In their natural habitat, guinea pigs are incredibly social little animals and live in muddles of 10 or more. Guinea pigs who live alone will experience loneliness, boredom and more than likely develop behavioural problems. It also has a negative impact on its physical well-being.
Guinea pigs do know when you're sad and they usually can tell when you're feeling that way by how you're acting and sometimes even by the tone of your voice. They may even act differently if they notice that you're feeling down and sometimes they might try to comfort you as well.
Guinea pigs are susceptible to cold weather. It's best to bring them inside the house in the fall or winter when you live in a cold climate or create a warm structure when temperatures dip below 60 °F (16 °C). If you can't bring your guinea pigs indoors, you'll need to take extra precautions to keep them warm outside.
Yes! Not only can you let your guinea pig run around your house, but you absolutely should. Guinea pigs need plenty of free space and exercise. But they also need safety!
A healthy and clean guinea pig requires the effort of a caring and responsible owner, but the sudden death of a guinea pig is upsetting. Guinea pigs can be hosts to fur mites, fleas, and lice. The causes of death may be infections, diseases, changes in the environment, or certain foods, among others.
How to Keep Your Guinea Pig Healthy. The average guinea pig lifespan is between five to eight years, though particularly pampered and healthy animals can reach ten years or more. This is much longer than other small mammal pets like hamsters, mice, and rats, but shorter than animals like dogs or cats.
The best ways to entertain a lonely guinea pig are by:
- Keeping your guinea pig's mind stimulated with mazes and puzzles.
- Teaching your guinea pig some simple tricks.
- Keeping their cage in a busy part of the house.
- Taking your guinea pig out of their cage and playing with them.
Pneumonia. Pneumonia is actually the leading cause of death in Guinea pigs. It is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include wheezing, trouble breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth, weight loss, reddish eyes, and depression.
If one of your two guinea pigs dies and you absolutely don't want to adopt or buy another then it would be kindest to give your remaining guinea pig to a trusted friend who already has guinea pigs, or to a local sanctuary.
Guinea pigs should never be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time. If you're going to be away for an extended period, your piggies must have everything they need to keep them healthy and comfortable, including lots of food, water and toys.
Guinea Pigs do not cry in the conventional sense. While Guinea Pigs have an impressive emotional range, tears that form are often a natural response to keeping their eyes moist and healthy.
Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
Can you put male Guinea Pigs in the same cage? Yes, as long the cage is big enough for two cavies. Guinea Pigs are social animals and housing them together can prevent loneliness. It's rare that fights break out and even rarer that two male Pigs aren't compatible but it does happen.
If one of your guinea pigs sadly dies, leaving a single guinea pig left alone then yes, your remaining guinea pig will be very lonely and needs a companion. If you have more than two guinea pigs and one dies, then it's not absolutely necessary to get another, but if you want to buy or adopt more then go right ahead.
