Guinea Pigs as Pets

Guinea pigs are relatively trouble free and make very good pets for children. Long haired guinea pigs do need grooming and this should be taken into account when choosing your guinea pig.

Guinea pigs can live for up to 7 years and so this needs to be a consideration when you decide to buy one for your children – you may be left caring for them long after the kids have left home! Always buy from a reputable pet shop or breeder and pick the one that looks healthy, is bright and friendly. The guinea pig should be at least six weeks old.

What do guinea pigs need?

• Companionship - to be with other guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are sociable creatures and prefer to be with the company of other guinea pigs – the same sex of course! (unless you are prepared to get them neutered). The widespread practice of keeping guinea pigs and rabbits together is not recommended.

• Feeding twice a day, with a mixture of meadow hay, green stuff, pellets, washed fruit and vegetables.

• A constant supply of fresh, clean, drinking water in a drip feed bottle with a metal spout.

• Guinea pigs can be kept as indoor pets, but care must be taken as they can chew electric cables, furniture etc. Ideally your guinea pig should be kept outside in a large hutch with an outside run. A large weatherproof home kept off the ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. It should be moved to an indoor area or porch in cold weather.

• A separate sleeping area for each animal inside the home.

• A clean layer of wood chippings on the floor of their home and plenty of soft hay for bedding and burrowing.

• Daily exercise in a grassy area safe from predators and an indoor run in cold weather.

• Their home to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly.

• A gnawing block to wear down long teeth.

• To be brushed every day if they have a long or rough-haired coat.

• Some quiet time alone or with other guinea pigs every day.

• To be taken to a vet if they are ill or injured.

• To be looked after when you are on holiday.

Handling: Approach the guinea pig from the front and on its level. Pick it up using both hands, one around the hindquarters, the other around its shoulders (for a young guinea pig) or around its chest (for an adult). Guinea pigs may become upset by too much handling.

Health: Guinea pigs should be checked regularly for overgrown claws and teeth. Both can be trimmed by a vet. Too much scratching results from skin problems and is often caused by mites or lice. We can provide suitable treatment for these. Long-haired guinea pigs in particular may suffer from the potentially fatal disease flystrike, caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur. Make sure the guinea pig's home is cleaned every day and bedding changed regularly. Groom guinea pigs every day, checking their fur all over for any dirt, especially under the tail. If a guinea pig develops bald patches on its face, this could indicate the fungal disease, ringworm. In this case bring your pet to see the vet as soon as possible. Guinea pigs can suffer from vitamin C deficiency, which causes weight loss, general weakness and swollen joints. Ask us for advice on how to provide your guinea pigs with an adequate supply of this vitamin. If you have any concerns about your guinea pig's health, ask us for advice.

Cavy speak:

COOINGA: soft sound to reassure other guinea pigs all is well or to show enjoyment when being stroked by a human.

SQUEAKA: high pitched, piercing noise can be a sign of fright or pain, or anticipation - for example at feed time.

CHATTERING TEETH: Stay away! This is a warning to other guinea pigs to keep their distance.

GURGLING: A sound of contentment and happiness.