How to Care for a Guinea Pig

Set up a cage. You should allocate a space of at least 0.7 square meters for one guinea pig, and about 1 square meter for two. However, bigger is always better – if you have enough room, don’t hesitate to make the cage larger! Your guinea pigs will be thrilled to have more spacious surroundings.

Purchase a cage with a flat bottom. Avoid cages with wire floors, as guinea pigs have delicate feet that need protection. Wire flooring can lead to foot sores and skin infections.

A lid is unnecessary if the cage walls are at least 30-35 cm high. With such high walls, a lid isn’t essential. However, if you’re concerned about objects falling into the cage, a lid can prevent accidents.

• A lid is required if the cage is placed outdoors, or if there are children or other pets in the house that could harm the guinea pig.

Be cautious with multi-level cages. A fall from a height of more than 15 cm can result in broken legs or feet for guinea pigs, and older guinea pigs should be kept in single-level cages. Remember, your guinea pig may not be able to climb well.

Line the cage bottom with several centimeters of paper bedding. Keep in mind that paper retains odors, so you’ll need to change the bedding at least twice a week, or more often in humid climates. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as they can cause respiratory issues. Aspen shavings are generally safe but should be aired out if they develop an odor. Paper is the best option. Alternatively, you can use fleece liners with absorbent materials like UHaul pads underneath to soak up moisture without frequent bedding changes. Clean soiled areas on the fleece daily.

Find a suitable location for the cage. A spot where family members spend a lot of time is ideal. Living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways are great choices, as these areas are frequently visited. Your guinea pigs will become familiar with everyone in the household.

• Ensure the cage is placed where no one can trip over or knock it over. Such accidents can be fatal to guinea pigs.
• Do not place the cage in a garage, as vehicle exhaust is harmful and can even kill guinea pigs. Additionally, garage temperatures are often unstable.

Note that guinea pigs are highly sensitive to temperature. Many veterinarians recommend keeping guinea pig cages indoors, which also allows for more interaction. However, some experts suggest regularly letting guinea pigs enjoy outdoor sunlight.

• Avoid placing the cage outdoors if there are cats around! The balance between outdoor and indoor time depends on various factors, including climate. Consult your veterinarian to make the best decision for your guinea pig.

Keep two or more guinea pigs to prevent loneliness. Guinea pigs thrive with companionship, as they are social animals. Try to adopt siblings to avoid potential conflicts. Remember, male and female guinea pigs will breed. Spend time with your pets daily, as social animals can become depressed when left alone. You can house two females together, two neutered males, or two males raised together since birth.

• You can keep a male and female together, but be aware they will mate and reproduce. It’s best to neuter the male. If you suspect pregnancy, separate them and consult your vet for care advice.
• Guinea pigs can live in groups of two females and one neutered male, mimicking their natural herd behavior. Your guinea pigs will be happier, but ensure you have enough space!
• Introduce guinea pigs properly to avoid fights.

Tame your guinea pigs. Sit near the cage and talk to them so they get used to your scent and voice. Once they’re comfortable with your presence, place your hand inside the cage. If they approach, you can gently pet them, but avoid chasing them around.

• Encourage guinea pigs to associate you with food. Start by bringing them food, and try hand-feeding once they’re more comfortable with you.

Provide clean water for your guinea pig. One of the most critical aspects of caring for any pet is ensuring they always have access to fresh water. You can use a bowl or a water bottle.

• Water bottles are less messy but can leak, while bowls are more natural but may get bedding in them if you use shavings.
• The best option is a rabbit/guinea pig water bottle with a ball-bearing sipper.

Keep the water bottle or bowl clean and change the water daily. Clean the water bottle by adding rice and a bit of water, then shaking it vigorously. The rice will help remove algae buildup.

• Regularly clean the spout of the water bottle with a cotton swab to remove debris and food particles, which can harbor harmful bacteria and clog the spout.
• If the guinea pig cage is exposed to sunlight for several hours a day, algae may grow in the water bottle. Cover the bottle with a cloth to prevent this.

Provide unlimited hay for your guinea pig. As rodents, guinea pigs need something to chew on throughout the day (such as timothy or orchard hay), or their digestive system may shut down. However, hay can poke their eyes, so ensure there are no sharp ends!

• Alfalfa hay is only suitable for guinea pigs under 6 months old and pregnant or nursing females, as it contains high calcium levels that healthy adult guinea pigs don’t need.
• Guinea pigs over 6 months old should eat timothy, orchard, or bluegrass hay. Offer these hays "freely," meaning they should always be available in the cage.
• A lack of hay can cause misaligned teeth, a condition requiring surgical correction, and digestive stasis, which can be fatal.

Feed fresh vegetables to your guinea pig daily. Leafy greens should make up about 20% of their diet. Be cautious with vegetables high in phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin A, as excessive amounts can cause stomach upset and potentially fatal diarrhea. Refer to a trusted website or consult your vet for a list of safe fruits and vegetables.

• Their diet should include vegetables rich in vitamin C (since guinea pigs cannot produce it themselves, and a deficiency can lead to illnesses like scurvy).
• Good vegetables include lettuce, celery, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, kale, a bit of broccoli, small amounts of spinach, and peas. Limit certain vegetables to avoid digestive issues. Fruits like strawberries and apple slices can be occasional treats, but avoid overfeeding due to harmful acids.
• If your guinea pig refuses vegetables, try cutting them into smaller pieces. Remember, guinea pigs have individual preferences and may like or dislike certain vegetables.
• Avoid iceberg lettuce, arugula, cauliflower, beets, potatoes, and red radishes.
• Each guinea pig needs about 1 cup of vegetables daily, divided into two meals, as they prefer grazing throughout the day.

Feed pellets in moderation. Healthy guinea pigs don’t require nutrient-dense pellets. However, if your guinea pig is used to pellets, gradually transition them to healthier options. Consult your vet for details.

• Choose high-quality pellets if necessary. Alfalfa-based pellets are for pregnant or nursing females and guinea pigs under 6 months old. Those over 6 months need timothy-based pellets. Oxbow and Kleenmama are good brands.
• Do not feed guinea pigs rabbit or other small pet pellets – the vitamin content differs and can harm them.
• If using pellets, ensure they are seed-free to prevent choking. Avoid pellets with corn, colored seeds, or dried fruits, and opt for plain pellets.

Avoid feeding guinea pigs other foods. Pellets, hay, fresh organic grass (like wheatgrass or standard lawn grass), and fresh vegetables are all guinea pigs need. Other foods can harm their health.

Provide daily floor time for your guinea pig. Let your guinea pig roam in a secure, enclosed area where they won’t be stepped on. You can set up a playpen indoors (in an easy-to-clean area) or outdoors if the weather is mild.

• Ensure your guinea pig has plenty of space to run and play. Exercise is crucial for their happiness and well-being.
• Include toys and tunnels in their play area for enrichment.
• Be cautious when allowing outdoor play. Guinea pigs must always be supervised outside: they can escape through small gaps, and predators like foxes and hawks can invade even the safest outdoor spaces.

Fill the cage with toys and accessories. You can create DIY toys using cardboard boxes, paper bags, cereal boxes, file folders, and other household items. Get creative and use materials you already have at home.

Interact and bond with your guinea pig multiple times a day. Guinea pigs are social animals that live in herds in the wild. Your guinea pig will thrive on daily human interaction. Talk to them, pet them, hold them, and cuddle them whenever possible. Dedicate time each day to play with them.

• Some countries have laws prohibiting the purchase of a single guinea pig: you must buy them in pairs. Guinea pigs are much happier with a companion.
• Guinea pigs may show signs of depression (loss of appetite, lethargy, etc.) if they lack proper social interaction.
• Guinea pigs are intelligent and can be taught tricks like standing on their hind legs, spinning, and jumping!

Clean up soiled areas in the cage. Guinea pigs prefer cleanliness, so aim to clean their cage at least twice a week. Remove droppings and uneaten vegetables, wash the water bottle, and replenish hay. Setting a weekly cleaning schedule is a good idea.

Perform a full cage cleaning at least once a week. The frequency depends on the type of bedding and the number of guinea pigs in the cage.

• Remove all debris, bedding, food, and toys, then dispose of or clean them with a guinea pig-safe disinfectant spray. Ensure all cleaning residues are removed before returning items to the cage. Avoid human cleaning products.
• You can wipe the cage with a guinea pig-safe disinfectant or use water and sunlight for natural disinfection. Consider airing the cage outside briefly.
• Replace the bedding after cleaning. Use newspaper under another bedding material to prevent urine stains. Avoid using only newspaper, as guinea pigs may ingest harmful ink.
• CareFresh is a suitable absorbent bedding that can be layered over fleece or aspen shavings.
• Avoid wood chips or sawdust. Cedar and pine shavings contain harmful phenols and should not be used.
• Fleece liners cut to fit the cage bottom can also be used as bedding—just shake off debris, wash, and reuse. Remove loose threads to prevent entanglement.
• Provide a sleeping area, such as a guinea pig tent or loose hay, but be cautious as hay can poke their eyes.

Trim your guinea pig’s nails every few weeks. For dark nails, use a flashlight to see the quick. Cutting too close can cause bleeding, which can be stopped with styptic powder or cornstarch.

• If unsure, ask a veterinarian or technician to trim the nails and teach you how to do it.

Avoid frequent baths. While you may want to bathe your guinea pig, it can disrupt their natural body processes. Bathe them only a few times a year, with long-haired guinea pigs needing 2-3 baths annually.

Watch for signs of illness. Learn to recognize symptoms of sickness in guinea pigs. Take them to a vet for proper treatment. Monitor even minor changes in behavior or eating habits, as guinea pigs are skilled at hiding illness.

• Treat all guinea pigs simultaneously, as some illnesses can spread between cage mates.

Check the genital area of male guinea pigs. The genital area can become blocked, but gentle massage can help. If you notice a soft, fecal-like substance, use a cotton swab to clean it carefully. Also, ensure no feces are blocking the anal area.

Keep rabbits away from guinea pigs. Rabbits often carry bacteria that can severely harm guinea pigs. Additionally, rabbits are larger and stronger, and even a playful kick can be fatal to a guinea pig.

Weigh your guinea pig weekly. Fluctuations of up to 60 grams are normal, but anything beyond that may indicate dental or other health issues requiring a vet’s attention. A digital kitchen scale is ideal for weighing guinea pigs.