Can Rabbits and Guinea Pigs be Buddies?

Living Together in Harmony: Can Guinea Pigs and Rabbits Be Buddies? 

First, can we just say how much we love the humans that love their pets.  One of our incredible customers, reached out to us based on a marketing image she saw where both a Guinea Pig and Rabbit were in the same space.  While she totally gets that it was a photoshopped image because our products serve multiple species, she kindly reached out to voice her concern about the dangers of mixing rabbits and guinea pigs. 
 
We were so moved by this outreach.  It helped us recognize that we can do a better job communicating how critical animal health and wellness are to our values. This is why we are so fastidious about the hay we choose for your little animals and the process we follow ensuring products are safe and beneficial to these fluffy beings.  
 
With that, here’s some information that answers the question in the title.

Just like peanut butter and jelly, or sunshine and rainbows, some things just seem like they were meant to be together. But when it comes to our furry friends, the answer isn't always so clear. Can guinea pigs and rabbits cohabitate peacefully? The short answer is usually not. While they may look cute snuggled up together, there are a number of reasons why housing guinea pigs and rabbits together is not recommended [1, 2].

Different Strokes for Different Folks (and Furry Friends) 

Guinea pigs and rabbits may share some similarities – they're both adorable, herbivorous mammals – but they also have some key differences in their communication styles, dietary needs, and social behavior. 

• Communication Breakdown: Guinea pigs chatter and wheek to communicate, while rabbits thump, binky, and groom [1]. This difference in communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts [1]. 
• Dietary Needs: A rabbit's diet consists mostly of hay, while guinea pigs require a higher intake of vitamin C found in fresh fruits and vegetables [1]. Sharing a habitat could make it difficult to ensure each pet gets the proper nutrition [1]. 
• Living Arrangements: Guinea pigs prefer cozy burrows to hide in, while rabbits enjoy having more space to hop around [1]. A cohabitation situation might not provide enough space or the right environment for either animal to thrive [1]. 

Safety First: Beyond Physical Injury 

Perhaps the biggest concern with housing guinea pigs and rabbits together goes beyond just physical injury. Rabbits can carry bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is harmless to them but can cause serious respiratory illness in guinea pigs [2, 3]. This bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact, making cohabitation a high-risk situation for your guinea pig [3]. 

Alternatives to Cohabitation 

If your heart is set on having both a guinea pig and a rabbit as pets, there are ways to provide them with companionship without housing them together. Here are a few ideas: 

• Separate Hutches with Side-by-Side Placement: This allows the guinea pigs and rabbit to see and smell each other and enjoy some level of interaction through the cage barrier. 
• Supervised Playtime: Allow the guinea pig and rabbit to spend brief periods of time together in a neutral space under your close supervision. 
• Adopt a Second Guinea Pig or Rabbit: The best companionship for a guinea pig is another guinea pig, and the same goes for rabbits. Consider adopting another pet of the same species to provide your furry friend with a compatible playmate. 

The Final Sniff 

While the sight of a guinea pig cuddling with a rabbit might be adorable, it's generally not recommended to house them together. Their different needs, communication styles, and the risk of Bordetella transmission can lead to stress and health problems [1, 2, 3]. By providing separate hutches or supervised playtime, you can still give your guinea pig and rabbit the companionship they crave without jeopardizing their safety and wellbeing. 

Links for Further Reading: 

• [1] Can I keep guinea pigs and rabbits together? RSPCA knowledgebase 
• [2] Keeping Rabbits & Guinea Pigs Together RSPCA knowledgebase 

• [3] The dangers of keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together VioVet Blog