A Guinea pig is also called a cavy. These terms are interchangeable, but some people use “cavy” to describe juveniles.

Although these domesticated animals share a name with the country Guinea, they are not native to that region. They’re not biologically related to pigs either.

Guinea pigs have a native home in the Andes Mountains. The original purpose for domesticating them was to have a food source, which is a practice still implemented in some cultures.

The other primary reason for domestication has been to perform biological experiments on the animals. This practice has been carried out for nearly 400 years. It’s the reason why a human test subject is referred to as a “Guinea pig.”

When you have more than one at home, it isn’t always practical to keep them in separate cages. Can you put a baby Guinea pig with an older one?

Can You Put a Baby Guinea Pig With an Older One?

It is possible to place younger Guinea pigs with older ones, but not advised in all situations. They thrive when their personalities match. Adults with patience tend to provide the best option for babies because they teach social interactions and communication skills. Mixed pairs and multiple males are placements to avoid.

Although Guinea pigs don’t have the same behaviors as hamsters when pairing older adults and babies, there are times when it isn’t appropriate to match these groups.

These situations should be avoided to prevent injuries or undesirable outcomes.

1. Adding a Third to a Matched Pair

Guinea pigs work pretty well in duos, but they often struggle in trios. Even when a baby is introduced to a partnership, it can cause the entire group to have a falling out. If you don’t have another option, consider providing a few minutes of socialization at a time before throwing everyone into a different setting.

2. Aggressive Guinea Pigs

Adult Guinea pigs can be very aggressive, but so can young ones. This outcome results in bullying behaviors that can lead to injuries. Some personalities don’t match.

When this issue occurs, you’ll find one Guinea pig refusing to let the other one eat or drink. The only way to resolve this problem is to separate them.

3. Mixed Couples

If you introduce a male Guinea pig with a female one (or vice-versa), you can expect to see lots of babies in your future. These animals become mature after just a month, which is why males get separated from their mothers by this time.

It is dangerous for young female Guinea pigs to have children while that young. If the animals aren’t neutered, avoid having mixed couples unless your goal is to raise more of these pets safely.

What Is the Best Way to Get Guinea Pigs to Bond?

Imagine that you’re about to go to a big social event. You put on your best clothes, make sure you look great, and get ready to deliver a positive first impression.

Since you don’t know anything about the people you’re meeting, there is a nervous buzz floating in your stomach. The only thing that causes everything to start calming down is to decide not to go – or to begin meeting people.

Guinea pigs have the same anxiety, whether they’re adults or babies. When you add in some territorial feelings, the outcome could be less than desirable.

Instead of forcing the situation onto the Guinea pigs, it helps to follow these steps to create a positive bonding experience.

• Allow the Guinea pigs to see each other first. A slow introduction that involves sight and scent lets each animal prepare for the relationship in its own way. As you do this, start swapping items between the cages so that they can get used to the scent of the other.
• Once you’ve given them time to see each other, start moving them closer. If you had the cages on opposite sides of the room, consider bringing them right next to each other while maintaining a barrier. Look for positive behaviors, such as popcorns and squeaks, that indicate happiness. If you don’t see these outcomes, stop here instead of going to the next step.
• Happy Guinea pigs are ready to meet each other face-to-face. The goal should be to give them some neutral territory for this encounter instead of giving one a home cage advantage. That could cause territorial disputes to arise. Add some fresh veggies and a few toys for everyone to enjoy.
• Separate Guinea pigs immediately if you see any signs of fighting between the adults and the babies. It helps to use a dustpan or another barrier instead of your hands to separate them to avoid getting hurt. Return to the scent-swapping stage for a few more days before trying another time.
• Once the Guinea pigs get along for an extended time together with direct supervision, you can have them start living together. It usually helps to have a neutral home, but if that isn’t possible, make sure each one has their own home to use.

Guinea pigs form strong social bonds. Unless your veterinarian recommends separation for health issues, they should always stay together. Even when you go for checkups, take them together.

How to Recognize Positive and Negative Behaviors in Guinea Pigs

When partnering baby Guinea pigs with adults, it helps to watch for specific behaviors to know if the encounter is positive or negative.

Although individual Guinea pigs can display unique behavior combinations, you’ll typically see the following outcomes when they’re together.

Positive Guinea Pig Behaviors	Negative Guinea Pig Behaviors
Suddenly jumping into the air like a piece of popcorn that pops on an open pan.	Teeth chattering, especially when reaching for one or another Guinea pig is near.
Loud “wheeks,” which are happy squeaks that are noticeably different from the ones that happen when stressed, in pain, or frightened.	Attempting to injure the other Guinea pig or aggressively going after your fingers or hands.
Wanting to be close to the other Guinea pig in the room.	Hiding or running away from you or the other Guinea pig.
Sharing a food dish or willing to eat while staying close to each other.	Chasing each other aggressively instead of following for play opportunities.
Allowing one to groom the other, then having that behavior replicated in reverse.	Open mouths that only occur when the other Guinea pig begins its approach.

It isn’t always easy to know if your Guinea pigs are playing or fighting. When they are getting along, following behaviors tend to be slow and investigatory. If the movement is fast and meant to create separation, it is more likely bullying behavior.

Following behaviors tend to be mutual. If it is chasing, one Guinea pig will always be pursuing the other.

If you see any negative Guinea pig behaviors, you should go back a step in the bonding process. Since the attitudes of bonded pairs can change at any time, you should be prepared to separate adults and babies at any time.

Guinea Pigs Can Have a Falling Out

Although most Guinea pigs stay bonded for life once they find a great friend, that rule doesn’t apply to everyone. It is uncommon, but these animals can have a falling out that results in a broken bond.

This issue can even happen years after the pair are introduced to each other. Some disagreements happen slowly, but others seem to develop overnight.

The most common reasons for broken bonds seem to involve illness or changes in maturity. If you get one Guinea pig spayed or neutered, you should do the same for the other in the pairing.

Most Guinea pigs won’t have a complete fallout. If you return to the first step of the bonding process, you can typically help them repair the relationship.

Some partnerships always seem to bicker (just like humans), so you might need to consider other options to support the health of these animals.

Guinea Pigs Need Other Guinea Pigs to Survive

Although socialization with humans can be a substitute for some Guinea pigs, most of them desire the company of their kind. You can’t stay with these animals 24/7, even if you want to do so, which means they need more companionship.

Introducing a baby Guinea pig to an adult is a practice that makes sense.

When you have the right tools to facilitate this introduction, the process can be a lot easier to complete. Here are the resources that can help you start a successful partnership.

Guinea Pig Enclosure	Guinea pigs need enough room for running and following, which means a jumbo cage is often necessary. If you have two that share the same space, think about having runs or multiple levels available for them to use.
Cage Tent	When facilitating an introduction between two Guinea pigs, it helps to have that meeting take place in a neutral space. A tent-style enclosure that stays separate from each cage can let this encounter happen safely. It’s tall enough to keep other animals out while providing room for some favorite toys and hideys.
Chew Toys	Guinea pigs like to chew on things to keep working on their teeth. Without that constant work, the continuous growth of each tooth can cause significant injuries. Since these animals can be territorial, it helps to have one set for each until you can facilitate a successful bonding experience.
Guinea Pig Home	A Guinea pig doesn’t like to be out in the open because of their place on the food chain. It helps to have a space for each one to ensure they have a place to spend time alone. It also works well to use areas that can fit both animals comfortably if they want to spend some time together.
Water Bottles	Guinea pigs don’t mind sharing, but they don’t always want to have the same water bottle to use. That problem is solvable by offering two within the same enclosure. The ones that hang by wires tend to leak, so choose a no-drip design that you can secure to the cage for the best results.
Guinea Pig Bedding	Although wooden bedding is a common choice, it can also create dust that causes respiratory issues for Guinea pigs. A better option is to use natural paper fibers that stay dry and soft. It comes in different colors while providing better odor control, absorbing twice as much as shavings to ensure a supportive environment is available.
Snuggle Sack	This essential Guinea pig option provides a place that stays warm and comfortable. It’s large enough for two animals while offering a carrying option for the social contacts you want with them. Whether you’re watching TV or headed out to do some chores, this product retains its shape well while offering a protective space.

How Long Does It Take for Guinea Pigs to Form Bonds?

Some Guinea pigs form bonds within the first few hours of meeting one of their kind. It can take other individuals several weeks or months to become comfortable with this process. With enough patience and persistence, it is possible to partner a baby Guinea pig with an adult to have a successful relationship.

I had a Guinea pig named George when I was a kid. That fellow quickly learned the sounds of vegetables being cut in the kitchen, so he would squeal his heart out whenever chopping occurred.

After a few weeks, my parents decided that George needed a friend. We put in a baby Guinea pig into his cage, but that didn’t work out well. He attacked the newcomer, scratching his ear.

It took about three weeks for the two to start getting along. They were kept in my room, so I could hear them arguing all night long.

Once they figured out they could be friends, the happy chortling was a constant sound. George taught Big Boy Dave about the magic sounds of veggie goodness, and it became a chorus you could hear at dinner every night.

It takes time to partner Guinea pigs, but it’s worth the effort. When they receive social support, they often live longer and happier lives.