Your Ultimate Guide to Guinea Pig Care, Health, and More!
Setting Up Their Home
What to Feed Them
Grooming and Cleaning
Common Health Issues
Vet Visits
How Long Do They Live?
Social Needs and Interactions
Guinea Pig Sounds Explained
Exercise and Fun Time
Different Breeds and What They’re Like
Male vs Female Guinea Pigs
Starting Up and Ongoing Expenses
Litter Training and Behavior
Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are small, friendly rodents that make great pets. They’re originally from South America, where they were domesticated as farm animals. But today, they’re mostly kept as pets because of their sweet, calm nature and easy-to-manage size.
Before you get one, you’ll want to know what kind of care they need to make sure they’re happy and healthy.
Guinea pigs need a comfortable, spacious cage where they can move around. It’s important to give them enough room (at least 7.5 square feet for one guinea pig) so they’re not cramped. Also, avoid wire-bottom cages because they can hurt their feet.
What to Put in Their Cage:
Soft bedding (like shavings or paper bedding)
A water bottle or bowl
A food dish
A hideout or tunnel for them to relax in
Chew toys to keep their teeth healthy
Guinea pigs have pretty specific dietary needs:
Hay: This should be their main food, and they should always have it available. Timothy hay is a popular choice.
Fresh veggies: They love leafy greens like kale, parsley, and cilantro. They also enjoy peppers and carrots.
Pellets: Special guinea pig pellets that contain vitamin C are important to keep them healthy.
Fruits: Small amounts of fruits like apples, strawberries, and blueberries can be occasional treats.
What not to feed them: Avoid giving them iceberg lettuce, which can cause stomach issues, or sugary snacks.
Guinea pigs are clean animals, but they still need a little help with grooming:
Short-haired guinea pigs only need to be brushed once a week.
Long-haired guinea pigs need to be brushed every day to keep their hair from getting tangled.
Be sure to clean their cage every week to keep things fresh and to prevent bad odors.
Like all pets, guinea pigs can face health problems. Some of the most common ones include:
Dental problems: Guinea pigs’ teeth grow all the time, so they need to chew to keep them from getting too long.
Respiratory infections: If they start coughing or wheezing, they could have a respiratory infection, which requires a vet’s attention.
Bloat: This is a serious condition where their stomach becomes swollen and painful. If you notice signs, take them to the vet immediately.
Scurvy: Guinea pigs need vitamin C, so if they don’t get enough, they can develop scurvy, which causes weakness, joint pain, and more.
It’s a good idea to take your guinea pig to the vet for regular check-ups, especially if they’re young or seem unwell. Make sure your vet has experience with small animals like guinea pigs.
On average, guinea pigs live about 4-6 years, but some can live up to 8 years with good care. As they get older, they may slow down, need more health care, and require special attention.
Guinea pigs are social animals. They do best when they have a companion—ideally another guinea pig. But if you only have one, make sure to spend lots of time with them so they don’t get lonely.
Guinea pigs communicate with each other (and with you!) using different sounds:
Squeaking: They make high-pitched squeaks when they’re excited or want attention.
Purring: If they’re happy or relaxed, they might make a purring sound.
Chirping: This is rare but can happen when they’re stressed. If your guinea pig starts chirping, it might mean something’s wrong.
Guinea pigs need regular exercise. They love to run around and explore, so make sure they have a safe, enclosed area outside of their cage to play in. It’ll keep them happy and fit.
Guinea pigs come in different breeds, each with its own look and personality. Here are a few popular ones:
| Breed | Physical Traits | Coat Type |
|---|---|---|
| American | Stocky, broad face | Short, smooth hair |
| Peruvian | Long, flowing hair | Long hair |
| Abyssinian | Rosette patterns on their coat | Short, wiry hair |
| Silkie | Silky, smooth coat | Long, soft hair |
| Teddy | Thick, plush coat | Short, curly hair |
Males tend to be a little larger than females, but otherwise, there’s not a huge difference in behavior. However, male guinea pigs can sometimes be more territorial, so if you keep two males together, make sure they have plenty of space.
When you’re ready to adopt, there are a few places to look:
Animal shelters: You can find guinea pigs that need a new home at local shelters.
Breeders: If you want a specific breed, a breeder can help, but make sure they’re responsible and ethical.
Rescue groups: Many guinea pigs are also available for adoption through rescue groups.
To get your guinea pig set up, you’ll need a few things:
Cage: $50-$150
Bedding and food containers: $10-$30
Chew toys and accessories: $10-$30
Food and veggies: $15-$30 per month
Once you have your guinea pig, expect to spend about $20-$40 per month on food, bedding, and other supplies.
Over the years, guinea pigs can cost you around $1000 or more, considering food, vet bills, and cage replacements.
Guinea pigs can be litter trained! You can start by putting a small litter box in a corner where they like to go. It might take some time, but they can catch on.
If your guinea pig is chewing on things they shouldn’t, or if they’re a little nippy, you can use positive reinforcement to help them learn better habits. Treats and gentle corrections work best.
Guinea pigs make great pets for people who have time to spend with them and are ready for the responsibility. They’re not as high-maintenance as some other pets, but they still need care, attention, and a proper diet.
If you’re looking for a fun, interactive, and relatively easy-to-care-for pet, a guinea pig might be a perfect choice!
That’s everything you need to know about guinea pigs before you get one. Make sure you’re ready to give them a loving home, and they’ll be a wonderful companion for years to come!
animal tags： guinea-pigs
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