guinea-pigs with rabbits?

Question
hey there, I own a lovely, friendly, lop eared dwarf rabbit, Beano. I fear he gets so lownly all day out on his own! I recently got 3 male guinea-pigs to look after while my friend went on holiday. Beano got on really well with them and they seemed to like him. He became a lot more exited and seemed to enjoy himself more when he had the guinea-pigs with him in the run. When they left he became very depressed and just moped about. Not wanted to run about or eat much. He is not newtered and i wouldnt want him to be so i couldnt get a rabbit to keep him company, although i was thinking about the possabillity of getting a little male guinea-pig? what do you think. He is a very gental boy.. thanks  

Answer
Dear Alice,

Plesae consider having Beano neutered.  It will extend his life, keep him healthier, and allow you to let him choose a spayed female from among the fosters at your local rabbit rescuer's foster home.  Please go here:

www.rabbit.org/

and click on "Chapters" to find a rescuer near you.  Read this:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/spay.html

for more information on spay/neuter, and go here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

to find a good rabbit vet to help you.

Rabbits and guinea pigs can be good pals, but rabbits love the company of their own kind most of all.  All our bunnies live in bonded couples and groups, and while introductions must be made carefully to avoid fighting, its' worth it to see them snuggling.

Be aware that *some* rabbits harbor a bacterium (Bordetella bronchiseptica) that can be very harmful to guinea pigs, causing serious respiratory infections.  But if Beano already has been with piggies and no harm done, he probably is not a carrier.

I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana