The domesticated guinea pig is viewed by many as an‘easy pet’ for children. They believe that a small pet needs only a small amount of care. However, it’s important to understand that they have lots of requirements, including a daily clean up, gentle handling, specialised food and a roomy cage.
When choosing floor linings and cage furniture, bear in mind that guinea pigs will chew anything in order to wear down their constantly growing teeth, so everything placed in the cage should be nontoxic. Plenty of lining material will provide them with material for their bathroom and bedding.
They may be small but they need ample space to move around. If they have a large cage they will have the chance to be more active. An aquarium isn’t really suitable as they don’t provide good ventilation. The flooring might also hurt their delicate feet.
Guinea pigs need high quality hay to use for snacking and nesting. Sawdust or pine chips are likely to cause respiratory problems.
If possible, a gnawing log should be provided along with tunnels to crawl through and platforms to climb on.
Food wise, a heavy food bowl would be preferable, resistant to tipping and gnawing. A water bottle with a sipper tube would be a necessity.
Guinea pigs enjoy company so what about getting two or more of the same sex.
They like to be very clean and groom themselves. However they need daily help to keep their cage clean and to have fresh water and their sipping tube cleaned to avoid a build up of algae.
They require a lot of vitamin C so provide them with vegetables such as cabbage. If feeding them melon or apples, remember to remove the pips which are toxic to them.
Guinea pigs need careful handling so pick one up by slowly placing one hand under its chest just behind the front legs. Gently cup your other hand under his hindquarters. Then lift him and hold him close to you so he feels safe.
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