4

If you're thinking about neutering, I would go for the male. This will not be an invasive procedure as with the female and will calm him down somewhat (it'll help you avoid those accidents, too!)

If you can't face doing this, I think the only way would be to separate the cages, but they do love company.

Answer 5

You should neuter the male. It's usually cheaper and easier than spaying.

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