Ferrets and guinea pigs can make great companions for each other, but there are a few things you need to know before you decide to introduce them. So can ferrets live with guinea pigs?
As a general rule, ferrets and guinea pigs should not be housed together. This is because ferrets are natural predators and can view smaller animals like guinea pigs as prey. In addition, ferrets are very active animals and can easily accidentally injure a guinea pig while they’re playing.
So, it’s important to provide your ferret and a guinea pig with their own separate living spaces if you are planning on keeping them both as pets.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of keeping these two animals together, as well as some tips on how to make the transition go smoothly.
Let’s get going.
Do ferrets and guinea pigs get along?
If you’re considering getting a small pet, you might be wondering if ferrets and guinea pigs can get along. While there are some potential challenges to keeping these two animals together, it is possible for them to form a bond.
One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is the difference in size. A fully grown ferret can be more than twice the size of a guinea pig, and their playful nature might unintentionally hurt their smaller companion.
In addition, ferrets are carnivores, while guinea pigs are herbivores, so their diets are quite different.
Note: Just in case you did not know, feeding a ferret a diet that is high in plant-based proteins can actually be fatal.
So, while keeping these two pets together can be possible if properly socialized, you should consider their diet as depending on where you live, you might find yourself going to different places in order to get their food supplies.
Can ferrets and guinea pigs play together?
As any pet owner knows, it can be difficult to find the right playmate for your furry friend. Small animals like ferrets and guinea pigs have different personalities and needs, which can make it tricky to create a compatible pairing.
However, with a little patience and understanding, it is possible for these two animals to coexist peacefully. Ferrets are active and playful by nature, while guinea pigs tend to be more timid and reserved.
As a result, it’s important to provide plenty of space for each animal to explore and feel comfortable.
While ferrets are natural hunters and might see a guinea pig as prey, there are always exceptions to the rule, and there are some instances where ferrets and guinea pigs can live together peacefully.
Considerations
If you’re considering housing your ferret and guinea pig together, there are a few things you need to take into account.
First, you’ll need to make sure that your ferret is properly socialized. A ferret that hasn’t been around other animals before is more likely to view a guinea pig as prey.
You can socialize your ferret by taking them to the park, letting them play with other animals, or even exposing them to different types of sounds and smells.
Second, you’ll need to create a safe environment for both animals. This means providing plenty of hiding places and toys, as well as a clean and spacious living area.
Last, you’ll need to be prepared to separate your ferret and guinea pig if necessary. Although it’s possible for these two animals to get along, there will always be a risk of injury.
So, if you see your ferret getting too rough or playing too roughly, it’s important to separate them and provide each animal with its own space.
Also, if this is a serious concern for you, it might be a good idea to get two ferrets so that they can keep each other company.
I looked into it and wrote my findings in this article.
Two ferrets will require much more work than one, but it might be worth it if you’re worried about getting a guinea pig to give your ferret the companionship it needs.
Another thing to consider is the size of your living space. Ferrets are active animals and need plenty of room to run and explore, while guinea pigs like to hide and feel safe in their home. (source)
Do ferrets kill guinea pigs?
Ferrets are carnivores, so their natural instinct is to hunt and kill smaller prey. If a ferret is left alone with a guinea pig, it’s highly likely that the ferret will attack and kill the guinea pig.
While some ferrets may be content to coexist peacefully with guinea pigs, most will see them as potential meals.
For this reason, it’s generally not a good idea to keep ferrets and guinea pigs together. If you must have both animals in your home, it’s important to supervise when they’re together and to make sure that the guinea pig has a safe place to hide if necessary.
What animals do ferrets get along with?
While ferrets are generally friendly animals, they do not get along with all types of animals. For example, ferrets and rabbits do not make good companions.
This is because ferrets are natural predators of rabbits, and they will often try to hunt them.
In addition, ferrets are also known to attack smaller animals, such as rodents and birds. As a result, it is best to keep ferrets away from other small animals. (source)
However, ferrets can get along with other pets, such as dogs and cats.
They can even be trained to coexist peacefully with these animals. With proper care and supervision, ferrets can make great additions to any household.
Are ferrets good with other pets?
Some people may be hesitant to adopt a ferret because they worry about how the new pet will get along with their other animals. However, ferrets are generally very good with other pets.
They are social creatures that enjoy the company of others, and they are also playful and curious. As such, they tend to get along well with other animals that are friendly and open to new experiences.
Of course, every ferret is different, and it’s always important to introduce a new ferret to another pet gradually and supervise their interactions closely at first.
So it is important to be prepared for the possibility that the two pets will not get along and may need to be kept separate.
(source)
Can a guinea pig live in a ferret cage?
No, a guinea pig cannot live in a ferret cage because guinea pigs like single-level cages. Split-level cages and/or cages with ramps are hard for them to navigate.
Of course, this is not to say that you can never put a guinea pig in a ferret cage. If you have a very large ferret cage, and you put a Guinea pig in one section with its own food and water, then your guinea pig will be fine.
But just keep in mind that guinea pigs like their own space, so it’s best to get a cage that is specifically designed for them.
What is a good companion for a guinea pig?
A good companion for a guinea pig is another guinea pig. They are social animals and like to be around other guinea pigs. If you can’t have another guinea pig, a rabbit is the next best thing.
That’s because guinea pigs are omnivorous. This means that they are more likely to get along with other animals that are also omnivores.
So, if you’re looking for a good companion for your ferret, another ferret is probably your best bet.
Conclusion
Let’s take a look at what we’ve learned. Ferrets are carnivores and guinea pigs are herbivores.
This means that their diets are quite different, and their digestive systems are not compatible.
Additionally, ferrets are very active creatures, while guinea pigs like to stay in one place. For these reasons, it is not recommended that ferrets and guinea pigs live together.
If you have a ferret and are thinking about getting a guinea pig, it is best to keep them in separate cages.
This way, they can each have their own space and not bother each other. Of course, you can still let them see each other and even play together, but it is important to be careful and supervise their interactions.
