How to Take Care of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are one of the world’s most popular household pets. Their sweet, docile natures and affectionate personalities make them a firm favorite among all ages. If you’re wondering how to take care of your guinea pigs, we’re here to help. Find out all you need to know about appropriate housing, a healthy diet, guinea pig behavior, and more.

Housing

Guinea pigs are very active animals and need space to run around. Ensuring that your guinea pigs have the right-sized hutch is essential to their well-being. Guinea pigs need separate areas for nesting, using the bathroom, and eating. Rescue organizations often recommend enclosures made from cubes and coroplast, which is a type of corrugated plastic.

Since guinea pigs are very social, it’s best to adopt two. We’ll discuss that in more detail below. The Humane Society recommends you have an enclosure that is at least 12 inches high. So, if you have two guinea pigs, you’ll need a 10.5 sq. ft. enclosure to give them plenty of room. It must also be well-ventilated with a floor they can easily walk on. They also need time outside their enclosure to exercise and explore.

Bedding

Bedding made from paper is the best. Maximize absorption by providing 2-3 inches of bedding. The Humane Society does not recommend wood shavings. They can give off fumes when soiled that may irritate your guinea pigs’ respiratory systems.

Sodden and soiled bedding should be removed daily. Clean the enclosure using an animal-safe disinfectant at least once a week. Also make sure the area is not too humid, as mold can quickly grow in wet bedding.

Diet

Guinea pigs are herbivores and only eat plant materials. Timothy hay is an essential part of a healthy guinea pig diet and should always be available. The hay is not only good for their digestion but also for wearing down their teeth. Commercial pellets should also be made from Timothy hay. The pellets are an excellent source of vitamin C, which guinea pigs cannot produce. Hay should be the primary component of your guinea pigs’ diet and should always be available, as it is crucial for their digestion and dental health.

Guinea pigs should regularly have fresh greens and a variety of vegetables. Red and green leaf lettuce, parsley, mustard greens, and turnip greens are healthy options. Broccoli and green peppers have vitamin C and can be eaten daily. Cabbage, kale, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes can be eaten several times a week. A few blueberries or a small slice of orange, banana, kiwi, strawberry, or apple may also be offered a couple of times a week. Guinea pigs easily suffer from upset stomachs, so introduce new foods slowly. Rotate the foods to add variety and always make sure the guinea pigs have clean water.

Guinea Pig Behavior

Guinea pigs have four long incisors at the front of their mouths that grow constantly. In order to ensure that their teeth remain a healthy length, they must have plenty of things to gnaw on. Untreated wooden blocks and special guinea pig toys wear down their teeth and keep them occupied.

Guinea pigs use a wide variety of vocalizations including chirping, squeaking, and burbling. When they are really excited they jump in the air while running and quickly change direction to jump again. Guinea pigs are also known to freeze and then run when they become scared. If they become angry, they make a noise that sounds like they are grinding their teeth. This is a warning telling you they are annoyed, so it is best to let them calm down and relax.

Companionship

Guinea pigs are most happy when kept in pairs or small groups. Typical combinations are two females (known as sows), a group of females, or a neutered male (boar) with a single female. They can often be heard chatting away to each other and enjoy snuggling up and feeding together.

They are also incredibly sociable and affectionate towards people. Guinea pigs may start to squeak or purr when they see their owners. They love being cuddled and held, which should be done every day.

A Safe and Healthy Environment

As their owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are safe in their environment and lead a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your guinea pigs’ enclosure is away from other animals who may view them as prey. Also, keep your guinea pigs away from strong sources of heat and cold. Their ideal temperature is around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Guinea pigs can’t sweat when they get hot and they are prone to heat stroke. They have sensitive hearing so be mindful of loud noises.

It is important to trim their nails and check their teeth regularly. Give them plenty of space to run and provide cuddles every day. Finally, take your guinea pigs to the vet every year to ensure that they are healthy and thriving.