Bonding
Excercise
Housing
Nutrition
Illnesses
Jack and Charlie, two adult, intact males
living happily together.
It is very important for guinea pigs to have cage mates as they are "herd" animals. A pair of guinea pigs is a fine arrangement, and the more the merrier! Many families have herds of up to 8 guinea pigs! Space and cost are, of course, factors in determining how many pigs a household can support, but it's a must to have at least a pair. Unless it has been proven that an individual pig is unhappy/unable to live with others, please adopt two. While some believe it is possible for humans to provide a guinea pig with enough mental stimulation to warrant not having a buddy, unless one can be with their guinea pig 24 hours a day it is just not fair.
When deciding on a guinea pig to adopt, sex should not be a determining factor. Guinea pigs are individuals; the personality of each pig is distinct. The happiest arrangement seems to be a neutered male with any number of females, however same sex pairs get along very well. It is a common misconception that males will fight if housed together. If given a large enough pen, 2 or even more males will get along fine.
Whichever pigs you decide to bring home, please remember the importance of quarantining if you have guinea pigs in your home already. Guinea pigs can carry parasites or contagious infections which aren't often immediately apparent. Keep your new cavy in a separate room from the resident guinea pigs for 2-3 weeks. Change your clothes and wash hands after handling the new pig.
Bonding
Excercise
Housing
Nutrition
Illnesses