Can a guinea pig live alone? What to do if yours is on its own
A guinea pig needs at least one compatible companion. What to do if it lives alone, after a death, during a separation or when they do not get on.
Behavior — Guinea pig
Understanding guinea pigs: group life, sounds, body language, fear and the bond with people.
Start here: guinea pig behavior
Guinea pigs are social prey animals: they communicate a lot through sound, cope badly with living alone and hide when frightened. This section helps you read their signals, tell normal pecking-order behaviour from a real fight, and earn their trust without forcing it.
A sudden change in behaviour can also be a sign of pain, which guinea pigs tend to hide. The guides explain when a behaviour is a matter of handling and when it calls for a vet visit.
- Group life
- Sounds and signals
- Trust with people