A friend of mine has recently started a new hobby, raising guinea pigs (and other small animals) as pets. He’s got two young hedgehogs now, wondering if they’ll get along.
We thought it would be a good idea to provide a definitive answer for everyone who might want to know. So, can guineas and hedgehogs get together?
Never keep guineas and hedgehogs together in the same cage because they have different dietary needs and behaviors that could cause them stress. Guinea pigs also require more space to run and hide than hedgehogs.
So if you already have a guinea pig, you may not want to introduce a hedgehog into the mix. And if you decide to bring them together, ensure you keep them separated at all times. Otherwise, you could end up with a depressed pet!
Another thing to consider is how much space you have available. As a pet owner, you’ll need to consider your guinea pig’s area because they require more room than most people would think.
On the other hand, hedgehogs are smaller than guinea pigs and don’t need as much space.
But there’s a lot more to learn about these two animals. Read on to find out what you should know before deciding whether or not to house your guinea pig and hedgehog together.
What are guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are rodents belonging to the order Lagomorpha. Guinea pigs are native to South America, where indigenous peoples first domesticated them. Today, guinea pigs are kept as pets all over the world.
Which is a better animal to have as a pet: Hedgehogs or guinea pigs?
It depends on what kind of pet you want. Both are great pets, but one is better suited to certain situations than the other.
Hedgehogs are good pets for anyone who wants an active, playful companion. They love to run around and play games and make excellent companions for children. They are also easy to care for since they don’t require much attention.
On the other hand, guinea pigs are perfect for those who like to spend quiet moments alone. They are calm and laid-back, and they enjoy spending time by themselves. They are also easier to train since they are less likely to bite or scratch.
Both animals are great pets, but there are pros and cons to owning either one. It’s up to you to decide which one is right for you.
How do I choose between a guinea pig and a hedgehog?
If you’re looking for a pet that requires little maintenance, then a hedgehog might be the best choice since it doesn’t need to be kept in a flock; therefore, he’ll be fine having you as a companion. But if you’d rather have something that requires more work, then a guinea pig might be a better fit.
Here are some things to consider when choosing between a guinea pig or a hedgehog.
- Size. A guinea pig weighs approximately two pounds (one kilogram), while a hedgehog weighs anywhere from one pound (500 grams) to three pounds (1.5 kilograms). That makes the average size difference between the two species quite significant.
- Longevity. A guinea pig lives between four to eight years, while a hedgehog can live for about five years.
- Diet. Guinea pigs eat hay or pellet food, while hedgehogs eat bugs. They cannot eat each other’s food, so you’ll need to provide separate diets for both animals.
- Behavior. Guinea pigs are generally quieter than hedgehogs, so they won’t disturb your peace. On the other hand, hedgehogs are usually louder and more active than guinea pigs.
So why do people own both? There are many reasons why people own both a guinea pig and a hedgehog.
Some people like the contrast in personalities, while others appreciate that both animals have unique needs and care requirements. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that not all hedgehogs and guinea pigs will get along.
What animals can live with guinea pigs?
Guinea Pigs can’t live with cats, dogs, or ferrets because they are predators. Therefore the risk of being attacked by any of these animals is high. However, guinea pigs can coexist peacefully with hamsters and gerbils.
That said, if you’re looking for a companion for your guinea pig, the best option would be to buy another guinea pig instead of getting a hedgehog.
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Are hedgehogs and guinea pigs compatible?
Guinea pigs are among the most popular pets worldwide because of their small size, cute appearance, and friendly nature. But did you know that they can sometimes live happily alongside another pet type?
Hedgehogs are just as adorable and fun to play with, but they are solitary creatures. If you want a companion, ensure they are housed separately from other pets.
So what happens when you combine the two? Well, it turns out that both animals have similar temperature needs, which makes it possible to coexist in the same cage.
And while it might seem like a great idea, there are some severe drawbacks to having a pair of these furry friends living side-by-side. You need to know three things before deciding whether you want to add a hedgehog to your existing guinea pig colony.
You will have to provide different diets
Both animals have different dietary requirements. Guinea pigs are omnivores, meaning they eat everything from grasses to vegetables to meat.
On the other hand, hedgehogs are herbivores, meaning they primarily eat plant-based food. Because of this difference, you’ll need to provide separate diets for each animal.
It isn’t necessarily a problem, but you’ll need to monitor how much food each animal eats daily.
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Social interaction
Guinea pigs are social animals who enjoy interacting with other group members. They love playing games, grooming, and even sharing food.
Hedgehogs, on the other hand, are not very friendly. They prefer to keep to themselves and don’t interact with other animals. So if you plan to house them together, keep an eye on how well they get along.
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Can hedgehogs coexist with guinea pigs?
Generally, guinea pigs should not share cages with other animals. They are prey animals and will likely attack any other animal near them.
Aggression is so common that many people choose to keep them alone. However, if you decide to house a guinea pig with another animal, ensure that the two animals don’t come into direct contact with each other. This includes sharing food bowls, water bottles, and toys.
They may need separate cages.
Because of their differences in diet, you may also need to give them separate cages. If you don’t do this, the hedgehog will likely end up eating all of the food meant for the guinea pig. This could lead to health problems for the guinea pig, so keep an eye on your pet’s diet.
They may be more likely to fight than play together.
If you’ve never had a pet hedgehog before, you probably think they’re pretty docile creatures. And while they are, they still have their behaviors that you should be aware of.
For example, they may not always be willing to share toys or treats with the guinea pig. They may even try to steal the guinea pig’s food. That’s why it’s important to keep your pets separated at all times.
So now that you know the pros and cons of combining a hedgehog and a guinea pig, you can decide whether it’s worth giving them a chance together.
Hedgehogs can have a tough temperament.
Hedgehogs can have a tough temperament. Feeling threatened, they may puff up their quills and emit a loud his.
They use these noises to warn their attacker. If that doesn’t work, they may roll into a tight ball, using their sharp quills to deter predators.
They may not be able to play together.
While guinea pigs and hedgehogs are both playful animals, they may not get along well enough to enjoy playing together.
That’s because they have very different personalities. Guinea pigs tend to be outgoing and curious, whereas hedgehogs are generally shy and reserved.
In addition, hedgehogs aren’t really interested in interacting with other animals. Instead, they prefer to spend time alone exploring their environment.
Guinea pigs, on the other hand, love to interact with others. They’re social animals who thrive on companionship.
Guinea pigs can get stressed quickly.
Even though guinea pigs are social creatures, they usually tend to be nervous animals, so they often become stressed when placed in new environments. This includes interacting with hedgehogs.
As a result, if you plan on adding a hedgehog to your current guinea pig colony, you’ll need to make sure that you take extra precautions to ensure that your pet is comfortable.
You can start by ensuring that the cage is large enough for both animals. Then, you can place a wire mesh to ensure that the two species can’t accidentally meet. Finally, you can add some enrichment items like tunnels, balls, and chew sticks to help reduce boredom.
Guinea pigs and hedgehogs: Can they get along in the same house?
They can live together in the same house. But there are a few things you need to consider first.
- First, you’ll need to provide your guinea pig with a secure enclosure that the hedgehog can’t access.
- Second, you’ll need to provide your guinea pig with plenty of hiding places. Guinea pigs are attracted to small spaces, so they will feel safer if they have a few hiding places.
- Next, you’ll need to watch out for potential conflicts. For instance, you might notice that the guinea pig chases after the hedgehog.
- If you see any signs of aggression, separating the two animals is best until you figure out what’s causing the problem.
What to do if hedgehogs and guinea pigs don’t get along?
If you find yourself wondering how to handle a situation where your hedgehog and guinea pig don’t seem to get along, here are some tips:
- First, try to give them each their own space. It means having separate areas for eating, sleeping, and playing.
- If possible, create a physical barrier between the two animals. This could be a cage divider or even just a sheet of cardboard.
- Ensure both animals have plenty of toys and enrichment items to keep them occupied.
- Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the situation gets out of hand. A qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist can offer guidance and support.
For example, if you notice that the guinea pigs are chasing after the hedgehogs, you should probably look at ways to prevent this. Using a wire mesh most of the time will do just fine.
Wrapping up
Hedgehogs and guinea pigs can make excellent pets, but it’s important to remember that they have different needs.
In this article, we’ve discussed the differences between guinea pigs and hedgehogs. We’ve also examined the pros and cons of keeping these two pets together.
What’s more, we’ve talked about how to keep them from fighting and what to do if they don’t seem to get along.
So now that you know all about the differences between guinea pigs and hedgehogs, you can decide whether you’d like to bring home a pair of these furry friends.
Want to learn more about guinea pigs?
Ready to boost your knowledge about guinea pigs to the next level? Check out the articles below:
- Is It OK to Cover Your Guinea Pig Cage at Night?
- Why Do Guinea Pigs Hate? List of Things They Hate the Most
- Can You Get a Guinea Pig High? ( Let’s Find Out)
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