Guinea pigs and rabbits are two of the most popular small animals commonly kept as pets. They are lovely animals that can be quite friendly, outgoing, and communicative with people with proper socialization and handling. In some cases, they can also communicate with other animals. Is cohabitation between these two animals safe? unfortunately, There are several reasons why it is not safe to keep guinea pigs and rabbits together. So today we will discuss the Guinea Pig And Rabbit Compatibility in this blog. Here’s what you should know.
4 Causes Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Can’t Coexist Together
1. They are different species:
Rabbits and guinea pigs are as different from each other as cats and dogs. They are not the same species, and since rabbits are not rodents, they do not even belong to the same family. As with cats and dogs, differences between species can sometimes work, but sometimes it can lead to problems with communication, safety, and meeting needs.
2. They cannot be found together:
It is common for rabbits and guinea pigs to be kept together to fight. Frequently, rabbits are aggressive, and since they are larger than guinea pigs, rabbits can cause physical injury to guinea pigs. Bites, kicks, and scratches can all be harmful and even fatal to guinea pigs, highlighting the importance of understanding guinea pig and rabbit compatibility.
3. They don’t have the same needs:
Although both guinea pigs and rabbits need access to hay at all times, their nutritional needs are quite different. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C in their bodies, so they must supplement their diet with vitamin C.
Also, guinea pigs can tolerate more fruit in their regular diet than rabbits, although neither should consume fruits and vegetables as a staple diet. their diet. Also, rabbits and guinea pigs have different space requirements.
4. They can make each other sick:
Although they are not the same species, some diseases can cross species lines. The most common concern with keeping these two animals together is that rabbits can carry Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. This bacterium is harmless to rabbits and usually lives in their upper respiratory tract. However, it causes severe respiratory infections in guinea pigs and can be fatal. Dogs and cats can also carry the disease, so they should also be kept away.
What if they already live together?
It can be acceptable to keep your guinea pig and rabbit together if they currently share a home, are well-acquainted, and get along well. However, each situation should be evaluated individually. If you plan to keep them together, there are steps you can take to make the environment safe and enjoyable for both animals.
Feed them separately:
Because their nutritional needs are different, it’s best to separate your rabbit and guinea pig at meal times. They can share their hay throughout the day, but their pellets and greens should be offered separately to ensure that the appropriate animal eats the right food. Make sure you give your guinea pig a vitamin C supplement in treat form rather than adding it to the water supply. Rabbits do not need supplements, and vitamin C degrades rapidly in water.
Neuter the rabbit:
Male rabbits can be quite territorial. Neutering your male rabbit will lower his testosterone levels, resulting in less desire to defend his territory or engage in mounting behavior (which is both stressful and dangerous for the guinea pig. Maybe. Spaying your male rabbit can reduce these unwanted behaviors but is not a surefire solution. If your rabbit is showing territorial behavior or aggression towards the guinea pig, they need to be separated permanently. Female rabbits should always be neutered due to the increased risk of developing reproductive cancers.
Provide space and hiding places:
Many people provide their small animals with enclosures that are too small to meet their needs, often unknowingly. When two animals are kept together, their space requirements increase. Make sure they have enough space so they can spend time apart if they want to. You also need to provide multiple hiding places for the guinea pig, one big enough for the pig but too small for the rabbit, so they can feel safe and get away from the rabbit if needed.
Conclusion (Guinea Pig And Rabbit Compatibility)
For safety and health reasons it is not recommended to keep guinea pigs and rabbits together. Some people may choose to keep them together and may never have a problem, but this is rare, and the last thing anyone wants is to come home to a bloody cage or a sick guinea pig because these two different animals were housed together. If you’re already keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together, it’s a good idea to check with your vet for more guidance on your specific situation.