How to Look After a Guinea Pig: A Complete Guide

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are delightful pets known for their friendly nature and adorable squeaks. Whether you're a first-time owner or looking to improve your guinea pig care routine, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Introduction

Guinea pigs are social, gentle creatures that make wonderful pets for people of all ages. They thrive with proper care, a balanced diet, and a safe, stimulating environment. Here’s a complete guide to ensuring your guinea pig lives a long, happy life.

1. Setting Up the Perfect Habitat

Cage Size and Type:

• Opt for a spacious cage with a solid floor; the minimum size for one guinea pig is 0.70 square metres, but bigger is always better.
• Avoid wire-bottomed cages as they can hurt their feet.

Bedding:

• Use soft, absorbent bedding like paper-based products or aspen shavings. Avoid cedar and pine shavings as they can cause respiratory issues.

Hideouts and Tunnels:

• Provide hideouts and tunnels for your guinea pig to explore and feel safe. These can be made from wood, cardboard, or plastic.

Placement:

• Place the cage in a quiet, draft-free area away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Guinea pigs thrive in temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F).

2. Nutrition and Diet

Hay:

• Hay is the cornerstone of a guinea pig’s diet. Provide unlimited amounts of fresh Timothy hay or other suitable hays like orchard grass or meadow hay.

Fresh Vegetables:

• Offer a variety of fresh vegetables daily, such as bell peppers, leafy greens (romaine lettuce, kale), and carrots. Avoid iceberg lettuce and potatoes.

Pellets:

• Choose high-quality guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C. Avoid pellets with added seeds or dried fruits.

Fruits:

• Offer fruits sparingly as treats due to their high sugar content. Suitable options include apples (seedless), strawberries, and blueberries.

Water:

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times using a sipper bottle or a heavy ceramic bowl.

3. Health and Hygiene

Grooming:

• Brush your guinea pig regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially for long-haired breeds.
• Trim their nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth.

Regular Health Checks:

• Perform regular health checks to monitor for signs of illness such as changes in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, or respiratory issues.
• Schedule annual vet check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in treating guinea pigs.

Teeth:

• Provide chew toys and untreated wooden items to help wear down their continuously growing teeth.

4. Socialisation and Enrichment

Companionship:

• Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive with the company of other guinea pigs. Consider adopting at least two guinea pigs of the same sex to prevent loneliness.

Handling:

• Handle your guinea pig gently and regularly to build trust. Support their entire body, especially their hindquarters, to prevent injury.

Playtime:

• Offer daily out-of-cage time in a secure, guinea pig-proofed area. Provide toys, tunnels, and safe chew items for mental stimulation.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Cage Cleaning:

• Spot-clean the cage daily to remove soiled bedding and droppings.
• Perform a thorough cage clean weekly by replacing all bedding and washing the cage with mild soap and water.

Fresh Food and Water:

• Replace fresh food and water daily to ensure your guinea pig has access to clean, uncontaminated food and water.

Summing Up

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets that bring joy and companionship. By providing a proper habitat, a balanced diet, regular health care, and plenty of social interaction, you can ensure your guinea pig lives a happy, healthy life. For more tips and supplies, visit Superpet and explore our range of guinea pig products.

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