Quick Take
- The way you pick up your Himalayan guinea pig could trigger a hardwired survival instinct, and most owners unknowingly do it wrong. Proper picking up technique →
- There's one environmental factor that will permanently change your Himalayan's appearance if you ignore it.
- The cage sold at most pet stores is already too small before your guinea pig even moves in. Enclosure size recommendations →
- Guinea pigs have a reputation as easy starter pets, but the reality is more complicated than most first-time owners expect. What care really involves →
Himalayan guinea pigs are similar to other standard breeds in size, lifespan, and core care requirements, growing between 8 and 12 inches long and eating the same diet of unlimited hay and fresh veggies. They are social animals that thrive with a companion. The main difference in their care is temperature control: their unique dark markings will fade if they are not kept in a stable, cool environment between 65°F and 75°F. Himalayan guinea pigs have striking colorpoint coats and gorgeous ruby-red eyes. Their fur is white with darker black or brown points around their eyes, nose, ears, feet, and tail. Despite common myths, guinea pigs are not easy starter pets. Continue reading to learn how to care for your Himalayan guinea pig.
Himalayan Guinea Pig Care Tips
Most Himalayan guinea pigs are docile pets, as guinea pigs don’t often bite, especially when handled properly. As prey animals, they can be skittish and require patient taming, though some are more outgoing than others.
Guinea pigs don’t tend to play as you’d expect a dog or cat to, but they do enjoy toys they can eat or chew on. They may toss them around the cage as well.
Himalayan guinea pigs are often skittish at first but can warm up to human handling.
©Pernille Westh/Shutterstock.com
Himalayan guinea pigs need constant access to fresh water and hay. Guinea pigs have fast digestive systems and need to constantly eat. They should also get a variety of dark, leafy greens and ⅛ cup of quality guinea pig pellets each day.
Like all guinea pigs, Himalayans are herd animals. Under no circumstances should they be kept alone.
In the rare case that your Himalayan guinea pig cannot get along with others, they will still benefit from living next to another pair or group, sharing cage walls so they can see, hear, and smell each other without physically interacting.
For beginners, it’s best to adopt two to three guinea pigs that are bonded. Males can be kept in same-sex pairs or with as many females as you’d like, as long as they’re neutered.
Females can be kept in same-sex pairs or groups, or with one neutered male. Males will fight over females if given the chance.
Housing
The Humane Society of the United States states that the minimum cage size for two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet, but they now recommend at least 10.5 square feet (30” x 50”) as a preferred minimum, with many experienced caretakers suggesting 10-12 square feet or larger.
A C&C cage is the most popular choice for guinea pigs since most pet store cages are far too small.
Of course, larger groups will need even more space. Males also tend to require more space than females.
C&C (Cubes and Coroplast) cages are among the most popular options. These customizable, cost-effective DIY enclosures consist of modular, interlocking wire storage grids (cubes) that form the secure walls and a corrugated plastic (Coroplast) sheet scored and folded into a waterproof, high-sided base.
Animal welfare organizations widely recommend these cages over traditional store-bought models because their modular design allows owners to easily expand the space, add upper-level lofts, and provide the large floor area required for healthy exercise and herd harmony.
When it comes to cage bedding, you can choose either reusable options like a fleece liner or disposable options such as paper bedding. Reusable bedding creates a lot of laundry, but it is cheaper in the long term.
Avoid bedding that is scented, dusty, or uncomfortable to walk on. Himalayan guinea pigs can develop respiratory infections or bumblefoot from poor bedding or enclosure choices.
Guinea pigs like to hide, so be sure to provide at least one hiding spot per pig. This could be a hidey house, a tunnel, or even a blanket covering a corner of the enclosure.
You should also provide one water bottle per guinea pig to reduce territorial behaviors. Some people consider toys optional, but they are a great way to provide added enrichment. Make sure to provide items that are safe to chew and eat, and that don’t contain choking hazards.
Handling
Guinea pigs are prey animals, so you should not expect them to interact in the same way as predator species like dogs and cats. Your Himalayan guinea pig will likely be skittish in their new environment and may be afraid of humans.
The best way to bond with your guinea pigs is to sit nearby and talk quietly to them. If their cage is on the ground, sit nearby with some veggies and let them approach you. You can also do this during floor time.
When picking up your guinea pig, be sure to approach them from the side, not from overhead. Your hand reaching down and scooping them up resembles a hawk carrying them away, and most guinea pigs find this frightening.
Support their entire weight and keep them close to your chest to prevent injury while you carry them from place to place.
Veterinary Care and Lifespan
Give your Himalayan monthly or weekly health checks at home, looking over their body for symptoms of common ailments such as dental disease, parasites, fungal infections, respiratory disease, and ovarian cysts. Record their weight to ensure they aren’t gaining or losing weight without explanation.
Healthy adult Himalayan guinea pigs should see an exotic pet veterinarian for a check-up at least once a year, while senior guinea pigs (over 4–5 years old) should have check-ups every six months.
Both of these practices will help you catch illnesses early, which is crucial for guinea pigs. These animals are quite fragile, and illnesses can progress to advanced stages very quickly.
The average guinea pig lives five to seven years, though some may live up to eight years or more with excellent care. Learning about common health conditions and monitoring your guinea pigs closely can help them live longer, as can feeding them properly, housing them with companions, and providing a large cage for exercise.
