Companion for my rabbit

[magentared]

My rabbit recently lost his companion, a Guinea pig who died of old age. The rabbit is fairly young, a couple of years old and had always been kept with his friend. They were very close and the rabbit was always cleaning and fussing over him.

Should I get a new companion for the rabbit? I read that rabbits like company but they should be introduced when they are young, if I get a young guinea pig will this be okay? I don't mind looking after one or two but I don't particulary want to get a new pet and they find they can't get on, and I don't want my rabbit to suffer from lonliness.

I would be greatful to any advice. Thanks.

[barender]

I kept rabbits and guinea pigs together for years (when the kids were young) introducing new ones at various intervals, with no problems. They normally live quite happily together so there shouldn't be a problem.

[dogs_nipples]

As your rabbit is used to another animal there shouldn't be any problems, as long as your rabbit is a doe. Buck rabbits tend to try and play piggy-back (!) quite a lot and this can stress the guinea pig.

[natalie_1982]

I had a rabbit that was a few years old (maybe 2 or 3) and I introduced his friend, a baby guinea pig, and they got along great.  The rabbit outlived the guinea-pig in the end though, so he started life on his own then died on his own but he seemed happy enough!

[magentared]

If I don't buy a friend for him, do you think he will be lonely?? I can give him attention in the evenings but will he want company during the day time??

[hugnie21]

I've always had rabbits and guinea pigs, introducing new ones when one dies. We've tried just sticking to having just one, otherwise we'll go on having them forever! But when they are on their own they always seem very subdued and will just stay in bed even when put out on the grass in the run. Then as soon as we get them a new friend they get a new lease of life

[Donna G]

Have you considered getting another rabbit?

A male and a female that have been neutered and spayed are perfect companions.

[melv]

You should NOT put guine pigs with rabbits. All good pet shops and breeders tell you this. Rabbits are okay by themselves. Guine Pigs should always be with other guine pigs, and shouldnt be left alone as they are really sociable animals!

[melv]

BTW I think the A button is broken on my keyboard, I do know that Guinea has an A on the end!

[LittleDonkey]

Loads of people keep guinea pigs and rabbits together, but when rabbits move they kick out their hind legs in a very strong movement. If this kick lands in a guinea pig's tummy it can injure its internal organs, leading in some extreme cases to death. Most guinea pigs get away with it, but all those people who say 'I don't know why my guinea pig died' could look to their rabbits...