The Guinea Pig Care Guide For Beginners
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The Guinea Pig Care Guide For Beginners 〰️
The Guinea Pig Care Guide For Beginners
Guinea pigs (also known as cavies) are gentle, social creatures that make wonderful pets. However, before adopting a guinea pig, it's important to understand their needs in terms of housing, diet, social interaction, and health care. In this guide, we will cover all the essential information for keeping guinea pigs inside your house or apartment!
Looking for A Guide To Keeping Your Guinea Pigs outside? Click Here
The minimum recommended cage size for two guinea pigs is 2’ x 4’ but bigger is always better!
1. Preparing Your Home
Before bringing home your guinea pigs, you'll need to set up an appropriate environment that provides safety, comfort, and plenty of space for them to roam.
Cage/Enclosure
Size: Guinea pigs need space to move around. The minimum recommended cage size for two guinea pigs is 2’ x 4’ but bigger is always better! The more space they have, the happier they will be.
Cage Material: Avoid wire mesh floors, as they can cause foot injuries. Instead, opt for solid flooring or a cage with a solid base lined with absorbent bedding.
Location: Place the cage in a quiet, safe area of the home away from direct sunlight, drafts, and loud noises. Beware of other household pets like cats or dogs. They can be so sneaking trying to play with our little furry friends that look like toys.
Bedding
Use soft, absorbent bedding such as paper-based bedding or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as the oils can be strong and harmful to their respiratory system.
Instead of shavings some people prefer fleece bedding, this is less messy than shavings but needs more frequent changing. You shake off the poo and hay then wash it in your washer or hand wash, which is sometimes a mess itself.
Change the bedding regularly (at least once a week, or more often depending on cage size and number of guinea pigs). If using fleece, shake and change daily, one guinea pig poops approximately a gazillion turds a day. Sadly, cavies can not be potty trained so they pee and poo everywhere.
Hideouts and Toys
Guinea pigs need places to hide for security and comfort. Provide hiding boxes or tunnels made from materials like cardboard or wood.
Offer various chew toys, such as untreated wooden sticks, hay balls, or plastic tunnels. These will help keep their teeth healthy and prevent boredom.
Two are better than one and three are better than two!
2. Choosing Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social animals, so it’s important to consider how many you want to get. It's best to have at least two, as they are happier and healthier in pairs or small groups. Remember you will need an even bigger cage the more you add to your herd.
Guinea pigs are commonly available through animal shelters, rescues, and sometimes pet stores. Adopting from a rescue or shelter is always a great option as many guinea pigs are in need of a home, it’s also much cheaper than at a pet store! If you are wanting to start showing you cavies you may want to pick a breed you like and find a breeder to acquire some show stock.
Male vs Female
Male guinea pigs, Boars; may be more territorial and could exhibit more dominance behaviors, but usually two will be fine together if given enough space.
Female guinea pigs, Sows; tend to get along with each other more easily, though individual personalities will still vary.
Age
Guinea pigs can live up to 8 years or more, so think about their long-term needs before committing. Baby guinea pigs (called pups) are adorable but need more care and socialization. Older pigs may be easier to handle, but they may also come with health issues. Older males usually need their penile area cleaned often, as they age the skin gets looser and smegma/hay/debris is more likely to accumulate in the little pocket.
3. Feeding Your Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are herbivores and require a balanced diet to stay healthy. Hay, pellets and water should be available at all times.
Hay
Hay is the most important part of their diet. Timothy hay (or similar grass hays) should be available at all times for grazing. It helps maintain dental health and proper digestion.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits
Offer fresh veggies daily, such as romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, carrots, and bell peppers (especially for their high Vitamin C content).
Provide an unlimited amount of high-quality guinea pig pellets, preferably without seeds or dried fruits, as they can cause obesity and other health problems.
Ensure that the pellets contain vitamin C, as guinea pigs cannot produce this vitamin on their own and need to get it from their diet.
Water
Fresh, clean water should always be available. Use a water bottle with a sipper tube, or train them to drink from a sturdy un-spillable bowl.
Guinea Pigs do NOT eat seeds or Raisins. When buying pellets, choose a plain mix.
4. Grooming and Care
Guinea pigs are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do require some grooming and attention.
Brushing
Short-haired guinea pigs require brushing once or twice a week to reduce shedding.
Long-haired guinea pigs need more frequent grooming (3–4 times a week) to prevent their coats from matting.
Nail Clipping
Guinea pigs' nails should be trimmed regularly, about every 4-6 weeks. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick (the pink part of the nail) to avoid bleeding.
Bathing
Guinea pigs don't need regular baths, but if they get very dirty, you can bathe them with mild pet shampoo. Avoid bathing them too often, as it can dry out their skin.
the amount of grooming you’ll need to do is Dependent on the breed.
5. Health and Wellness
Guinea pigs are generally healthy but are susceptible to certain health conditions.
Signs of Illness
Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits.
Weight loss or lethargy.
Diarrhea or abnormal droppings.
Sneezing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing (respiratory issues).
Hair loss, scratching, or dandruff (possible skin issues or parasites).
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian experienced with guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously, so they need plenty of hay and chew toys to wear down their teeth naturally. Overgrown teeth can cause difficulty eating and other serious issues.
Keep nails trimmed to avoid foot problems. Also Keeping cages clean will prevent an infection in the foot called Bumblefoot.
Be careful of the wick! I got poor Pretzel, and put cornstarch on the end to stop the bleeding.
6. Socialization and Interaction
Guinea pigs are social animals and need interaction with you and/or other guinea pigs to stay happy.
Spend time petting and talking to your guinea pigs daily. They may not enjoy being picked up, but they can be trained to sit calmly in your lap.
If you have multiple guinea pigs, you may notice them chirping and wheeking at each other when they are excited, which is a good sign of communication.
Guinea pigs are happiest in pairs or a herd. However, introducing new guinea pigs to each other should be done gradually. Start with supervised introductions and ensure each guinea pig has enough space and resources to avoid territorial aggression.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Make sure you have a first-aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, scissors, and antiseptic just in case. Cornstarch for nail trim bleeding as mentioned above.
If you can, find a vet who specializes in guinea pigs for any emergencies or routine check-ups. Call vets in your area before the need arises to learn if they will see your guinea pig when you need treatment.
8. Lifespan and Long-Term Care
Guinea pigs typically live 5-8 years, though some can live even longer with good care. Be prepared for the commitment and enjoy the rewarding experience of having these squeaky little pets.
Guinea pigs make great pets for families, singles, and seniors alike. They are low-maintenance compared to some pets, but they still require a lot of love, attention, and care to thrive. With the right environment, diet, and social interaction, your guinea pigs will be happy and healthy for many years to come!
