Introducing Two Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are social animals that love to make new friends, just like we do! But, like us, they need a little help to make sure they become the best of buddies. So, let's dive right into this fun and friendly guide on how to introduce two guinea pigs!

Step 1:

Pick the Perfect Pair Before we get started, it's essential to choose guinea pigs that are a good match. Guinea pigs, like us, have different personalities. Some may be outgoing, while others prefer a more laid-back approach. When picking your piggie pals, try to find guinea pigs with similar temperaments. This will make their introduction smoother and increase the chances of them becoming the best of friends!

Step 2:

Separate But Close Once you have your adorable guinea pigs, you'll need to set up their living spaces. While they're getting to know each other, it's best to keep them separate but close. Use two separate cages placed side by side. This way, they can see, hear, and smell each other without any direct contact. It's like saying "hello" through a glass window!

Step 3:

Sniff, Sniff, Sniff! Guinea pigs are curious little creatures, and they love to explore with their noses! To help them get familiar with each other's scent, you can gently rub a soft cloth on one guinea pig and then place it in the other guinea pig's cage. This magical cloth will carry their scent, and they'll start to recognize each other's smell!

Step 4:

Playdate Time! After a few days of getting used to each other's scent, it's time for the first playdate! Choose a neutral area, like a clean playpen or a big cardboard box. Place both guinea pigs inside and let them explore together. It's normal for them to be a bit shy at first, so be patient and watch them closely.

Step 5:

The "Snack Party" Trick Who doesn't love a tasty snack? Guinea pigs certainly do! During their playdate, try putting some of their favorite treats around the play area. Yummy veggies like carrots and bell peppers are perfect. This will encourage them to share the treats and create positive associations with each other's presence.

Step 6:

Observe and Bond Now, it's bonding time! Keep a close eye on your guinea pigs during their playdate. Look for signs of happiness, like "popcorning" (hopping in joy) or gentle nose-touching. However, if you notice any aggressive behavior, like teeth chattering or fighting, separate them immediately and try again later. Become fluent in guinea pig by reading our Guinea Pig Language blog post.

Step 7:

Gradual Together Time. After a successful playdate, you can start increasing the time they spend together. Allow supervised playdates every day, gradually extending the duration. If they continue to get along, you'll soon see that they've become the best piggie pals!

Remember, every guinea pig is different, and some may take longer to warm up to each other than others. Be patient and give them the time they need to form a friendship.

Introducing two guinea pigs is a delightful experience, and with love, care, and patience, you'll help them become lifelong friends. Now go ahead and enjoy your piggie playdates, and before you know it, you'll have a pair of happy and cuddly guinea pigs!

Big kid talk here: it is always best to check the gender of your guinea pigs before introducing them. Simply put, boys get along with boys and girls get along with girls. Then you don’t have to worry about any surprise guinea pigs if you know what we mean. And keep in mind, boys tend to play a little rougher in the guinea pig world.