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Socialization

For guinea pigs, as any other pet, it is important to know the best, easiest way to socialize them if they will need to come in contact with people, other guinea pigs and other animals. Before you decide how to socialize your guinea pig you need to know why to socialize your new little friend.

Why to socialize my guinea pig?

Do I need to socialize my guinea pig? Before we answer this question we must know some basics about how guinea pigs think and function. Here are some basic guinea pig behavioral facts:

Guinea pigs are more comfortable and feel safest with stability and consistency.
Guinea pigs are hard wired for safety (since they are preyed upon in the wild) as a result they are likely to be nervous or fearful of other pets and people.

So know we are ready to ask ourselves who will my guinea pig be exposed to in the future: other people, other animals, other guinea pigs? If the answer is yes to any of these it would make it much more comfortable with a better chance of it working out if your guinea pig got used to seeing other people and/or animals and/or other guinea pigs sooner rather than later.

Before your guinea pig encounters other living creatures it would be an easier transition if your new friend feels as safe as possible with you. This takes patients and handling your guinea pig in a comfortable way for him or her (if you are reading this you are defiantly qualified and care).

Guinea Pig Socialization

In the wild, guinea pigs form herds. Herds are usually made up of one male (boar) and several females (sows). The boar will actively compete with any other boar for his place in the herd. Even among the sows there is a clear social structure with each sow trying to obtain their place in the herd. The herd will stay together to help maintain safety and balance.

Other guinea pigs

As a result of instinct two male guinea pigs if kept in the same cage might fight. They may try to compete. This is especially true if there is a female guinea pig present. It is best to introduce 2 guinea pigs in a quiet, controlled environment. Introduce the guinea pigs first on neutral territory. If they appear to get along you can try them together in a cage, watching for any aggression.

Other animals

Guinea pigs tend to be afraid of other animals as a general rule. Its best not to keep rabbits caged with guinea pigs as rabbits can carry bacteria called Bordetella which can cause pneumonia in guinea pigs. When introducing your pet pig to other species make sure it’s a controlled environment which is safe for your pig.

Other humans

Introduction of guinea pigs can be a challenge. It should be a controlled introduction. By controlled we mean consistent noise level, gentle handling (from the guinea pig perception). If your pig will be introduced to a large group or class its best to make a slow introduction but also to make sure everyone in the group knows the most gentle way to handle the guinea pig. Although it may take more time initially, in the long run it is very beneficial.