Rats and Guinea Pigs?

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, i have a pretty simple question for you.

My friend is babysitting my 2 guinea pigs for me when i go on vacation and she has a pet rat, and she would like to let them play together as her rat is lonely. I'm not sure if i want her to as i dont know how rats and guinea pigs get along.
So my question is, do you think they will get along? Will they fight? I know Rabbits and Guinea Pigs can be housed together, but as the rat and guinea pig wouldnt be in the same cage will they be ok meeting outside?
I thought i'd ask before i let my friend do this with my piggies, i dont want them getting hurt.
Thanks for your help :)

ANSWER: Hi Katie,

It is best not to mix guinea pigs with other breeds of pet. Although they are sociable, friendly animals they are easily frightened, and are also at risk of eating the wrong type of food or catching an illness from another animal. Even rabbits and guinea pigs should simply be allowed to play together and never housed together, as rabbits kick and often accidentally injure their piggy friends - they also have very different dietary requirements.

If it was your pet rat, I would suggest gradually introducing them to one another during floor time. However, as they won't be together for long it will be a stressful procedure that will be best not to put your piggies through. You can suggest your friend holds her rat near the piggies' cage so they can communicate, but does not put the animals in a situaton where they could touch each other. Guinea pigs are not aggressive, and even those there's two of them, they'd come off much worse than the rat if a fight did break out.

Perhaps your friend should consider getting another rat to keep hers company?

Best wishes,
Jenny.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot, i'll tell her not to let her rat near my guinea pigs :)

I have another question though... the other day while i was bathing my pigs i noticed they have a hard build up on the edges of the pads on their feet. It comes off easily, i use an old toothbrush to clean under their nails and stuff and it comes off when i do that. I just wondered if its something i should worry about, i was worried it was bumblefoot but i'm not sure.
Thanks :)

Answer
Hi Katie,

Good idea!

Bumblefoot is quite common, but usually only occurs when guinea pigs have a strange surface to walk on, such as a wire-bottom cage. The pads of the feet would be swollen, and would need vetinary care. You would not simply be able to brush it off.

Your piggies have probably just got some of their poop and food stuck to their feet whilst walking around their cage. Make sure you clean them out regularly, and keep their nails short. If the problem persists or seems to be causing them any discomfort, take them to a specialist small animal or exotic pet vet to put your mind at rest.

Have a good holiday :o)

Jenny.