Possible guinea pig adoption for house rabbit friend

Question
Hi Katie,

I've been looking for a friend for my house rabbit, Jasper, a 4-year old spayed female who has the run of the house during the day (I work from home), and has run of the kitchen and a cojoined bathroom at night - the kitchen has a baby gate, and the bathroom has a sliding door. It's very spacious.

I rescued a bonded pair of prairie dogs last year, hoping that they would all get along...the prairie dogs love the rabbit, grooming her and all, but the rabbit is spooked by them. She sits next to their cage during the day, but I have to separate them when I let the pups out for exercise.

(History: Jasper is shy of other rabbits, so another rabbit isn't an option. I recently had to leave her alone with a sitter for a few days due to a death in the family, and she went off her food and lost her litter box training somewhat -- obvious depression, I think).

From your experience, do you think that a rabbit and a cavy could be friendly? I was offered to adopt a neutered male cavy from a person who rescues rabbits, and while she thinks they will get along, I'd like to hear if you have some insights here!

Thanks so much,
Lisa  

Answer
There are very serious problems that can occur between rabbits and cavies.

They have different dietary needs, rabbit food contains too much vitamin D and a antibiotic that is deadly for cavies and cavy food contains too much vitamin C for rabbits.

Rabbits naturally harbor Bordetella that can kill cavies

Rabbits like to stomp their feet and jump through the air and one accidental kick from a rabbit can kill a cavy.