Guinea pigs and chinchillas

[eycamry]

I am seriously thinking about getting a (or two) guinea pig. Shh... hubby is going to kill me. I would like to know if guinea pigs and chinchillas are compatible in the same household. Are there any diseases that will transmit between the two species? I've read that guinea pigs can get lice and mites. Can chinchillas get them? Anything I need to be concerned about?

Thanks.

 

[Spoof]

Certainly! I'm not aware of any diseases except ringworm. I know you won't do this, but I thought it was interesting;

My second chinchilla was from a lady who had her in a cage with a GP, they grew up together and the GP died of old age. She was healthy when I got her, if a bit depressed.

I've run into several instances where they've lived together and not seen any adverse health effects.

So I'll assume they can be in the same household. )

 

[Leowyldemi]

i have a guinea pig, a rabbit and a chinchilla, i alternate their playtime to prevent fighting and whatnot,they get along great,guinea pigs can get lice and mites from unclean liviving conditions, but as long as they and their cage are kept clean they are fine
just to be on the safe side i would do a 30 day quarantine just as you would do with getting a new chin.

 

[RMC]

Dr. Bernard Koch D.V.M. states in "Chinchilla Ranchers Guide"
"Since the Chinchilla belongs to the rodent family,it is highly susceptable to the diseases carried by rats,mice and guinea pigs."
I also remeber reading a article that stated that in the early years of chinchilla raising they tried using Guinea pigs as fosters to chinchila kits. The practice was stoped when it was discovered that the guinea pigs were spreading illness to the chinchilla.
I briefly tried to find the source ,but haven't located it. i will see if I can locate exactly were I read that info.

 

[tunes]

I have rats, a guinea pig, and a rabbit, along with my chins. I do NOT let them cohabitate or hang out in the same area, but I do have them in the same house with no issues.

Interesting information Luke. I have that book here, but I guess I never noticed that. It would be great if you could show us where you found the other article.

When I had an illness spread through my herd a few years back as a result of supplement (according to Texas A&M), I was very concerned about cross contamination. The vet told me there was no worry at all with the rats, horses, or the bun, but the degu had to be medicated, and (if we had them) sheep or goats would be wiped out! I thought it was very strange.

 

[TillyChinchilla]

I wouldn't cage them together. With a chin's erratic and sometimes crazy moves around the cage, it could seriously injure a much more chilled out animal. They also have different diets. The guinea pigs benefit from fresh veggies and some fruits, and those are dangerous to chins. Pigs also need more Vit. C and rabbit/chin pellets are not a good substitute for a quality guinea pig pellet.

As far as them being close together, housed separately, I see no issue. Rabbits would be a bigger concern to me.

 

[chins1222]

they should be fine in the same house

although they are highly social animals and it is strongly suggested you have more than one

 

[equusus]

I have had both in the same house for years......no problem. But everyone had their own space- they were not caged together.

 

[Newt]

I have ten guineas and three chins, and they all have cages in my living room. I dont intermix the species though....because of different diets, different sleeping times etc. The chins get playout time in the spare room, the guineas get playout in a run in the kitchen.

Ive never had any illness or parasite pass from the guineas to the chins or vice-versa. But then you should always practice good hygiene anyways, especially if you suspect an animal might be ill. Wash your hands and change your top when handling different species.

Guineas make great cuddling pets!