A question that has been on the minds of many skinny pig owners is, Do skinny pigs need to be in pairs?
Skinny pigs, like regular guinea pigs, need to be kept in pairs because they are social animals and typically do best when kept in pairs. Two skinny pigs will keep each other company, and help to reduce stress levels. This allows them to express their natural behavior while also keeping them healthy and happy.
In addition, hairless guinea pigs are much more active when they have a companion to play with.
As a result, it is important to choose skinny pig partners carefully and make sure that they get along well together.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the benefits of having a partner for your skinny pig. We’ll also take a look at why skinny or hairless guinea pigs should not be kept alone.
Table of Contents
Why do skinny pigs need to be in pairs?
Let’s find out why skinny pigs need to be in pairs.
Social Interaction
Skinny pigs are social creatures and they typically do best when they have companionship. They need interaction with other little pigs to stay happy and healthy.
This is because they are used to living in social groups in the wild.
In the wild, guinea pigs live in large groups called herds. These herds can be made up of 10 or more guinea pigs.
While your skinny pig may not be living in the wild, they still have the instinct to live in groups.
In addition, when skinny pigs are kept in pairs, they are much happier and more relaxed. This is because they have a companion to socialize with.
This is why it’s so important to keep them in pairs.
Check out my other article on why a skinny guinea pig can be a good pet.
Companionship
Skinny pigs are often seen as the perfect companion animal because they are so affectionate and loving.
They will develop a strong bond with their companions and may become stressed if they are separated.
If you have two instead of one, they will have great company with each other.
Keeping healthy and happy
Skinny pigs require special care and attention, so it is important to have two of them in order to keep them healthy and happy.
Two skinny pigs mean that they will always have someone to cuddle with and play with, which is essential for their wellbeing.
Living with another skinny pig can help to keep them healthy by preventing loneliness and boredom.
Know how to take care of skinny pigs.
Reducing stress
It is important to note that skinny pigs can bond very closely with their companions and may become depressed if they are separated.
In order to reduce stress levels, it is important to keep them in pairs.
Expressing natural behavior
Pairing up skinny pigs also allows them to express their natural social behaviors.
For example, they will be able to play together, groom each other, and cuddle.
This is important for their overall health and happiness.
Can two skinny pigs live together?
Two skinny pigs not only can live together but also pairing up skinny pigs is essential for their health and happiness. Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that they will become very close companions and may stress if separated.
Can skinny pigs be kept alone?
Skinny pigs should not be kept alone. They are social creatures and need the companionship of another pig in order to thrive. So if you’re considering adding a skinny pig to your family, be sure to get two!
What happens if a skinny pig lives alone?
If a skinny pig lives alone, it will likely become lonely and depressed. It is important for skinny pigs to have social interaction with other animals or humans in order to stay happy and healthy.
Without regular socialization, a skinny pig may become withdrawn and stop eating, which can lead to serious health problems.
They will also stop to cuddle with you. Moreover, you may find that they aren’t playing and popcorning.
If you are considering getting a skinny pig, be sure to do your research and provide it with plenty of opportunities for socialization.
Can skinny pigs live with regular guinea pigs?
As skinny pigs are a special breed of guinea pigs, both skinny pigs, and regular guinea pigs can live together. In fact, they have similar living habits, and food habits and often share the same type of enclosure. As long as you provide both types of guinea pigs with the same type of food and care, they should be able to live together without any problems.
The main difference between the two is that regular guinea pigs will have more fur, while skinny pigs will have less.
So, you should be careful with bedding material. This is because if you have a skinny pig, you can’t use wood shavings as they are almost hairless and shavings can cause skin infection and injury.
How many skinny pigs should you keep?
You can keep two or more skinny pigs at a time if you can ensure enough space in the enclosure. The reason for that is they need a lot of flat open space to play with each other and roam around.
You can have two male or two female skinny pigs. However, you can also keep male and female skinny pigs together. In that case, you should have a castrated male pig if you have no plan on breeding them.
How to introduce a new skinny pig to another?
When you first get your new skinny pig, it is best to keep him or her in a separate area from your other skinny pig or guinea pig.
This will help to prevent any fights or arguments between the two animals.
After a few days, you can start to slowly introduce them to each other.
Start by letting them see and smell each other through a barrier, such as a cage divider.
Once they seem comfortable with each other, you can let them meet face to face.
Be sure to supervise their interactions at first to make sure everything goes smoothly. If everything goes well, your skinny pigs will soon be best friends!
Moreover, you have to ensure that you provide both of them with enough space in a cage.
In addition, they should both have enough food, water, toys, and other essential supplies.
Things to consider to having two skinny pigs
Skinny pigs are social creatures and generally do best when living with other guinea pigs or skinny pigs. In fact, many guinea pig rescues will not adopt a skinny pig unless they are being adopted into a home with at least one other regular guinea pig or skinny pig.
Two skinny pigs can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
With a little preparation, you can ensure that your skinny pigs live together happily and healthily.
Here are a few things that you need to consider while having two skinny pigs.
Ensure suffient space
First, make sure that the cage is big enough for two hairless guinea pigs. They should each have their own space to sleep, eat, and play.
A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 7.5 square feet of space, but 10.5 square feet is preferable.
Check out large cage ideas for two guinea pigs.
Introduce two skinny pigs slowly
You have to introduce the skinny pigs gradually so that they have a chance to get used to each other.
Be prepared to separate them if they don’t get along. Although most hairless guinea pigs do fine living with another guinea pig, there are always exceptions.
If you do separate them, make sure each guinea pig has their own cage and supplies.
You can put a cage divider in between the enclosure. Use a door and open them when you want them to visit their friend.
Provide plenty of hay
Hay is an important part of a guinea pig’s diet and should be available at all times.
Just like regular guinea pigs, skinny pigs also need an unlimited amount of hay.
When you have two skinny pigs, you have to put a lot more hay in a hay feeder or hayrack.
This will help to keep the cage clean and prevent your skinny pigs from accidentally eating bedding or other materials.
Moreover, make sure that they don’t fight over the same food. You can also use separate hay feeders or hay racks for them.
Provide plenty of fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables are important to provide them with essential nutrients such as fibers, Vitamin C, minerals, and other vitamins.
However, when you have two skinny pigs, you have to calculate the nutritional value of both of them.
Some good vegetables to offer include:
– dark, leafy greens (e.g. kale, spinach, Swiss chard)
– cabbage
– broccoli
– carrots
It’s important to introduce new vegetables slowly, in small quantities, to avoid upsetting your pigs’ stomachs.
Provide enough water
Make sure that there is enough water for both hairless guinea pigs. You may need to get two water bottles so that they don’t fight for it.
Offer toys and hideout
In addition, provide each skinny pig with its own toys and hiding spots. This will help to keep them both happy and occupied.
Check out DIY toy and hideout ideas for guinea pigs.
Are skinny pigs better in pairs?
Skinny pigs are better in pairs as keeping them alone can make them depressed. When they are in pairs, they can play and groom each other, which helps to keep them happy and healthy.
Conclusion
Overall, skinny pigs do need to be in pairs in order to be happy and healthy. They are social animals and enjoy the company of other skinny pigs.
When hairless guinea pigs are kept alone, they can become stressed and anxious. This can lead to health problems later on down the line.