The guinea pig, also known as a guinea pig or cavy, is a calm, sociable and very expressive pet. But it has very specific needs that are not always known. Here are the basics, according to the recommendations of exotic animal veterinarians and animal welfare associations such as the RSPCA or the PDSA.
1. Never alone
The guinea pig is a social animal. Alone it gets bored, stressed and can become depressed, so the ideal is to have at least two: two females, or a neutered male pair. In Switzerland, in fact, the law requires them to be accompanied.
What is not advisable is to keep it with a rabbit: the rabbit is stronger, can hurt it unintentionally and transmits diseases.
2. Floor space, not height
Guinea pigs hardly climb or jump: what they need is surface area to run. As a reference, for two guinea pigs, a minimum of about 0.7 m² is recommended, and better if it exceeds 1 m². More space, more activity and better health.
- Floors and ramps are of little use to them and can cause falls.
- Avoid wire floors: they damage their paws.
- Large enclosures with a solid base, on the house floor, are one of the best things you can give them.
3. Unlimited hay
Hay is the basis of their diet, around 80%. Their teeth never stop growing and hay wears them down; also, it keeps their digestion going. It must always be available, clean and fresh.
4. Fresh vegetables and vitamin C
Guinea pigs, like us, do not produce vitamin C: they have to take it with their food. Without it they can get sick (scurvy).
- Every day, a handful of mixed vegetables: bell pepper (red or green), parsley, baby spinach, endive, arugula…
- Specific guinea pig food, in small quantities.
- Fruit, only as a treat and occasionally.
What they should never eat
Iceberg lettuce, potato, onion, garlic, chocolate, dairy, bread, or mixtures with seeds or nuts.
5. Water always
In a water bottle or a heavy bowl that does not tip over. Change it daily.
6. A good bedding
Absorbent and dust-free: paper bedding, hemp bedding or washable fleece blankets, in a generous layer. Avoid untreated pine or cedar shavings, which irritate their respiratory tract. Clean the dirty areas daily and do a full cleaning every week.
7. Hides
They are prey animals and need places to take refuge. Put at least one hide per guinea pig, so they do not have to fight over it.
8. Neither cold nor heat
They feel good between 18 and 24 °C. Heat affects them a lot: above about 26 °C they can suffer heatstroke. No direct sun or drafts.
9. Warning signs
If a guinea pig goes more than 12 hours without eating, it is an emergency: take it to an exotic animal veterinarian. Also if you see diarrhea, that it breathes noisily, that it loses weight or that it is lethargic and hidden all day.
Check its nails every few weeks (they grow a lot) and its teeth, and take it for a check-up to the veterinarian once a year.
10. Patience and affection
At first they can be scared. Talk to them softly, give them vegetables with your hand and always pick them up with both hands, holding the bottom well. Over time they will welcome you with their "uiii, uiii" and even do little jumps of joy, the famous popcorning.
A well-cared-for guinea pig lives between 5 and 8 years.
This article is general information. In case of any doubt about the health of your guinea pig, consult your exotic animal veterinarian.
You may also be interested in: enclosures, nests and accessories for guinea pigs and small pets.
If you prefer to gather everything at once, in the Rabbits and guinea pigs Pack you choose what it needs for its daily life.