Socialising and Training for your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are social animals and will be happiest with another guinea pig as company. They are also prolific breeders so unless you are planning a colony, choose two of the same sex, our staff will show you how to distinguish between male and female.

It is a good idea to get two from the same litter of the same sex so they don't fight. Alternatively, males can be castrated from around 5 months onwards and then can be kept with females. We do not recommend that adult guinea pigs and rabbits are housed together.

How to handle me:

Your new Guinea pigs are likely to be nervous. For the first few days talk to them regularly before introducing your hand into the cage and stroking them. When they are use to this you can pick them up. Use both hands; one under the chest with the guinea pig's front legs either side of your fingers; the other resting on their neck and back. Hold them close to you to prevent them wriggling and falling. Once they are used to you, guinea pigs love being handled.

If you drop your guinea pig from a height this can cause serious injury as they are quite small.