[Gpdd] Care: Re: keeping rabbits with guinea pigs.

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Hi Everyone,

Just read Judi's posting about her rabbit biting and mounting her  guinea 
pig. This sounds like the mating behaviour of hormonal does and unneutered male 
rabbits. The fact that the object of their desire is a completely different 
species doesn't seem to matter to a rabbit. Ours used to try and mate with a toy 
teddy bear. Please don't keep rabbits with guinea pigs. They have completely 
different nutritional needs, rabbits have a poweful kick which can damage the 
limbs and vital organs of guinea pigs. Rabbits can sexually harrass pigs to the 
point where they become stressed and ill. Another habit rabbits can develop 
is persistant licking of  their companions eyes and ears causing irritation.

As we all know guinea pigs communicate through vocal sounds and more 
inportantly through body language. Those kept only with rabbits lose out on this very 
natural behaviour.

Guinea pig and rabbit breeders as well as The R.S.P.C.A. reccommend that they 
are housed separately. Pet stores and some rescue centres still try to rehome 
them together as it solves the problem of selling/rehoming single rabbits and 
single guinea pigs.

Judi, you did the right thing separating them although it may seem cruel to 
do so. Maybe a rescue centre would have a neutered buck rabbit for your female 
rabbit.

                 Best Wishes, Antoinette and the magic 60.