Guinea Pig Care

Guinea pigs are delightful, inquisitive creatures that bring endless joy to any home. Their curious nature, gentle temperament, and affectionate interactions make them wonderful companions for both children and adults. These charming pets not only teach responsibility but also provide comfort and companionship, making them a cherished addition to your family.

Housing and Husbandry

Your guinea pig needs a spacious and secure home. A cage of size 0.5mx1m for a single Guinea Pig should be provided as a bare minimum. The sides of the enclosure should also be at least 30cm high. Larger enclosures will be required to house multiple guinea pigs. Choose a cage with a solid bottom to protect their delicate feet and line it with soft, absorbent bedding like shredded paper, wood shavings and hay. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to the ammonia contained in their urine and so their bedding should be changed once to twice-weekly and should be spot-cleaned daily.

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Keep your guinea pig’s cage in a well-ventilated area with temperatures between 18-24°C. Avoid direct sunlight, drafts, and damp areas. Guinea pigs are social creatures and become stressed without the company of other guinea pigs, so consider keeping them in pairs or small groups for companionship. This need for companionship is also important for short trips to the veterinary clinic, and it is best to transport them with a friend for support. Provide a safe, enclosed area for daily exercise, and ensure their home is filled with cosy hideouts like igloos and tunnels to help them feel secure. They are also particularly sensitive to loud noises or mechanical noises. They should therefore be kept somewhere quiet and avoid exposure to appliances like fridges or washing machines.
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Diet

The cornerstone of your guinea pig’s diet is fresh, high-quality timothy hay, oaten hay, wheaten hay, or other grass hays. This should make up about 80% of the diet. It aids in digestion and keeps their teeth healthy. Ensure hay is always available.

Offer a variety of fresh vegetables daily, such as celery and carrots (including tops), capsicum, Asian greens spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage, coriander, basil and cucumbers. This should make up about 15% of the diet (approx. ½ a cup per day).

 

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Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot make their own vitamin C. They need to be provided with a source of vitamin C on a daily basis. The vegetables with the highest source of vitamin C include Capsicum (red capsicum has higher levels than green), parsley, kale and broccoli. If your guinea pig does not eat the food containing vitamin C, other options include Oxbow’s Natural Science Vitamin C Support.

Pellets should only be provided as a small portion of their diet, and make up about 5% of their diet. Excessive pellets should be avoided as they are high in fat, low in fibre and do not wear teeth appropriately. Guinea Pig specific pellets fortified with vitamin C should be provided.

Fresh water should be available and can be provided from a heavy water bowl or stopper bottle. Ensure the water is fresh and clean and is changed daily.

Reproduction

Guinea Pigs are sexually mature by 3-4 months of age. Breeding guinea pigs requires knowledge and commitment. Ensure you have the space and resources to care for multiple guinea pigs. The female guinea pigs must be bred before 12 months of age or could face pregnancy risks. For further breeding information, please discuss with our vets at McLaren Vale Veterinary Surgery.

If you don’t plan to breed, it is recommended that all non-breeding sows (females) should be desexed, to prevent ovarian cysts which are very common in older sows. Boars can also be desexed to prevent ‘boar butt’. Older undesexed guinea pigs require daily cleaning around their “boar butt” to prevent skin infection and remove excess glandular production and smells. If guinea pigs are not desexed, separate males from females to prevent unexpected litters by 3 months old as they can be prolific breeders.

Preventative Health Care

Regular check-ups should be scheduled yearly with our vets to monitor your guinea pig’s health and catch any issues early. Common health issues include the following:

  • Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea should be considered an EMERGENCY. It may result from stress, poor hygiene, a change in diet or antibiotics. Veterinary care should be sought immediately if diarrhoea is noted. It can be prevented by ensuring a high standard of hygiene and nutrition, reducing overcrowding and preventing stressing of guinea pigs.
  • Dental Care: Guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously. Provide plenty of hay and chew toys to help wear down their teeth naturally. Watch for signs of dental issues such as drooling, difficulty eating, or weight loss.
  • Grooming: Regular nail trimming prevents overgrowth and injury. Long-haired guinea pigs may need frequent grooming to prevent matting, while short-haired breeds enjoy occasional brushing to remove loose fur.
  • Parasite Prevention: Guinea pigs can get mite or lice infestations and this is incredible itchy and detrimental to them. Maintain a clean living environment to reduce the risk of parasites and regularly check their skin and fur for any signs of parasites. When a new guinea pig is introduced, you should first get it checked by a vet, and given parasite treatment to prevent introducing mites or lice to your guinea pigs.

Your guinea pig is more than a pet – they're family. With the right care, they'll thrive and bring joy to your home for many years to come.

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