Rabbits and guinea pigs should not share the same living space. Although they are often seen as similar, they are entirely different animals with distinct (and frequently conflicting) needs.
Different Order – Rabbits and guinea pigs belong to different orders (lagomorphs versus rodents), indicating a significant evolutionary separation.
Different Behaviour – Every animal should be allowed to exhibit natural behaviours. Rabbits and guinea pigs have distinct natural behaviours, leading to different care requirements, such as space and exercise needs.
Different Needs – For instance, rabbits require more exercise and space to hop, skip, and jump compared to guinea pigs.
Different Communication – They may not understand each other’s behaviours, which can result in conflicts and injuries.
Conflict and Injuries – Rabbits might bully and cause serious harm to guinea pigs.
Different Diet – They have distinct dietary needs and cannot share the same food.
Disease Risks – Certain infections can be transmitted between rabbits and guinea pigs.
Both rabbits and guinea pigs are social creatures, so companionship is crucial. However, it is advisable to pair rabbits with other rabbits and guinea pigs with other guinea pigs, adhering to the appropriate care guidelines.
In some specific cases, rabbits and guinea pigs might have adapted to coexist (especially if they have been together since a young age), and separating them might not be ideal. You can mitigate risks by desexing, providing your guinea pig with safe hiding spots, feeding them separately, and maintaining good hygiene to reduce disease risks.
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