Caring For Your Guinea Pig

Quick Facts

Common Name: Guinea Pig

Also Known As: Cavy

Latin Name: Cavia porcellus

Native To: South America

Size: Between 20cm and 30cm long

Weight: Average adult weight is between 800g and 1.2kg, with the males being larger than the females

Life Span: A guinea pig has an expected life span of 6-8 years

Housing Your Guinea Pig

Guinea Pigs can be kept outdoors during the day but should always be taken inside at night. A cage or hutch of at least 3’ in length is required as they move around in their enclosures quite a lot. Living areas should be strong and secure, to prevent both escapes and predators from gaining access to the enclosure. It is important to provide a series of tunnels and hides for your guineapig to explore, and hiding spaces so they can avoid their companions if they wish.

Feeding Your Guinea Pig

Hay is an incredibly important part of a guinea pig's diet and should make up 80% of their diet. Guinea Pigs should be fed a complete Guinea Pig food, approximately 50g per day, supplemented with fresh fruit or vegetables daily. They lack the enzyme needed to produce vitamin C by themselves so melon and dark leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli and kale are great sources and should be offered regularly.

Behaviour & Handling

As social animals, Guinea Pigs should have the company of others. Two males will usually be willing companions if introduced at a young age. Guinea Pigs will be much less nervous and spend less time in their hides if you follow a routine with feeding, handling and maintenance, until they get to know you. Guinea Pigs enjoy being gently handled by their owners, once they have learned they are not in danger.

Enrichment & Dental Care

Toys, hides and wooden chews will be greatly appreciated as Guinea Pigs love to interact with new items. Wooden chews are particularly important as the incisors never stop growing throughout the Guinea Pig’s life, and gnawing wears them down. Snack Balls are perfect for guinea pigs, small treats can be put inside and as the guineapig rolls the ball across the ground, the treats will slowly fall out.

Habitat Maintenance

Cages should be cleaned out every few days, with wet patches removed daily. Food and water dishes should be rinsed daily. A pet safe disinfectant should be used when cleaning the cage, to prevent odours.

Grooming & Hygiene

Guinea Pigs keep themselves clean and do not need to be bathed unless they are aged, ill or overweight, in which case they may need to be cleaned to prevent fly strike. Long haired Guinea Pigs should be brushed regularly to prevent matting of the coat. Nails may become overgrown, staff in Pet Connection will clip these free of charge, with prior arrangement.

Health

Signs of ill health include weight loss, lethargy, lack of interest in food, sticky eyes and difficulty breathing. A vet should be consulted immediately if a pet is showing symptoms of ill health.

Vaccinations & Parasite Control

Guinea Pigs do not currently have any infectious diseases for which they should routinely be vaccinated. Although rare, it is possible for them to catch fleas. Regular grooming means an owner will notice fleas early. Unlike treating dogs and cats for fleas, which should be done regularly, Guinea Pigs should only be treated if they actually have fleas. Guinea Pigs rarely suffer from flea or worm infestations.