Male Vs. Female Guinea Pigs – Complete Guide
If you’re considering petting a little Guinea pig, you may have a list of questions about which guinea pig gender will suit you the most. The most prominent question might be what are the major differences between male (Boars) and female (sows) Guinea Pigs. Truly speaking, it’s difficult to tell apart physically, and both genders are loveable, which can prove a fantastic pet for you and your family.
However, some experts agree that there are some differences in personality, size, and health concerns between these 2 that we’re going to break down for you in this male Vs. Female guinea pig guide. So let’s get started!
Male Vs. Female Guinea Pig – Major Differences at a Glance
| Characteristics | Male Guinea Pig | Female Guinea Pig |
| Sexual Organ | The male genital area resembles “i” shape | The female genital area resembles “Y” shape |
| Size | Boars are slightly larger | Sows are slightly smaller than their counterpart |
| Weight | Boy Guinea pigs are slightly heavy and typically weigh between 2-2.5 pounds (800-1600 grams) | Girl Guinea pigs are lighter than boys and typically weigh between 1.5-2 pounds (700-1200 grams ) |
| Personality | Male pigs are a bit more bold and confident | Females are shy and nervous |
| These tend to be more territorial | These tend to be less territorial | |
| Lifespan | Their lifespan ranges between 5-8 years | Their lifespan ranges between 4-8 years |
| Odor | Male Guinea pigs tend to smell more | Smells a bit less than boars (male guinea pigs) |
| Health Concerns | Males are at a higher risk of developing impaction | Females are at a higher risk of developing UTIs (urinary tract infections) |
It’s worth bearing in mind that guinea pigs (irrespective of gender) are sociable creatures who love to live in groups rather than alone. So, how many little furry creatures are you going to get? No idea? Worry not! We’ll discuss the best combinations for you later in this read, so stay connected till the end.
How to Tell if a Guinea Pig is Male or Female?
Basically, the easiest way to differentiate between male and female guinea pigs is to check the difference in their genitalia (Sex organs). It might be a bit tricky to determine the sex of guinea pigs pups (newly born babies) as their genitalia might be a bit swollen due to hormones. After a few days of birth, when this inflammation eases, you can check for the difference.
Simply look at the underside of guinea pigs at the starting point of its tail.
- In male Guinea pigs, the genitalia looks like a line with a bump above it (much similar to the smaller “i”). Here the bump (dot) on the line indicates the penis (main male reproductive organ).
- On the other hand, female sexual organs resemble a “Y” shape. The “V” in his shape indicates a vulva.
If you’re still unable to see these organs, simply apply a light pressure to their abdomen, just above the genitalia, and you’ll notice that the penis and vulva are now clearly visible.
Caring for Male vs. Female Guinea Pigs
Do you think about which gender is easier to handle? Though there is no straightforward answer to this question, the below male vs. female guinea pig care instructions can provide you with the answer.
Male Guinea Pig Care
Male guinea pigs need a regular cleaning of their cage as they are a bit disorganized. Similarly, these little furry pals require frequent baths due to the high activity of their grease glands, which can lead to unpleasant odors.
When boars mature in age (about 2 years of age), their muscle weakens, leading to their inability to remove the feces completely, which may result in the build-up of facial material in their anal sac, causing fecal impaction. This condition may be painful for your pet and sometimes can lead to death if not treated carefully. So, how do we treat impaction?
Simply dip the lower part of your pig in lukewarm water, clean the sac with the help of cotton buds, and then apply virgin coconut oil to it. This process can help soften and release the deposits.
Female Guinea Pig Care
Female guinea pigs are much cleaner and more organized compared to their counterparts. These cute little girls try to keep their cage as clean as possible by not spreading the food all over the space, lessening the burden of cleaning your cave house regularly.
However, when left in unhygienic conditions, female guinea pigs are at higher risk of developing mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancer as they can easily get urinary tract infections(UTIs). Some signs of this infarction include lack of appetite, weight loss, blood in urine and lethargy.
Your sows might cry while urinating, and if the infection is not treated timely, it may prove fatal. So, if you notice any of the mentioned signs, it’s essential for you to bring your poor piggy to the veterinarian, where they can perform an x-ray to diagnose the actual problem.
Then comes the sows’ reproductive system to consider. Sows can become sexually mature at just the age of 3-4 weeks. So, it’s important to keep female guinea pigs separate from males who haven’t been neutered yet to avoid mating and, ultimately, pregnancy, as it can later cause complications in birth.
Sows can be “in heat” (become fertile) every 2-3 weeks. It’s also worth mentioning that you should avoid breeding your piggy after 8 months of age, as it can also result in birth difficulties.
Is it Better to have 2 Male or 2 Female Guinea Pigs Together – What makes the perfect combination?
It’s always good to keep your little furry pig with a companion that can be a male or a female. But if you want to buy in duos or trios, then the best combination might include 2 or 3 males, 2 or 3 females or a neutered boar with many sows.
Conclusion
Remember, every pet is unique in its own style and, most of the time, doesn’t display the characteristics related to its sex. With this point in mind, you can choose any guinea pig, irrespective of gender.
Further, guinea pigs breed quickly, so it’s important to group the same sex or only neutered pigs to avoid any complications. Also, don’t forget to hold a monthly check-up of your pig to check for potential infections, weight loss and more.
FAQs
1 – Are male guinea pigs bigger than females?
Generally speaking, male guinea pigs are slightly bigger than females, but in some conditions, we’ve also observed bigger females than their counterparts of the same age.
2 – Do male guinea pigs have nipples?
Yes, male guinea pigs also have a pair of nipples that are slightly smaller than sows(female guinea pigs).
3 – Are male or female guinea pigs more affectionate?
Most Guinea pig parents have found that male guinea pigs are more friendly, bold and confident, so they are more affectionate and can adapt to the new environment more quickly.
4 – Do Female guinea pigs have periods?
Female guinea pigs don’t bleed or have periods as in the menstrual cycle. If you observe your piggy is bleeding, you should immediately take her to a vet to check for potential infections.
