1. Quarantine the new guinea pig: Before introducing the new guinea pig to your current one, keep it in a separate cage for at least two weeks. This will allow you to monitor the new guinea pig for any signs of illness and prevent the spread of disease to your current guinea pig.
2. Size of the cage: Make sure the cage is large enough to accommodate both guinea pigs. The minimum cage size for two guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet.
3. Provide plenty of hiding places: Guinea pigs are prey animals and need places to hide where they feel safe. Make sure the cage has several hiding places, such as tunnels, houses, and hay huts.
4. Introduce them slowly: Once the new guinea pig has been quarantined and you are sure it is healthy, you can begin introducing it to your current guinea pig. Do this by placing the two cages next to each other so the guinea pigs can see and smell each other. After a few days, you can try letting them out of their cages to interact under your supervision.
5. Watch for signs of aggression: If you notice any signs of aggression, such as chasing, biting, or mounting, immediately separate the guinea pigs. You may need to keep them separate for a longer period before trying to introduce them again.
Introducing a new guinea pig can be a stressful experience for both guinea pigs, but with proper planning and care, it is possible to create a harmonious and happy environment for both of them.