Guinea pigs are herd animals.

Guinea pigs are animals that live in large groups in nature. Complex social relationships arise between members of the herd, resulting from, among other things, the hierarchy that exists within it. A human in a home environment is by no means able to provide an individual animal with what another guinea pig can provide.

Between animals living in a group, just like between people, both friendships and conflicts arise. Guinea pigs have their own language of communication, which they use to communicate with each other. They have also developed social behaviors that are characteristic of them, which are not understood by other animals. Guinea pigs' way of communicating is based on 9 sounds. Each of them conveys different information. Animals communicate using them to express their emotions: joy, anger, curiosity, irritation, a sense of danger, romance, hunger or dominance. The sounds they make can be described as various types of squealing, grunting and grinding of teeth. A separate article will be devoted to the meaning of each sound.

In addition to their own way of communicating, guinea pigs have also developed their own characteristic herd behaviors. These include so-called popcorning, which is a fast run combined with high jumps upwards and the accompanying spinning in the air by the pig. Many people mistakenly interpret such behavior as a symptom of illness. Meanwhile, such joyful running and jumping is a manifestation of great joy. 

Many people do not know that guinea pigs have a very sensitive sense of smell. Very often, when the animals want to check what is happening in their environment, they raise their snout and sniff. Very often this is the result of danger or the need to check if there is something tasty nearby to munch on. 

Many people do not know that guinea pigs have a very sensitive sense of smell. Very often, when the animals want to check what is happening in their environment, they raise their snout and sniff. Very often this is the result of danger or the need to check if there is something tasty nearby to munch on. 

If we want to provide the best conditions for a guinea pig, we must remember that we cannot tire it and we must take care of its company. A pet of the same sex will work great in this role. However, we must remember that two males may sometimes not get along with each other. To effectively prevent this, the animals must be treated with the same attention. Otherwise, one of the pigs will feel favored and will start a fight. Each of the pigs should get the same portion of food and have different activities, thanks to which their attention will be diverted. It is also very important that they do not have contact with the female and do not separate them. This can lead to a situation in which even after a short separation, the guinea pigs will no longer tolerate each other.

Having two females is not that troublesome, because they will definitely get along better with each other. However, it should be remembered that females can be both more skittish and less trusting of humans. Another option is to adopt a female or two and a neutered male. This combination will guarantee us the certainty that the animals will not only not breed, but will also not fight with each other.

Guinea pigs that get along with each other are more energetic and joyful animals. A harmonious group of animals living together will be a great place to observe their interesting behaviors in the form of funny chases or funny dragging of pieces of food between each other.