Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Shouldn’t Live Together

In our previous Field Notes article, Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Need Different Diets, we explored how these two species have different nutritional requirements. But diet isn’t the only reason they have have separate homes.

They Speak Different Languages

Rabbits and guinea pigs communicate in completely different ways. A behaviour that seems friendly to one species can be stressful or confusing to the other.

Rabbits Are Much Stronger

Even a gentle rabbit can accidentally injure a guinea pig by jumping, kicking, or simply moving around. A frightened rabbit’s powerful back legs can cause serious injuries.

Different Dietary Needs

As discussed in our article Why Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Need Different Diets, rabbits and guinea pigs require different nutrition - particularly when it comes to Vitamin C and pellet formulations.

Disease Risks

Rabbits can carry Bordetella bronchiseptica without appearing ill, while piggies area much more susceptible to respiratory diseases. This is one of the biggest reasons many vets advise against co-housing.

They Still Need Friends

Rabbits thrive with other rabbits.

Guinea pigs thrive with other guinea pigs.

Companionship is important, but it’s best when it’s their own species.