Guinea pigs and rabbits are two of the most well-liked small animals which can be generally stored as pets. They’re each cute animals that, with correct socialization and dealing with, might be fairly pleasant, outgoing, and interactive with folks. In some instances, they could even be interactive with different animals. Is it secure for these two animals to dwell collectively, although? Sadly, there are a number of causes that it’s not secure to maintain guinea pigs and rabbits collectively. Right here’s what it’s best to know.
The 4 Causes Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Can’t Dwell Collectively
1. They’re Totally different Species
Rabbits and guinea pigs are simply as totally different from one another as cats and canine are. They aren’t the identical species, and since rabbits aren’t rodents, they don’t even belong to the identical household. Very like cats and canine, the distinction between species can generally work out, however generally it could possibly additionally result in points with communication, security, and having wants met.
2. They Could Not Get Alongside
It’s not unusual for rabbits and guinea pigs which can be stored collectively to combat. Oftentimes, rabbits are the aggressors, and since they’re bigger than guinea pigs, rabbits may cause bodily damage to guinea pigs. Bites, kicks, and scratches can all show damaging and even deadly to guinea pigs.
3. They Don’t Have the Identical Wants
Though guinea pigs and rabbits each want entry to hay always, they really have considerably totally different dietary wants. Primarily, guinea pigs can not produce vitamin C inside their very own our bodies, so their weight loss plan have to be supplemented with vitamin C. Additionally, guinea pigs can tolerate extra fruits of their common weight loss plan than rabbits, though neither ought to obtain fruits or greens as the primary meals of their weight loss plan. As well as, rabbits and guinea pigs have totally different area necessities.
4. They Can Make Every Different Sick
Though they don’t seem to be the identical species, there are some diseases that may cross species traces. The commonest concern with conserving these two animals collectively is that rabbits can carry the Bordetella bronchiseptica micro organism. This bacterium is innocent to rabbits and is often harbored of their higher respiratory tracts. Nonetheless, it causes extreme respiratory infections in guinea pigs and might be lethal. Canine and cats also can carry this sickness, so they need to be stored away as effectively.
What to Do if They Already Dwell Collectively
In case your guinea pig and rabbit already dwell collectively, are effectively acquainted with one another, and get alongside completely, then it might be okay to maintain them collectively. This must be thought of on a case-by-case foundation, although. For those who plan to maintain them collectively, there are some steps you possibly can take to make the atmosphere safer and happier for each animals.
Feed Them Individually
Since their dietary wants are totally different, it’s greatest to separate your rabbit and guinea pig at mealtimes. They will share their hay all through the day, however their pellets and greens must be provided individually to make sure that the correct animal eats the right meals. Make sure you give your guinea pig a vitamin C complement in a deal with type, slightly than including it to the water provide; rabbits don’t want the complement, and vitamin C degrades quickly in water.
Have the Rabbit Neutered
Male rabbits might be fairly territorial. Having your male rabbit neutered will cut back his testosterone ranges, in flip decreasing his want to defend his territory or perform mounting conduct (this may be each aggravating and harmful for a guinea pig). Neutering your male rabbit can cut back these undesirable behaviors but it surely isn’t a assured repair. In case your rabbit has been exhibiting territorial conduct or aggression towards the guinea pig, then they should be separated completely. Feminine rabbits ought to at all times be neutered as a consequence of their excessive threat of growing reproductive cancers.
Present Area and Hiding Locations
Many individuals present their small animals with enclosures that are far too small to meet their needs, usually unknowingly. Conserving two animals collectively means they’ll want much more area. Be certain that they’ve loads of area to allow them to spend time aside if desired. You additionally want to offer a number of hiding locations for the guinea pig with an entrance sufficiently big for the piggie however too small for the rabbit, to allow them to really feel secure and, if wanted, get away from the rabbit.
In Conclusion
It’s not advisable to maintain guinea pigs and rabbits collectively for security and well being causes. Some folks could select to maintain them collectively and should by no means have an issue, however that’s uncommon, and the very last thing anybody needs is to come back residence to a bloody cage or a sick guinea pig as a result of these two totally different animals had been stored collectively. For those who’re already conserving a rabbit and guinea pig collectively, it’s a good suggestion to achieve out to your vet for additional steerage in your particular scenario.
Featured Picture Credit score: (L) Kelly L Bailey, Shutterstock | (R) ratesuke, Shutterstock
