MY kiki

Question
I have 1 guinea pig named Kiki, and I think he is lonely. I've read that you should have 2 instead of 1 guinea pig. Is this true?

Answer
Guinea pigs in the wild live in herds. So yes, they seem to be happier with company. However, there are hundreds of pigs in this country whose owners are not able to keep more than one.  They don't suffer depression by being alone. If your circumstances don't allow you to keep another pig Kiki will not feel slighted.  You just give him extra attention and he enjoys your company.

If you want to get another pig make sure it's a baby. And be sure it's a boy.  Older pigs will accept young ones without feeling threatened. A grown male coming into Kiki's cage would start a territorial battle between them and one or the other will get hurt, maybe both of them.

Babies are easily introduced into the cage. Kiki might push and shove the little one for awhile, and sometimes the older boar will mount the little one a few times until he figures out it's useless. Then he will just accept the new kid as a buddy and life will be happy.

Whatever you decide will have to be based on your circumstances and ability to keep a second guinea pig. If you're not able to have another don't feel guilty that Kiki is not getting enough company or attention.