The Basic Care Of Guinea Pigs

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We take our animal welfare very seriously and if in the first few days of your guinea pig coming home you are concerned about its health or well being, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are open seven days a week and often a quick phone call to one of our experienced staff may alleviate any minor problems you may be having, and put your mind at ease.

Housing

As with all animals, the bigger the better. This will also be determined by where you intend to put the hutch and also by how many you are keeping. If the hutch is to be outside (as most tend to be) then you will need to ensure that it is weatherproofed and free from draughts. During the evenings in the winter months it is advisable to cover the front of the hutch to stop any snow or bitter winds. A piece of old carpet or newspaper can work wonders.(just make sure it can‘t be nibbled). Alternatively turn your hutch to face the wall in the evenings or put it inside a shed if possible. Another idea is to purchase an indoor cage. These are brilliant and are made of plastic therefore really quick and easy to clean. Also, because the plastic doesn’t absorb moisture etc., like a hutch, your home will be relatively free from piggy odours, providing he is cleaned out regularly.

Your guinea pig will also need a run for exercise and fresh air and plenty of nibbling!

You must also provide some shelter to hide from both wind and rain, but also shelter from the sun as heat-stroke can kill. Make sure the hutch is not in full sunlight during the summer if you are unable to let you guinea pig out, as he needs some escape from extreme heat just as we do.

The floor of the hutch should be covered with a generous amount of good clean shavings along with a good handful of hay in the sleeping compartment for both eating and snuggling into. You will probably need to add extra hay every day as apparently it`s very tasty!

Diet

There are now a good range of complete guinea pig foods available. Do not be tempted to feed him just a rabbit mix as it will not be suitable. A regular supply of fresh fruit and vegetables should be available, as guinea pigs require plenty of vitamin C. Remove uneaten food daily and do not feed stale greens. Dandelions are usually a firm favourite. A fresh supply of water in a drinking bottle is also required.

Handling

Your new guinea pig may be nervous at first so you must talk to him and handle him gently. Do not leave him on a table or other high place where he may fall. Support his weight with both hands and do not squeeze him around the tummy.

General Health

All our animals are given a health check before being put on sale. If properly fed and cleaned, he should remain healthy for many years and give you lots of pleasure. Your guinea pigs teeth and claws are growing continually and it would not be unusual for them to need trimming. It is usually advised, that you contact the store to arrange a time to bring your guinea pig in for this service to avoid having to wait during busy periods.

N.B. In the first few days of your guinea pig ownership, and the unlikely event of a more medical situation occurring, we would advise you to inform us, then return your pet as soon as possible to the store where it was purchased. We do work very closely with a local veterinary surgery and therefore can quickly arrange a check up for your pet.

Vegetation and Guinea Pigs

Guinea Pigs in the wild may live off wild plants but your bunnies are domesticated. While finding out the basic history of your future pet, please ask details of its current diet and keep it the same.

What Can I Feed My Guinea Pig?
All must be in small portions, fresh, raw and washed thoroughly, making sure it is clean and free from herbi/pesticides.

What Should I NOT Feed My Guinea Pig?

Further Reading

For more information check out the RSPCA's Guinea Pig Care Sheet