Guinea pigs and chinchillas

Question
Dear Kat,
I was wondering if you know if cavies and chinchillas would get along together, to either play with eachother, or live in the same cage together. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Keely,

Chinchillas and cavies should never occupy the same cage. Their needs are very different from each other and you risk both suffering from improper care if they have to share a cage. Also, do not put them together in one cage or the other for playtime because they may fight over territory. As a rule, caged animals should only ever be caged with others of their own species, if even that. As for outside of the cage playtime, that depends on the animals. Some chinchillas may be aggressive and may hurt the Guinea Pig. The most likely result will probably be that they pretty much ignore each other and go on about their own business. If your chin is nervous about new things or in new situations or is easily frightened, it's best not to try. A spooked chinchilla is likely to try to "defend" himself from the Guinea Pig and hurt him. Typically the cavy won't be the aggressor. They prefer running to fighting when it comes to other species, though there are those rare pigs who may start the fight if he feels threatened. If your chin and piggy are both very well socialized and great with people, new situations, and even other animals, they may be ok together for outside of the cage playtimes. However, because of a bit of a communication gap, it's unlikely they will be "buddies". Once in a while the odd pair will find each other but it's not something to neccessarily expect. I personally, would just let them each have their own playtime as it likely won't matter to either of them anyway and they could not like each other and fight. You know your pets though and it's up to you whether you want to let them interact or not. They should be supervised anytime they are together though and always have a towel nearby to throw over them and seperate them if fighting does start. Good luck.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs