How to Care For Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are docile pets.

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets for both young and old because they do not require much maintenance and are very tame animals. If cared for properly, your pet guinea pig will be around for many years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Cage
• Food

Instructions

1. Choose the proper cage for your guinea pig. Pick one with enough room for it to move around in comfortably. Do not put it in an aquarium where there is no air and do not put them in a wire-mesh cage. This can hurt them.

2. Use only non-toxic materials to line the bottom of their cage. Guinea pigs love to chew and will chew anything in their cage. Putting anything non-toxic in their cage will prevent them from getting sick.

3. Feed your guinea pig daily. There are commercial guinea pig foods that you can buy, but also it is important to compliment this food with leafy greens, such as kale and romaine lettuce. Feed your guinea pig fresh fruits, such as apple slices or grapes, as a treat.

4. Supply your guinea pig with hay daily. They love to use it for nesting and snacking.

5. Keep fresh water available for your guinea pig. The best thing to do is get a water bottle that attaches to its cage. Periodically check the water bottle to make sure it is not dripping in the cage.

6. Keep your guinea pigs cage clean. Guinea pigs try to keep clean, but they need help.

7. Brush your guinea pig with a small brush. Short-haired guinea pigs really do not need to be brushed like the long-haired ones, but they enjoy it. Grooming your guinea pig will also give you time to bond with it.

Tips & Warnings

• Guinea pigs need vitamin C, make sure they get enough of it. Do a search on what to feed and what not to feed your guinea pig. Some foods can make them very sick. For instance: they can eat romaine lettuce, but eating iceberg lettuce can make them sick.

• Do not leave your guinea pig alone with other animals including the family cat or dog.

References

• Guinea Lynx: Care Guide: Raising a Healthy Guinea Pig

Resources

• Humane Society of the United States: Home