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Guinea Pig Care Guide

Did You Know?

  • Guinea Pigs come from the Andes region in South America and not New Guinea, as their name suggests.


  • Like all rodents, the Guinea Pigs teeth grow constantly so lots of chews are a must!


  • Guinea Pigs communicate using a variety of purrs, squeals and clicks.


  • An excited Guinea Pig will jump! This is known as “pop corning"


  • Male Guineas are known as bulls, females are known as sows.


  • Guinea Pigs require little sleep and may be awake for up to 20 hours a day.

 

Species Information

LIFE SPAN

Approximately 7 years

 

AVERAGE SIZE

8-12 inches long

 

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Guinea Pigs are very social and vocal animals that do best in groups of two or more. The more you handle and work with your pet, the tamer it will become.

 

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Average room temperature

 

FEEDING

Guinea Pigs are strict herbivores. 70% of their diet should be made up of grasses and hay, 20% commercially prepared guinea pig pellets and 10% fresh leafy greens. 

 

SUPPLEMENTS

Guinea Pigs cannot produce Vitamin C on their own, they require Vitamin C in treat, liquid or vitamin form. 


WATER

Clean, fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Change it daily.

 

ENCLOSURE SIZE

A Guinea Pig cage with a solid bottom must be provided. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the better. Whatever cage you choose, make sure it is secure.

 

HIDE HOUSE

The hide house is extremely important to the Guinea Pig as they need a secure place to retreat. Provide at least one hide for your Guinea Pig. 

 

SUBSTRATE

We recommend an aspen bedding or soft recycled newspaper bedding. 

 

TOYS

Several types of toys must be available to your Guinea Pig. Chewing toys made of wood, hay or paper and hide houses are all good options.

 

GROOMING & HYGIENE

It is not necessary to clean or bathe your Guinea Pig. They are extremely neat and will groom themselves! 


HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowls and bottles thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire cage should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every week.

 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

  • Guinea Pig habitat with solid base
  • Aspen or paper bedding for bottom of habitat
  • Water bottle or bowl
  • Food bowl
  • Hay manger
  • Guinea Pig Food Pellets 
  • Timothy or grassy hay 
  • Several toys & chews
  • 1-2 hide houses

 



Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.

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