Guinea Pig Housing

Guinea pigs are sociable animals so unless you are able to give your guinea pig huge amounts of time and attention please consider getting more than one. Generally single sexed or mixed sexed groups can live happily together (providing males are neutered!). Unfortunately some guinea pigs do not get on with each other which can result in aggressive fighting and a need to separate the guinea pigs. You should always be aware when housing new guinea pigs together that they may need to be housed apart in the unfortunate event that they do not bond well. Fighting for dominance is most common between male guinea pigs.

Many people choose a rabbit as a companion for their guinea pig. This can be successful and a great bond can be built between the rabbit and the guinea pig in some cases. However, I would urge you to please think twice before housing a rabbit and a guinea pig together as the rabbit has very powerful hind legs which have been responsible for serious injury and death in many guinea pigs. A second guinea pig is a much more compatible choice of companion.

Guinea pigs can be housed indoors or outdoors in a variety of hutches/cages. I personally prefer to house guinea pigs inside or at least in an outdoor building such as a garage as they are not very resistant to cold temperatures. If you do intend to keep your guinea pigs in an outdoor hutch it must protect the guinea pigs from extremes of temperature in both summer and winter and provide protection from getting wet and exposure to draughts. Also please please ensure that predators such as cats or foxes cannot get access to your guinea pigs inside their hutch.

Whether your guinea pigs usually live indoors or outdoors they will love access to a run on the lawn during good weather (it’s a good idea to move this regularly as guinea pigs make very efficient lawn mowers!) This provides access to nutritious grass and exercise, again please be extremely aware of the risk to your guinea pigs from predators.