helennnnnn
Wise Old Thumper
Anyone have any links to good info on why guinea pigs and rabbits shouldn't be housed together?
Anyone have any links to good info on why guinea pigs and rabbits shouldn't be housed together?
I tried to explain to a pet shop owner yesterday why they shouldn't be kept together, she was having none of it :roll: So I want to put something concrete in the post to her from a reputable source! Whether she'll bother to read it or not, I don't know. But it'll make me feel better.
I work in a pet shop also and we keep bunnys and pigs together. They are only kept for a short period of time together and are checked often, we also isolate any bully culprits and ensure the food we feed them is good for both guineas and bunnies.
Them being kept together was something originally done because neutering rabbits was a dangerous operation so was deemed better to have a guinea companion. Nowadays it really isnt that risky an op so usually a bunny is recommended.
There are steps you can take to ensure both animals are fine but in the best case, a bunny is a better companion.
I'm surprised you would still keep them together, as your obviously know that it's not the best way to keep them (as per your previous bullet points). But at least you know the risks. She refused point blank to believe anything I said. She also tells customers that they are fine to pair up and live together (a friend bought a bunny there a while ago, which I found out after going to the shop yesterday, and told me that they were thinking of getting a guinea pig on the pet shop's advice).
If it was my choice, id seperate them, but i am only an apprentice in said pet shop so i can do nothing about it. The animals are in no immediate danger though and every precaution is taken and we have never had an issue with any of the animals causing the other harm or worse.
Just found something you could link to the person if you wish:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/rabbits/company/rabbitsandguineapigs
An article from the RSPCA explaining their position.
But what i beleive is, it is possible for bunnies and guineas to live together if precautions are made and everything covered (e.g diets, space) but another rabbit is the ideal companion.
Thanks :thumb: I was also told, by the person who bought their rabbit at the shop, that he has been in there since and seen a dead rabbit in one of the pens and staff haven't noticed. So I don't have complete confidence in them knowing anything or taking any kind of precautions really :lol:
and ensure the food we feed them is good for both guineas and bunnies.
I tried to explain to a pet shop owner yesterday why they shouldn't be kept together, she was having none of it :roll: So I want to put something concrete in the post to her from a reputable source! Whether she'll bother to read it or not, I don't know. But it'll make me feel better.