Bonding rabbit and guinea pig

[Moothebun]

I read online that they could be best friends and I’m many cases they are successful in staying bonded. My piggy doesn’t have any friends with her. and my mom is the odd ball out of the charlie and thumper brotherhood bunch. So I was like why not let them be together. Any tips on bonding them? I know its a little weird 

[kmurphy]

I read somewhere that because their dietary requirements differ it is not recommended to house rabbits and guinea pigs together. There is also the chance that the bunny could hurt the piggy because of their size difference.

[tobyluv]

I have read the same thing that kmurphy posted. I have also heard that rabbits and Guinea pigs shouldn’t be housed together because Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to respiratory infections, and that their immune system is not well equipped to handle the pathogens. Many/most rabbits carry
Pasteurella within their systems, and it may not end up affecting them, but it could severely affect a Guinea pig.

[Moothebun]

im not housing them together… just to play

[kmurphy]

I think the same things previously stated still stand, even if you just want them to play together. Also I’m not sure bunnies would be able to play with guinea pigs because they are different species that would have different social cues, behaviors etc.

[tobyluv]

If they are together at all, there is still the possibility that your rabbit could accidentally harm the Guinea pig. One way that happens is when a rabbit kicks out its powerful back feet. And there is still the possibility that your rabbit could pass along a respiratory infection.

[Mikey]

My Badger is semi bonded to a small guinea pig and they do fine together They had to be fed in different cages, but they shared a free roam room. They played, explored, ect together perfectly fine. They often cuddled when it came time for them to nap. So, because of that, i think just for play time having piggies and bunnies is fine. Unless your bun is aggressive or rowdy there shouldnt be any problems, but i understand also wanting to be safer than sorry

[Love4Bunny]

I’ve also read elsewhere what tobyluv and kmurphy have stated, and I would imagine that it includes simple things like playtime. Also, guinea pigs communicate primarily through vocalisation, whereas rabbits use body language, so they wouldn’t be ideally compatible. The rabbit would be fine, but I think the greater risk posed is to the guinea pig.

[Azerane]

Aside from the issues regarding behaviour and different methods of communication, there are also health risks that are associated with housing the two together.

Both pastuerella and bordetella can be passed between these two species. Bordetalla bronchisetica is common in rabbits, often laying dormant (the same way pasteurella can be) and can be passed onto guinea pigs and cause respiratory infection and pneumonia. Just something to consider before letting them interact.

The last concern is the potential bonding process. If you’re only bonding them to have them together for play time, they might not cope well when separated.

[Author]

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