Care of Guinea Pigs
This
care sheets contains basic information for the care of guinea pigs.
Please consult more detailed sources for additional information --
books, or your veterinarian.
The guinea pig (or cavy) is a member of
the rodent family with an average life span of 4 to 7 years. These
sociable, somewhat skittish creatures are easy to care for, seldom bite
and are exceptionally clean. Wild guinea pigs are a prey species and
their domestic counterparts retain a desire to run for cover when
startled or threatened and so it is necessary to provide a shelter in
their cage where they can seek safety. Since they do not climb they are
easy to contain in a habitat and are easily located should they run
free. Guinea pigs must chew to wear down their constantly-growing front
teeth, so you need to provide chew items such as apple, birch or willow
branches, dried (whole grain) bread crusts, hay and/or firm vegetables
such as carrots and broccoli stems.
Guinea pigs are social animals, so it is
best if they live in pairs. Usually sows (females) cohabit well as
either siblings or mother-daughter pairs. Boars (males) will sometimes
get along but they often do not unless raised together. Boars should not
be placed with sows under any circumstances even for a short period.
Please do not breed guinea pigs. It is more difficult than you might
think to find good, long term homes for the offspring. It is possible to
have guinea pigs neutered but there is some risk involved - consult a
veterinarian specializing in small animals.
Housing
The guinea pig habitat can be a simple
arrangement with walls 30 cm. high, open on top and having a minimum
floor area of 3,000 square cm (approx. 2ft by 2ft.). More space is
needed for a pair of guinea pigs. The enclosure should be made of wood,
plastic or metal with a solid floor and the bedding should be white wood
shavings (not sawdust or cedar shavings).
A nest box or house must also be
provided. Change the wood shavings regularly to keep the cage clean, dry
and healthy. Make your habitat larger if you have room. Place
interesting items such as small cardboard or wooden boxes or tubes for
your guinea pig to dart into.
Keep
your guinea pigs in a dry area protected from cold drafts and direct
sunlight. Guinea pigs cannot tolerate excessive heat. Guinea pigs prefer
living in temperatures in the same 18-25oC (65-75oF)
range people do. Guinea pigs require exercise and will happily romp
around a room that has been cleared of hazards such as electric cords,
cats or dogs and poisonous plants.
Click here
to
learn how to build an inexpensive guinea pig habitat.
Food and Water
Guinea pigs are herbivores, meaning they
eat only grasses, vegetables and fruit. Provide twice daily an
assortment of foods (4 or 5 types) such as carrots, peas, apples, green
peppers, spinach, kale, pears, dandelion leaves, clover, plantain,
cucumbers, corn, celery, melons, oranges, beet tops and parsley. Food
preferences vary from guinea pig to guinea pig. Also, guinea pigs tend
to become habituated to certain foods from a young age so provide a
variety of foods and continue over time to reintroduce foods previously
ignored. Do not feed lettuce, cabbage, beans, potatoes, rhubarb or
chocolate to guinea pigs (or rabbits), the latter three can be toxic.
Your guinea pig's basic diet should also
be supplemented with pelleted commercial feed. Fresh pellets are vital
to guinea pigs as they are enriched with vitamin C which guinea pigs
(like humans) cannot synthesize. Purchase fresh pellets in small
quantities, never keeping pellets on hand for more than a month. Place
the food in heavy plastic or ceramic bowls that won't easily tip, one
bowl for pellets and one for fresh food.
Plastic sipper bottles are best for
water. Be sure the nipple is low enough for the smallest guinea pig to
reach. Change water daily, and weekly clean and disinfect water bottle
and food dishes.
Hay is also important for your guinea
pig, adding fibre to the diet. Hay should be fed daily and in abundance.
Compressed bales of hay can be purchased at pet stores or purchased
directly from farmers or from country feed stores.
If your guinea pig is not fed enough
fruits or vegetables or if the pellets are not fresh, he or she may
become deficient in Vitamin C. Vitamin C may be added to your guinea
pig’s diet through the water. Dissolve 200 mg of Vitamin C per litre of
drinking water in your pet's bottle (this should not be necessary if you
are feeding plenty of fresh foods).
Handling
Always use two hands to pick up your
guinea pig. Be sure one hand supports the rump and hind legs. Guinea
pigs like to be cuddled but must be handled gently and carefully. A
nervous guinea pig may jump from your grasp, a common cause of broken
legs and backs. Hold your guinea pig while you are sitting down,
preferably on the floor, so that the animal will not be injured if he or
she does fall. Support your guinea pig with a towel on your lap - guinea
pigs sometimes have "accidents." Do not allow your guinea pig to walk
around on table tops or couches because guinea pigs will most certainly
wander too close to the edge and fall.
Grooming/Nail Trimming
Long haired breeds should be brushed
regularly with a soft brush. Baths can be given to guinea pigs. Line a
sink with a towel or rag and bathe your guinea pig in a sink half full
of lukewarm water. Use a mild pet shampoo only (do not use soaps or
shampoos designed for people). Rinse thoroughly, and dry with a towel. A
hair dryer set to a warm setting can also be used.
Nails need to be trimmed about every six
weeks or as necessary. Consult a vet or knowledgeable person for
instructions if hesitant. Care must be taken to avoid cutting the blood
vessel in the centre of the nail. In good light this vessel is clearly
visible. If accidentally severed use a product called "Quick-Stop"
(available at pet stores) to stop the bleeding.
Medical Problems
Guinea pigs are susceptible to
respiratory viruses and catching one could be fatal. Your veterinarian
should be consulted if you notice diarrhea, difficulty in breathing,
hair loss, excessive water drinking, lack of activity or appetite or
anything else you think is unusual. Injuries due to falls or other
accidents should be treated by a veterinarian immediately. (Also,
see chart below.)
For More Information
This brochure is meant to provide minimum
care guidelines for guinea pigs. Learn more about guinea pigs by
consulting your veterinarian and/or one of the many care books for
guinea pigs available at book stores, pet stores or your public library.
Look for ones that describe nutrition, health issues, nail clipping and
guinea pig behaviour..
Guinea Pig Health Chart:
