Cavies, better known as Guinea Pigs, are intelligent, affectionate, and not to mention super cute animals that make great family pets. They are pretty easy to look after and most don’t need special care (Some breeds do, which we will explain later).

But as with all pets, its especially important to have that bit of know how that gives you the confidence to become a great pet parent.

Here are our top tips for Guinea Pig Care.

In this article, we’ll look at the following

1. Why chose a Pet Guinea Pig

2. Breeds

3. Getting set for your new pet

4. Feeding your Guinea Pig

5. Grooming

6. How to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig
   
   

What is so great about Guinea Pigs?

Guinea pigs are regarded as gentle, sociable and loving creatures. They are known to recognise and respond to their owner(s), and build lasting bonds. Compared to other small pets, they are long lived, some reaching the grand old age of 8, the average being 5-7 years.

They are also highly entertaining. They have a range of sounds that let you know how they feel, be it excited, or scared. Another way of showing they are happy is a little skip, known as popcorning, where they jump in the air with pure delight, letting the world know they are happy and content. This is usually when they sense food is on its way!

Quick Breed Guide

There are a number of different guinea pig breeds to choose from. The American Cavy Breeders Association recognise 13 different breeds.

Aside from colour, the main difference is the length of hair, which also dictates the level of care required to keep your pet in tip top shape.

Short haired varieties include the common American Guinea Pig, and the Himalayan Guinea Pig. 

Longer haired breeds include the Peruvian and Texel Guinea Pigs.

How to Set Up for Your Guinea Pig 

As with all pets, there’s a level of preparation needed to make sure everything is in place to welcome the animal into your family.

Unlikely Hamsters, Guinea Pigs are not master escape artists, but if they see an opportunity to explore, they’ll take it.

If kept indoors, choose a room that your pet will be kept in and make sure the room is tidy and that its not too hot or cold. Pay special attention to drafts.

If you have larger pets, like cats or dogs, make sure they are kept apart.

Keep plants out of reach as many are toxic to Guinea Pigs. And, cover or raise any electrical cables.

If you intend to keep your Guinea Pig outdoors, then invest in a suitable hutch, with room to exercise. When the weather is cold, make sure they have somewhere to keep warm, and when hot, make sure they have shade.

Whether indoors or out, its vital for the health of your Guinea Pig that hutches or cages are kept clean. Clean and refresh bedding daily, and give the whole enclosure a good deep clean at least once a week.

Most Importantly, make sure your guinea isn’t going to be alone. A lonely guinea pig is a sad guinea pig. Make sure they get regular contact with your family, or even better, another guinea pig! Unless you want lots of baby guinea pigs, make sure they are the same sex.

What to Feed Your Guinea Pig

Guinea Pigs love eating, and this is one of the key considerations when learning to care for a guinea pig. Guinea Pigs need to be fed regularly and must have a ready supply of fresh food.

Hay forms the staple diet and must always be available. Hay is vital for maintaining both the digestive and dental health of your pet.

The remainder of their diet is made up of commercial pellet food and fresh vegetables, which provide the all-important vitamin c.

Guinea pigs can eat some fruit as a treat, but due to the sugar content, this must be kept to a minimum, maybe a small amount once or twice a week.

Your pet must have access to clean fresh water at all times.

Grooming Your Guinea Pig

Guinea Pigs are generally clean animals and are able to keep their own fur in check. Short haired Guinea Pigs don’t really need much help in this department. A little brush now and then, which also helps bonding, is all that is required.

Longer haired Guinea Pigs need a lot more attention. The Peruvian Guinea Pig has long locks of hair that need to be brushed at least every few days to avoid it becoming dirty and matted.

This is something you should definitely consider when choosing which breed of cavy you want to own.

Nails also need to be trimmed. This can be done at home, or if you are not so confident then by a vet.

How to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig

Most Guinea Pigs enjoy human contact, which makes them so appealing as pets. Part of building that bond is handling your pet.

To lift your pet, gently place one hand under their tummy, and one to their rear. Essentially you will support their underside with one hand, and their middle and hind with the other, like a cradle. Make sure their legs aren’t free to dangle and don’t squeeze too hard.

Don’t lift you pet too high as if they feel scared or threatened, they will jump, and from a height this will cause injury.

This all might sound a little daunting, but with a little practice you and your pet will love cuddle time.

There you have it, our top tips for caring for a guinea pig. With a little effort, and lots of love, you’ll have a wonderful family pet that everyone will enjoy.