Guinea Pig Social Behavior

Question
To Whom it may concern:

I have recently adopted a young male Guinea pig.  The more literature I read on the species, the more I discover what social anmials they are.  I am now wondering about the necessity of getting my little "Phil" a play-mate.  I most definitley do not want babies and am rather uninclined to go through a nuetering process, thus I would only consider getting another male.  I have visited numerous internet sources in search of the pros and cons of having one Guinea pig vs. two, however I am still undecided.  What is your advice regarding the matter?  Is it best that I get a second Guinea in order to give "Phil" the best life possible?

Thank you very much for your time.

-Paula Veverica

Answer
Hi Paula

Personally, I would never let any piggy of mine be alone. However, adding one adult male to another almost always casues problems with aggression.

Therefore, my advice would be to get a baby male which should cause no problems at all. Give the baby a wash before you introduce it to the exisiting pig so he doesn't smell of his mother.

Ideally, the baby should be 6-7 weeks old when you introduce it to phil.

All the best

Andy