Care guide · Guinea pigs

Do guinea pigs need a friend? Pairs and groups

Checked against RSPCA: Guinea pig company, Woodgreen: Introduction to guinea pigs, Woodgreen: How to house your guinea pigs and 6 more on

Two guinea pigs need a cage of at least 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) on one level, such as 76 × 127 cm (30 × 50 in) or a 2 × 4 grid C&C cage. Two boars need more, about 1.1 m² (12 sq ft). And yes, guinea pigs need a friend: the RSPCA says a guinea pig kept alone can suffer.

What size cage do two guinea pigs need?

Two guinea pigs need at least 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) of floor on a single level. That is 76 × 127 cm (30 × 50 in), or a 2 × 4 C&C (cubes and coroplast) cage, about 70 × 140 cm (27 × 56 in) inside. Only floor space counts: Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue says lofts and upper levels do not, because guinea pigs run rather than climb.

Group Bare minimum What to aim for Example
Two sows, or neutered boar and sow 0.7 m² (7.5 sq ft) 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) 153 × 61 cm (5 × 2 ft), Woodgreen
Two boars 0.7 m² (7.5 sq ft) 1.1 m² (12 sq ft) or more 182 × 61 cm (6 × 2 ft), Woodgreen
Three 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) 182 × 61 cm (6 × 2 ft) or a 2 × 5 C&C
Four 1.2 m² (13 sq ft) 1.5 m² (16 sq ft) 2 × 6 C&C, about 70 × 210 cm (27 × 83 in)

The bare minimums are from the Humane World for Animals, which prefers 10.5 sq ft for a pair. RSPCA Australia sets 2 × 0.5 m (79 × 20 in), also 1 m², and says a rectangle works better than a square. We aim for the preferred size, because the Humane World notes that more room makes it more likely the pair will live peacefully together. For every size and how to measure, see our full guide to guinea pig cage size.

Most standard pet shop cages for two are 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in) long and about 60 cm (24 in) deep, which is 0.6 to 0.72 m² (6.5 to 7.75 sq ft). That is at or below the bare minimum. If that is what you have, add a run or a pen every day.

What is the best cage for two guinea pigs?

The best cage for two is a single-level enclosure with a solid floor, at least 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) inside, that you can open wide for cleaning. A 2 × 4 C&C cage is the one many rescues recommend, because it hits the right size and you can make it bigger later. Here is how the usual choices compare.

Type Good for two? What to watch
C&C grid cage, 2 × 4 or bigger Yes Sides high enough; lid if other pets are around
Large indoor cage, 140 cm (55 in) or longer Often, check the base Tapered bases are smaller than the top; measure inside
Playpen with a waterproof base Yes, if big and safe from pets Needs a cover where cats or dogs can reach
Single-level hutch with a large run Yes, in a sheltered spot Woodgreen advises against two-storey hutches
Cage sold with a small play yard Rarely Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue says these are usually too small once shut
Glass tank or deep plastic tub No Poor airflow, linked to breathing problems
Wire-floored cage No Hurts feet and can cause bumblefoot

Our pick of the best guinea pig cages lists ones that meet these sizes, and our guide to floor time and playpens shows how to add running room.

Do guinea pigs need a friend?

Yes. Guinea pigs are herd animals and should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig, unless a vet or a clinical animal behaviourist advises otherwise. The RSPCA warns that guinea pigs left alone for long periods can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer. Woodgreen calls them naturally sociable creatures that need company to stay happy. You can be a great friend to your guinea pigs, but you cannot chat, groom and sleep beside them around the clock the way another guinea pig does.

Which guinea pigs live well together?

Two sows, or a neutered boar with one or more sows, are the easiest pairings. Personality matters more than sex, says the RSPCA, so a calm guinea pig with a confident one often works better than two bossy ones.

Pairing How it usually goes
Two sows Usually good
Neutered boar with one or more sows Usually very good, says Woodgreen
Brothers raised together Good
Two unrelated boars Can work, but may take a few tries
Adult boar with a male under one year Take care: the young one may challenge him as he grows up
Three sibling boars Take care: one is often bullied
Unneutered boar with a sow No: she will fall pregnant
Guinea pig with a rabbit No: risk of kicks and illness, and they cannot talk to each other
Guinea pigs grow up fast. RSPCA Australia says sows can breed from about four to eight weeks old and boars are usually fertile by eight to ten weeks. A neutered male may still father babies for some weeks after the operation, so keep him away from females until your vet says it is safe.

If you are getting a new pair, a rescue can match guinea pigs that already get on. Our guide on where to get a guinea pig covers rescues and what to ask.

How to introduce two guinea pigs

Introduce guinea pigs slowly, on ground that is new to both, with you watching the whole time. Here is the method from Guinea Lynx, with Woodgreen's set-up tips.

  1. Choose neutral ground. A space neither guinea pig knows, such as a fresh patch of lawn in a run or a cleared room indoors. Woodgreen prefers grass outdoors when the weather is good.
  2. Set it up. Lay down clean towels that do not smell of guinea pigs, and add several hay piles, water and scattered vegetables. Woodgreen adds at least one open-ended tunnel per guinea pig. Leave out food bowls, which start arguments.
  3. Bring them in apart. Put the guinea pigs in at opposite ends, the one you have had longest first.
  4. Stay quiet and let them sort it out. Sit still and keep your hands out. Chasing, mounting and chattering are normal.
  5. Give it time. Count from when they settle and allow at least an hour, often several.
  6. Clean the home. While they get to know each other, clean the cage fully so it smells of neither, and rearrange it with two of everything.
  7. Move in together and watch. When both are calm, move them into the clean cage together and watch for at least an hour, ideally two.

Boars, and guinea pigs under about two years old, can be harder to settle and need more space. If you are unsure, the RSPCA suggests asking a guinea pig behaviour expert, and some rescues, including Woodgreen, offer a mixing service.

Is it dominance or a real fight?

Most noise and chasing is guinea pigs agreeing who is boss, and you should leave them to it. A real fight looks different, and you need to step in.

Normal sorting out (leave them) A real fight (separate now)
Chasing and mounting Both rear up on their back legs, face to face
Chattering teeth and rumblestrutting (a rumbling, swaying walk) Locked together biting, rolling in a ball of fur
Nose-offs, yawning, circling, bum sniffing and a little fur pulling Blood drawn on purpose
Never break up a fight with bare hands, as a frightened guinea pig bites hard. Drop a towel over them and lift them apart with it, then check both for cuts. If blood was drawn, stop the introduction for that day, and see a vet for any deep or bleeding wound.

Our guide to guinea pig behaviour and body language explains these sounds and moves in more detail.

How to keep a pair or group happy

Room and plenty to go round keep the peace. The RSPCA says each guinea pig needs places to escape the others, and enough shelter, food, water and hiding places for all of them at all times, or the lower-ranking one gets bullied.

  • A cage of at least 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) for two, more for boars and groups
  • One hide per guinea pig, plus one spare
  • Two hay piles, at opposite ends
  • Two water bottles or bowls
  • Open-ended tunnels, so no one gets cornered
  • Vegetables spread out, not in one pile
  • Daily time in a run or pen

Our guinea pig cage setup guide shows layouts that work for pairs, and our complete guinea pig care guide covers everything else.

Guinea pig pairs questions

Can a guinea pig live alone?

It should not, unless a vet or behaviourist advises it. The RSPCA says guinea pigs left alone for long periods can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer. Human company does not replace another guinea pig, because you cannot groom, chat and sleep beside them all day and night. Rescues can help find a companion for a lone guinea pig.

Can two male guinea pigs live together?

Yes, many boar pairs live happily together, especially brothers raised together. The RSPCA and Woodgreen say unrelated males can be paired but it can be tricky and may take a few tries. Give boars a bigger cage, about 182 × 61 cm (6 × 2 ft), two of everything, and avoid putting an adult boar with a male under a year old.

Can guinea pigs and rabbits live together?

No. Woodgreen and RSPCA Australia both say rabbits and guinea pigs should not share a home. Rabbits can kick and injure a guinea pig, the two species talk to each other in different ways, and they can pass on illness. A guinea pig needs another guinea pig.

How long after neutering can a boar live with sows?

Not straight away. RSPCA Australia warns that a male may still be able to father babies for some weeks after he is neutered, so keep him apart from females until your vet says it is safe. A sow can fall pregnant within hours of giving birth, so a mistake can quickly lead to more litters.

Is it better to have two or three guinea pigs?

Two is the easiest start, and three or more works well with enough room. Woodgreen asks for a 182 × 61 cm (6 × 2 ft) cage for a trio. It warns three sibling boars often leave one bullied, so trios of sows, or a neutered boar with two sows, are the safer choice.

What should I do if my guinea pig's friend dies?

Give the one left behind extra time and attention, keep their routine the same, and start looking for a new companion soon. Rescues often have single guinea pigs looking for a friend, and some, such as Woodgreen, will help match and introduce them so the new pair starts well.

Do guinea pigs fight when you first put them together?

They squabble, which is normal. Guinea Lynx lists chasing, mounting, chattering, rumblestrutting and nose-offs as ordinary sorting out. A real fight is when both rear up face to face, or lock together biting in a ball. Separate them at once with a towel, never bare hands, and check for wounds.

Sources

Read next

Guinea pig cage size: how big it really needs to be

Two guinea pigs need at least 10.5 sq ft (about 1 m²) of floor on one level, such as 76 × 127 cm (30 × 50 in). Boars and bigger groups need more.

Best guinea pig cages: what to buy and what to skip

The best cage gives a pair at least 10.5 sq ft (1 m²) of solid floor on one level. A 5 × 2 grid C&C cage is the easiest way to get there.

Guinea pig care: the complete guide

Keep at least two together, give them about 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) or more, unlimited hay, fresh veg and vitamin C every day, and a yearly vet check.

Guinea pig behaviour and body language explained

Wheek: excited. Low purr: content. Rumble: dominance or courting. Teeth chatter or hiss: back off. Popcorning: joy. Hiding and hunching: stress or illness.

Where to get a guinea pig: rescue, breeder or pet shop

Start with a rescue, which often has bonded pairs for £28.50 or $30 to $50 each. Then a good breeder. If you use a shop, check health and sex yourself.

Guinea pig floor time and playpens

Pick a playpen with at least 1 m² (10.5 sq ft) of floor, sides 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) high and a washable, non-slip base, and use it every day.