Guinea Pigs
Cavia porcellus
Guinea pigs are tail-less rodents that are native to the west coast of South America and since th
e mid-1800’s, laboratories have used them for research. The correct name for guinea pigs is Cavy, pronounced “kay-vee”.
Guinea pigs usually weigh around 3 ounces at birth, around 1-2 pounds full grown, and live for 5-6 years. An adult will measure 8-10 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its rump. Their hair comes in a wide range of colors and the hair may be long, short or short and curly. Cavies have a very good sense of smell and sensitive hearing. They love to vocalize with squeals, chirps, squeaks, and whistles. Although not known for their intelligence, they do recognize their owners and will seek them out and return affection.
Guinea Pigs as Pets
Guinea pigs are cuddly, comical, and clever. They make wonderful pets for children and can be very social animals. The animals do better in pairs as they prefer company, so unless you have a lot of time to devote to your pet getting at least two is often a good idea. They are not expensive to own and the biggest expense is the initial setting up of housing. Guinea pigs are hardy pets so veterinarian expenses are minimal.
Guinea pigs are cuddly, comical, and clever. They make wonderful pets for children and can be very social animals. The animals do better in pairs as they prefer company, so unless you have a lot of time to devote to your pet getting at least two is often a good idea. They are not expensive to own and the biggest expense is the initial setting up of housing. Guinea pigs are hardy pets so veterinarian expenses are minimal.
Care Sheet
What do I need for my pet guinea pig?
Now that you have decided on a guinea pig as your pet you should have the cage and all the supplies necessary before bringing him home. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need. Remember, cavies are chewers so choose his home accordingly.
Now that you have decided on a guinea pig as your pet you should have the cage and all the supplies necessary before bringing him home. This care sheet will guide you in having everything you need. Remember, cavies are chewers so choose his home accordingly.
Habitat
You will need a cage with at least 2 square feet of space for each guinea pig being housed in it. Always go with the biggest cage possible for a happy pet. Do not use wire mesh for the cage flooring.
You will need a cage with at least 2 square feet of space for each guinea pig being housed in it. Always go with the biggest cage possible for a happy pet. Do not use wire mesh for the cage flooring.
A substrate or bedding for the bottom of the cage. Make sure you avoid wood shavings.
A stoppered or ceramic water bowl. Remember you guinea pig will play in the bowl and soil the water so a bottle may be a better choice.
A hay rack for hanging leafy greens, hay and grass to keep it clean and fresh.
A few wooden chew sticks or blocks plus some toys. Your pet will love toys he can nibble on, climb over, push around and bump with his nose.
A hide area for your pet to spend private time resting and feeling secure.
Food & Supplements
A commercial brand guinea pig food.
A commercial brand guinea pig food.
Hay and leafy green vegetables for your guinea pig to nibble on.
A vitamin C supplement.
Treats to add variety to your pets diet.
Food & Diet
Guinea pigs love to eat but are very particular about their food preferences. They are strict vegetarians eating plant materials only. They will forage throughout the day and consume large quantities so it is important that they always have grass, hay and food available. Do not be alarmed if you see your pet eating its own feces, this is normal and helps the cavy recycle necessary nutrients and minerals.
Pellets
There are several excellent pelleted guinea pig foods on the market. These foods have all the ingredients necessary for your cavy’s health, but often exclude vitamin C.
There are several excellent pelleted guinea pig foods on the market. These foods have all the ingredients necessary for your cavy’s health, but often exclude vitamin C.
Hay
Hay is an important part of your pet’s diet. It helps keep the teeth worn down and satisfies his need to chew. It also provides necessary roughage. You should not feed coarse hay that can injure the soft tissues of the mouth or hay that is moldy or dirty.
Hay is an important part of your pet’s diet. It helps keep the teeth worn down and satisfies his need to chew. It also provides necessary roughage. You should not feed coarse hay that can injure the soft tissues of the mouth or hay that is moldy or dirty.
Leafy Vegetables & Fruit
There should always be a little bit of leafy vegetables in the feed rack at all times. Guinea pigs don’t enjoy cold vegetables so let them warm to room temperature before feeding them to your pet. As a treat, your pet may enjoy fresh fruit like kiwi fruit, oranges, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apricots and melons.
There should always be a little bit of leafy vegetables in the feed rack at all times. Guinea pigs don’t enjoy cold vegetables so let them warm to room temperature before feeding them to your pet. As a treat, your pet may enjoy fresh fruit like kiwi fruit, oranges, grapes, strawberries, peaches, apricots and melons.
Supplements
Your guinea pig needs to have vitamin C to be a happy and healthy pet. Not providing this important supplement can be fatal. Luckily there are many supplements available as a liquid or chewable bites or treats.
Your guinea pig needs to have vitamin C to be a happy and healthy pet. Not providing this important supplement can be fatal. Luckily there are many supplements available as a liquid or chewable bites or treats.
Water
Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and a dry diet increases the need for water. Always provide more water than you think your pet will need.
Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and a dry diet increases the need for water. Always provide more water than you think your pet will need.
Harmful Foods
Not all vegetables are good for your cavy. Avoid spinach, peanuts, beet tops, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, cabbage and broccoli. Never feed your pet chocolate or candies.
Not all vegetables are good for your cavy. Avoid spinach, peanuts, beet tops, potatoes, iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, cabbage and broccoli. Never feed your pet chocolate or candies.
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