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In the eyes of some small pet hobbyists, rabbits and guinea pigs are the Sonny and Cher of the animal world. Both of these fuzzy, adorable animals have many of the same desirable qualities, and lead similar lifestyles. With similar diets of hay and veggies, general temperaments, and ownership requirements, it may seem only natural to place rabbits and guinea pigs together. However, there are some serious factors to consider before you attempt this interspecies adventure.

The most obvious consideration is the behavior of the animals toward each other. Most people who decry the practice of guinea pig-rabbit pairings do so because of the fear that one will badly injure the other. This fear is not unfounded. Rabbits are larger than guinea pigs, and have tremendously strong rear legs relative to their overall mass. A rabbit who kicks a guinea pig- whether intentionally, or as a by-blow from a leap or binky- will likely cause broken bones or worse. Rabbits are territorial, dominance-driven animals, and there is no certainty they will bond with any given animal. By purchasing a rabbit and guinea pig together, without giving them the chance to bond first, you put both animals' lives in danger.

However, this is actually the less risky factor. The vagaries of rabbit psychology notwithstanding, many people have great success in bonding rabbits and guinea pigs. In fact, the guinea pig is sufficiently un-rabbitlike so as to have a lesser chance of stimulating dominance behavior that might become dangerous. In fact, some animal shelters have observed intense bonding between rabbits and guinea pigs, to the point that one becomes depressed when separated from the other. On the whole, although rabbits can certainly maim or kill guinea pigs, this can be circumvented through bonding prior to cohabitation.

The more pressing concern is one of diet. Although rabbits and guineas share most of the same nutritional needs- alfalfa pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables- there is one major difference. Guineas, unlike rabbits, are unable to internally synthesize Vitamin C. They must receive a plentiful supply of it in their food, or otherwise fall victim to scurvy, as did the sailors of old. Rabbits, on the other hand, don't need extra Vitamin C, and in fact are at risk of overdose if they receive too much of it. This means that feeding both animals the proper diet for either puts the other at risk for serious health problems.

Experts and hobbyists disagree on the viability of workarounds for this problem. Some simply feed one or the other diet, and report success. One of the animals is likely not at optimal health, even if there is no apparent problem. Other owners feed a half-and-half mix of rabbit food to guinea food. This is in some ways the worst option- neither animal is receiving an optimal diet. Still, these owners claim to successfully raise healthy animals. The last option is to feed a standard rabbit diet to both animals, and then hand-feed the guinea supplemental materials to provide the Vitamin C it needs. This is likely to be laborious and uncertain, as you will have no guarantee that the guinea won't simply fill up on rabbit food and disregard its orange.

In conclusion, the short answer to the question of whether rabbits and guineas may be kept together is "No". A more accurate answer would be "Maybe", but in any case you are taking a risk with the health and well-being of both animals in doing so. It is up to the individual owner to make an ethical decision, taking into consideration their own expertise and the degree to which they are willing to risk the health of their pets. It is not a decision to take lightly, but neither is it one with a clear answer. We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

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