Guinea Pigs

guinea pigs

There are a bunch of different types of guinea pigs from long hair ones, medium length coat ones, short hair ones, and even hairless ones. I have four guinea pigs currently.  One is very friendly and I can easily pick her up and cuddle her if her mood is right. The others are more skittish.

My first guinea pig was part of a pair, but her friend died and her owner didn’t want to get another one. So I took her with the promise that I would get her a friend.  I found a bonded pair whose owner had a job change, was never home, and couldn’t care for them anymore.  Finally, I felt bad for my initial guinea pig, being like a third wheel, so I got a fourth one. They are all females. Male guinea pigs still want friends, but usually only want to be in a cage with one other male, otherwise, they fight.  You can get guinea pigs spayed and neutered so males and females can be together.

guinea pig-ruthie-close-up

Cage

You can get modular wire cages from C&C, buy a cage, or make your own.  Guinea pigs need lots of room to run around.  Most of the cages you see in the store are way too small for guinea pigs.  I made a cage for them and enclosed it with chicken wire to be sure to protect them from my cats. I also have a play area for them that is enclosed with the C & C panels and I make sure the door to their room is closed so the cats can’t get at them.  I have a second level to my cage, with a ramp, to give them even more room.

Bedding

Aspen or paper bedding is a good choice for your guinea pig cage.  I use all fleece.  It’s a bit of an upfront expense (although I got a lot from their former owners) but it lasts a long time.  I also use bath mats to line their cage.  I shake out the lining often - once or twice a day,  and wash it every couple of weeks. It’s a bit tricky to keep the hay from clogging my washing machine, but I have a system for that.

guinea-pig-josie-hiding

Food and Water

Guinea pigs need a lot of vitamin C.  Guinea pig pellets usually have added vitamin C, but I also give them a Vitamin C treat every day.  They also need constant hay - I alternate between 

Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass. I have hay bags in my cage, but many people use a hay rack. You can also give them vegetables.  I give them a Vitamin C treat in the morning and a salad at night.  The salad is often cucumbers, lettuce, or tomatoes.  I also forage for grass and other plants, but if you forage, you have to be sure the food is safe - not spread with insecticide, peed on by dogs, or otherwise contaminated. I give them pellets twice a day and they always have hay and water.

Sociability, Activity, and Toys

Guinea pigs tend to be awake during the day.  My guinea pigs seem to nap in the afternoon, but they scurry around their cage the rest of the time. Instead of sleeping for long stretches once a day, they like to take shorter naps frequently.

Guinea pigs tend to make a bunch of different noises. There is a low rumble or clucking which means they are happy, and a very high pitch “wheek’ which usually means they are hungry.

They need to chew, so chew toys are great. Hamster wheels and balls are not at all appropriate for guinea pigs. It places them in an awkward position and can hurt their backs. They do need lots of hiding places in their cage. 

I’ve heard that you can litter train a guinea pig, but I’ve never tried. Apparently, you can put a box in the cage that they can easily get in and out of and line it with some bedding that is unique to the box.  Put some poops in there and reward them when they use it. It might be worth a try sometime because it seems like I am always cleaning up poop.

guinea-pig-berrie

Size

Guinea pigs will weigh between 2 and 3 pounds, and be 8 - 19 inches long.  The ones with lots of fluffy hair look bigger than they are!

Lifespan and Health

Guinea pigs usually live 6-8 years. They also have to have their nails trimmed every couple of weeks and long hair ones may need a trim. Respiratory problems are common in guinea pigs and pneumonia is a common cause of death. They need a lot of vitamin C and will get scurvy if they don't get enough.  They can also be prone to teeth problems if they don’t chew enough. They also might have skin problems like fleas, parasites, or fungus, and digestive issues like diarrhea.

guinea-pig-donnie

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