Guinea Pig Care Essentials

Socialisation and enrichment

• Ideally, get two guinea pigs to avoid loneliness – and, if two is enough, make sure they’re neutered, both male or both female. 
• Guinea pigs are social creatures, so place their cage in a busy part of your house, like a hallway or lounge. 
• Handle them frequently, so they’re confident about human contact. 
• Don’t worry about spending lots on entertainment – guinea pigs love homemade toys, especially tubes and cardboard boxes.  

Accommodation

• Guinea pigs fare best indoors. Even fur doesn’t protect them from getting cold and wet outside.
• A big cage means happier pets, as they’ll have plenty of room to explore and exercise. 
• Keep the cage clean, clearing up droppings every day.
• Bed the cage with plenty of dust-free hay made from Timothy grass. 

Nutrition

• Guinea pigs need a special diet supplemented with vitamin C. Muesli-style food and rabbit food are not suitable. You can order your pet food from us to ensure your pet has the right diet.
• Supply fresh water every day, in a bottle feeder. 
• In summer, it’s fine for your guinea pigs to eat lawn grass (not cuttings) but make sure it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.  
• Now and again, treat them to dandelion leaves and herbs. 

Health & wellbeing

• Use small animal nail clippers to trim their claws. 
• Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, teeth, behaviour and general condition. Record any changes.  
• Contact us immediately if you notice a sustained loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, diarrhoea, runny eyes, saliva running from the mouth, dry or flaky skin, bald patches or breathing problems.