Guinea pigs get used to each other
I have always kept guinea pig females for the last few years, as it does not lead to unwanted propagation in the cage and because the females usually get along well with each other. In order to facilitate the adaptation of new animals, I have followed the following advice:
- Drizzle 2-3 drops of lavender oil on the hands, rub on the palms and stroke all animals extensively, so that all smell of lavender. Lavender oil is harmless to the pigs in a small amount.
- Now let all the animals in the cage alone with each other, if possible no longer intervene.
Result: All animals smell the same with lavender oil. The new guinea pig is so easily absorbed by the group, because when the scent is gone and the normal smell of fur comes through again, the animals have already got used to each other. It has always worked out well.
For the general attitude and habituation of guinea pigs:
Usually the settling in works best when the new animal is still young, I always had the impression that it is actually adopted by the older females. According to breeders, castrates can also be kept very well with females.
Males alone among themselves are not advisable, as it comes quickly to turf warfare and biting, there would be no lavender oil. A male feels most comfortable as the head of a harem. While this would be the most natural attitude, it would cause a flood of juveniles that would literally blow up any cage.
Most importantly, you should never keep guinea pigs alone, as they are inherently dependent on a group.
