Guinea pigs are adorable, social, and low-maintenance pets that bring joy to many households. However, they require proper care, attention, and a well-balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. Whether you’re a first-time guinea pig owner or looking to improve your care routine, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about guinea pig care.
1. Choosing the Right Cage for Your Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs need a spacious and comfortable living environment to thrive. Unlike hamsters, they don’t climb, so they require more horizontal space rather than vertical height.
Cage Size Requirements:
- The minimum cage size for one guinea pig: 7.5 square feet (about 30” x 36”).
- For two guinea pigs, a cage of 10.5 square feet (about 30” x 50”) is recommended.
- The bigger the cage, the better! More space allows for more exercise and enrichment.
Best Cage Options:
✅ C&C Cages (Cubes & Coroplast) – Highly recommended due to their large space and customizable design.
✅ Large Plastic Bottom Cages – Easy to clean and widely available.
❌ Wire-bottom cages should be avoided, as they can hurt your guinea pig’s feet.
Bedding Choices:
- Paper-based bedding (soft and absorbent)
- Fleece liners (eco-friendly and reusable)
- Aspen wood shavings (safe, unlike cedar or pine, which can cause respiratory issues)
- ❌ Never use cedar or scented bedding, as it can harm their lungs.
2. Diet and Nutrition: What to Feed Your Guinea Pig
A guinea pig’s diet should include fresh hay, high-quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and occasional treats.
Essential Foods for Guinea Pigs:
🥦 Fresh Hay (80% of diet):
- Timothy hay is the best choice.
- Provides fiber for digestion and keeps their teeth healthy.
- Should be available 24/7 in their cage.
🥕 Fresh Vegetables (10-15% of diet):
- Feed 1 cup of mixed vegetables daily.
- Best veggies: Romaine lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and zucchini.
- High-vitamin C veggies: Bell peppers, kale, and parsley (guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C).
🥜 Pellets (5-10% of diet):
- Choose plain, high-fiber guinea pig pellets (avoid seed or colorful mixes).
- 1/8 cup per day is enough.
🍎 Fruits (occasional treats):
- Safe fruits: Apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and watermelon.
- Fruits should be fed only 2-3 times per week due to their high sugar content.
🚫 Foods to Avoid:
- Chocolate, dairy, onions, garlic, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, and seeds (can be toxic).
💧 Fresh Water:
- Always provide clean, fresh water in a bottle or bowl.
- Check daily to ensure it’s full and clean.
3. Handling and Socialization
Guinea pigs are gentle, social animals that enjoy human interaction when handled correctly.
How to Safely Pick Up a Guinea Pig:
- Place one hand under the guinea pig’s chest.
- Support their hind legs with your other hand.
- Hold them close to your body to make them feel secure.
- Avoid sudden movements or squeezing too tightly.
How to Bond with Your Guinea Pig:
🐹 Spend time sitting near their cage and talking softly.
🐹 Offer hand-fed treats to build trust.
🐹 Gently pet them on the back and head once they’re comfortable.
🐹 Let them explore outside the cage in a safe, enclosed space.
💡 Tip: Guinea pigs often enjoy companionship from another guinea pig. If possible, consider adopting a pair!
4. Exercise and Enrichment
Guinea pigs are active animals and need daily exercise to stay healthy.
Toys & Activities for Guinea Pigs:
🛝 Play tunnels and hideouts – Encourage natural burrowing behavior.
🎾 Chew toys – Help maintain dental health.
🦽 Exercise time outside the cage – At least 1 hour per day in a guinea pig-proofed space.
🐹 Foraging games – Hide veggies or treats in their hay to encourage natural foraging.
5. Grooming and Hygiene
Brushing Your Guinea Pig:
- Short-haired breeds: Brush once a week to remove loose fur.
- Long-haired breeds (Peruvian, Silkie): Brush daily to prevent matting.
Nail Trimming:
- Trim nails every 2-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth.
- Use small animal nail clippers and trim carefully.
Bathing:
- Guinea pigs rarely need baths, but if necessary, use warm water and a guinea pig-safe shampoo.
- Always dry them completely before placing them back in their cage.
6. Health and Common Illnesses
🐾 Signs of a Healthy Guinea Pig:
✔️ Bright eyes and a shiny coat
✔️ Active and alert behavior
✔️ Normal eating and drinking habits
✔️ Clean nose and ears
🚨 Common Guinea Pig Health Problems:
❌ Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency): Causes weakness, weight loss, and swollen joints.
❌ Respiratory Infections: Symptoms include sneezing, wheezing, or nasal discharge.
❌ Dental Problems: Overgrown teeth can cause pain and difficulty eating.
❌ Skin Issues (Mites or Fungal Infections): Leads to excessive scratching and hair loss.
When to See a Vet:
- If your guinea pig stops eating for more than 12 hours.
- If they show labored breathing or discharge from the nose or eyes.
- If they have diarrhea, weight loss, or lethargy.
🐾 Tip: Schedule a vet checkup at least once a year to ensure good health.
7. Providing a Comfortable Living Environment
🏡 Temperature and Environment:
- Keep their cage in a quiet, well-ventilated room.
- Ideal temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight, drafts, or extreme temperatures.
🔊 Noise Sensitivity:
- Guinea pigs have sensitive hearing—avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
🐹 Social Needs:
- Guinea pigs are happiest with another guinea pig companion.
- If keeping a pair, ensure they are same-sex or neutered/spayed to prevent unwanted litters.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a guinea pig requires commitment, but with the right diet, habitat, grooming, and socialization, your pet will live a long and happy life.
By providing a large cage, fresh food, daily interaction, and proper medical care, your guinea pig will be a healthy, affectionate, and joyful companion for years to come.
🐹💕 With love and care, your guinea pig will reward you with adorable squeaks, happy popcorn jumps, and a lifetime of companionship! 🐹💕
