What’s It Really Like to Have Guinea Pigs? First, forget everything you were told at the pet shop. I’m a volunteer at the Nigeria Guinea Pig Rescue. My name is Caroline, and I had guinea pigs as a kid, but a lot has changed since then. Now, we have the internet and social media, which offer many ways to share good care tips and continue learning. This will help you provide your piggies with the best care and get the most out of having them.
The main topics i will be showing you in this article include bonding and cage mates, cage setup, diet, taming, and common illnesses. Let’s briefly look at each. In this guide, I share everything I’ve learned from volunteering at the Nigeria Guinea Pig Rescue, but let’s go over the different sections of the care guide.
Bonding and Cage Mates: Guinea pigs shouldn’t live alone. Boys should live in pairs, and girls can live in pairs or groups. If you have two guinea pigs that don’t get along, they can live side by side peacefully, and they will benefit from having a neighbor. For more in-depth information about bonding and cage mates, I have a bonding rules article and is also at the top of the bonding section in my care guide. You can check this website for this topic or do more research on it.
Cage Setup: Guinea pigs need a minimum of 10 square feet, which is equivalent to a 2 by 4 grid. These grids are about 14 inches tall. If you do the math, you’ll see that 10 square feet is the minimum space they need. Guinea pigs require room to run, so avoid cluttering their space with too many items. They need a house, a hay rack, a food bowl, and a water bottle, but don’t overcrowd their area. If you give them enough space, you’ll be surprised at how fast they can run.
Diet: Hay makes up 80% of a guinea pig’s diet. They should always have access to fresh hay and will munch on it throughout the day. This is important for grinding their constantly growing teeth and keeping their digestive system moving. In addition to hay, they need pellets, which provide extra vitamins and minerals, along with fresh clean water and veggies. Don’t overdo the fresh veggies; a handful is sufficient. Check the diet section of my guide for a list of appropriate veggies. Some veggies lack nutritional value or can cause bloating or too much calcium.
Pellets: Feed your piggies plain Timothy hay-based pellets. They shouldn’t contain seeds, cookie bits, or any other additives—just plain pellets. This will give your piggies the extra vitamins and minerals they need.
Taming: It’s important to hold your piggies every day. This is a great way to check for lumps, bumps, injuries, or signs of illness. If you want to tame your piggies and help them feel comfortable with you, you need to hold them regularly. You’ll find they are sweet and fun, and you’ll want to interact with them.
When it comes to young kids, it’s important to support their backs while holding them. Use both hands, and consider using a cuddle cup or cuddle sack to help them feel secure. Guinea pigs can be squirmy and have sharp nails, which can be a concern, especially for kids. A fall can be dangerous, so adult supervision is crucial when kids under 10 are handling them. The best approach is to have your child sit down, place a blanket or cuddle cup on their lap, and gently bring the guinea pigs to them. It’s essential to hold them every day.
I often receive messages from people saying, “I’ve had my guinea pig for a week, and they’re still scared of me.” Remember, guinea pigs are prey animals and naturally like to hide and feel safe. Building trust takes time. They will always be more fearful than pets like dogs or cats, but they can quickly adapt to your routine. They can recognize sounds like the fridge opening or veggies being prepared. When you enter the room or approach their cage, they may wheek at you or come closer. Establishing a routine and picking them up regularly can help tame them. I have a whole section of articles dedicated to taming in my care guide, but it is really a gradual process. Even just being able to scratch them on the nose without them running away is a small victory.
Before you know it, your guinea pigs will be seeking your attention and begging for treats. If you have multiple guinea pigs, they might even team up to demand snacks! Just like any relationship, it takes time for them to feel comfortable and accept you into their group.
Now, let’s discuss common illnesses in guinea pigs. Since they are prey animals, they often hide their illnesses, making it essential to learn about common health issues. I cover this in more detail in my guinea pig care guide and illness article, so I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these topics. The sooner you can identify an illness, the better the chances of effective treatment.
Some common illnesses include upper respiratory infections, which show symptoms like sneezing, runny or crusty eyes, a runny nose, and lethargy. I provide more detailed information in my illness section and playlist. Another common issue is ringworm, a fungal infection, and mange mites, which can cause hair loss and itching. While some symptoms may overlap, it’s important to recognize the subtle differences. Other illnesses to be aware of include urinary tract infections, gas, bloat, and eye injuries. For more information, check out the illness section of my care guide or the illness article.
Additionally, consider pet health insurance for your guinea pig. It can help cover vet bills and provide peace of mind, ensuring you won’t have to choose between your finances and your guinea pig’s health.
These are just some basic care tips for guinea pigs. I encourage you to explore my free guinea pig care guide and the related articles. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out through the contact page on my website, which goes directly to my email.
I hope this information excites you about guinea pig care and your piggies! We’re a wonderful community here, and I invite you to share your experiences in the comments.
Lastly, I’ll edit this article later to include a link to my general guinea pig care guide, which contains a wealth of information based on my experiences volunteering at the Nigeria Guinea Pig Rescue. I’m grateful to share what I’ve learned. Thank you for reading.
