My guinea pigs fight!

Working with Fighting Guinea Pigs

Work in progress, keep checking back for more information . . .

Fighting

Introducing New Guinea Pigs

Not every guinea pig will get along with every other guinea pig. They all have individual personalities. There are just some times when it won't work out. HOWEVER, there are a number of things you can do and take into consideration to help make a successful match for your guinea pig. We have found that with the right friend, almost EVERY guinea pig is happier with a pal than without. But at our rescue, we have the luxury of a large population to find pairs that will work together (another big benefit of adopting from a rescue rather than any other option!).

Don't expect overnight success. These things can take time. And sometimes not just days or weeks, but months. Make sure you have your expectations set properly.

First, QUARANTINE any new pig behind closed doors for 2 to 3 weeks. This is for the health and safety of your existing guinea pig. Handle you new pig last or wear a removable smock or apron when handling the new pig and remove and launder after use and wash your hands and arms as well.

Introduce new guinea pigs in a NEUTRAL area--NOT in a cage. It's best if they are both a little scared about their surroundings and do not have existing territories to fight over. We use a bath towel on our long couch and sit at opposite ends of the towel. We then just let the guinea pigs wander off our laps and find each other in the middle on their own terms at their own pace.

Separating Guinea Pigs, if necessary

Links to additional information


	Guinea Pig Myths
	MALES WILL FIGHT Wrong! Many males get along just fine. We always have male pairs at the rescue. We frequently have trios of males and have had as many as 6 males living together. MALES will only get along if they are brothers (together since birth) Wrong! Yes, brothers CAN and do get along, but in fact, we have found that it is easier in the long run to match up young boars with older ones. Brothers will inevitably go through periods of bickering as they grow and mature, re-sorting out who is going to be the alpha pig until they settle into maturity. Neutering a MALE will make him less aggressive (and easier to pair up with another male). Wrong! The only reason to neuter a male is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Neutering does not change behavior or aggression.

hits since 9/2001
Page updated 16 Nov 2006