Guinea Pig Care

Guinea pigs have very different requirements to rabbits so it is important to know how to look after them properly. They need a different diet, different accessories and even different kinds of attention from us humans.

Housing

Guinea pigs aren't as energetic as rabbits so you won't often find them jumping around their cage or running around with great bursts of hyperactivity. They do, however, like lots of places to hide and bury themselves so having a nice big cage is still important. Guinea pigs love little houses, tunnels and big piles of hay they can bury themselves under. They love to hide and cuddle up in small spaces together so giving them multiple places to do this is important.

Sociability

Guinea pigs are extremely sociable animals and need company from their own species to be truly happy. A guinea pig should never be kept alone if it can be helped. When you are buying your guinea pigs you should buy two that have been together since birth if possible, of the same sex. If this isn't possible then buying two guinea pigs of a similar age as soon together as possible will make bonding them much easier. Introducing an older guinea pigs to either a baby or another older pig can also be done but this must be done gradually to ensure no fighting happens - sometimes having a guinea pig neutered or spayed can help to bond them.

Male guinea pigs that haven't been neutered can live together in pairs quite happily, especially if they are brothers. No more than 2 males should be put together unless they are neutered as they will being to 'bull'y one particular pig with, sometimes, very severe consequences. Females are happy in groups as long as they have plenty of space, hiding places and food to share between them.

Diet

Guinea pigs are like humans in the fact that they are unable to make their own Vitamin C. As a result they need a high level of this in their diet in order to grow healthily. A good quality guinea pig food should have a nice high quantity of Vitamin C and giving you guinea pigs fresh fruit and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C will ensure they stay healthy. If you are worried about their Vitamin C dosage at all then vitamin drops can be purchased which can be added to their water supply.

Toys and Treats

It is important to keep your guinea pigs amused, just as with any other animal. Buying them different toys and treats is a great way to keep their minds occupied when you are not their with them. As mentioned above guinea pigs love tunnels and tubes they can hide inside and run through so these are a must have for any guina pig owner. In additional to this it is important to remember that guinea pigs, like all other rodents, need to constantly gnaw in order to prevent their teeth from becoming over grown. Providing wooden chew toys for them to enjoy will keep their teeth healthy - and will prevent them from chewing things you would rather they left alone!

Treats are also a great way of keeping guinea pigs amused. Cereal bars, yogurt drops and other treats are available but guinea pigs love nothing more than some fresh fruit and vegetables. Finding new and exciting ways of giving them this fresh food is an ideal way to provide your pets with enrichment - buying vegetable holders, hay racks and even treat balls are a few examples. One of our favourite free ways of entertaining both our rabbits and guinea pigs is to get an empty toilet roll tubes, place a piece of fruit or veg in the middle and then stuff both ends with hay. They all love to spend time pulling out and nibbling the hay to get to the tasty treat in the centre.

Going on Holiday

Just like any other animal when you go away on holiday your guinea pigs can become stressed and scared at being kleft behind. It is important to leave them with someone who knows about Guinea pigs, their diet, handling them etc. We at Sunflower Nursery are happy to look after your Guinea Pigs and Rabbits whilst you are away on holiday - this way you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind that they are going to be well looked after. We can board Guinea Pigs and Rabbits here in our own home, or if you think that moving them might be too stressful we offer a fully insured pet sitting service where we are happy to visit your home and feed and play with them on a daily basis. If our pet sitting/boarding services aren't for you then make sure you have a good, knowledgeable friend or neighbour who is able to come in and take care of your pets whilst you are away. Guinea pigs can not just be left for more than 1 day at a time without suffring, they need company and most of all fresh food and water.

Here at Sunflower Nursery we provide starter kits with our guinea pigs so that we can be sure they leave us for their new homes with everything they need. These starter kits usually include an indoor cage, bedding, food, food bowl, water bottle, hidey house, toys and treats. Please contact us to see what babies we have available at present and how much our starter kits are. Feel free to visit our pet supplies website for more products available for Guinea Pigs.