How to Feed and Care for a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are good pets for young kids who aren't quite ready for a dog and not gentle enough for a smaller animal like a hamster or mouse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. DIET AND FEEDING
   
   Guinea pigs are like children in that they like what they like and aren't generally open to change. We had to buy a different food one week because the normal brand was sold out, and you would have thought the animal was on a hunger strike.....consistency is key. If a change is necessary, implement it slowly.

2. 

   LODGING
   
   Guinea pigs need ample room to move around. The humane society recommends living quarters are at least 18 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 25 inches deep.
   
   Do not use aquariums, as they provide poor ventilation, and mesh or wire-floor cages hurt guinea pigs' tender feet.

3. BEDDING MATERIAL
   
   Guinea pigs will gnaw on anything in their cage, so be sure that the bedding and cage lining you select is non-toxic.
   
   Aspen pine is a great choice it's less oily than other bedding and more able to absorb odor and wetness. Paper pulp bedding is also a good choice - it's softer, more absorbent and can go longer between changes.

4. HANDLING
   
   Guinea pigs are easily stressed, so they require careful handling. To pick up a guinea pig, slowly place one hand under his chest just behind the front legs, and gently cup your other hand under his hindquarters. Once you have a firm but gentle grip on the animal, lift him. Then immediately pull him close to your chest or lap so he feels safe and doesn't thrash around.

5. 

   TWO IS COMPANY THREE'S A CROWN
   
   Guinea pigs are happiest when with other guinea pigs, so many pet care books urge owners to keep two or more together. Choose pairs that are the same sex and compatible. (For example, more than two male pigs together are likely to fight.)

Tips & Warnings

• Since their cage lining doubles as bedding and toilet, guinea pigs require daily housekeeping assistance. Scrub and disinfect the cage, then let it dry before lining the floor with fresh bedding and replacing the cage furnishings. Also clean the water bottle and sipper tube daily to prevent buildup of food, algae, and bacteria.
• For bedding, do not use materials such as sawdust, pine or cedar chips, or fabrics that may cause respiratory or other health problems.

Resources

• More information and links to guinea pig care

[betterbody]

on 3/5/2009 Excellent details. Thanks for the details. 5*'s

[wolfmyster]

on 10/27/2008 i would like to know how much weight a young guinea pig is supposed to gain per week/month. I believe ours is less than a year old and weighs 1 lb. 2oz. thank you.

[TabbyCatt]

on 10/17/2008 Guinea pigs freak me out. My kids want one, but I'd rather adopt a rhino first...lol

[LonnaLight]

on 10/17/2008 sounds like great advice on caring for Guinea Pigs!