guinea pig care

Guinea Pigs make ideal Family Pets. They can be housed indoors or outdoors and can live happily in single sex pairs. Cared for correctly they can live for 4 to 7 years.

Guinea pigs originate from South America where they are found in the Andes.

Choosing. Guinea pigs like company. If possible choose a single sex pair. Only buy a mixed sex pair if you are willing and able to care for and rehomed the subsequent young. A mixed sex pair will need to be separated during and after pregnancy.

Rabbits do not always make good companions for guinea pigs. Rabbits, especially males, can bully guinea pigs when they become sexually mature. Also rabbits can transmit diseases such as bordetella to guinea pigs.

Housing. We recommend you purchase the largest hutch and run you have room for. Outdoor hutches should be well off the ground and facing away from prevailing weather.  For indoor guinea pigs there is a wide range of plastic cages available.  All hutches should be well ventilated.  In winter, if possible, the hutch should be well insulated or moved to a shed, outhouse, or conservatory.

What you need. As well as the hutch and guinea pig you will need:

Wood shavings

Hay

Dry food

Water bottle

Disinfectant

Treats.

Feeding.  Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C (neither can humans) so this needs to be provided in the diet via fresh vegetables (cabbage, carrot, etc.).  You can also feed hard food which is enriched with vitamin C.  We recommend you feed unlimited hay, a small handful of hard feed and fresh vegetables every day.  Adding Vitamin C in the water is a waste of time.

Cleaning.  The hutch should be cleaned out and disinfected once a week, maybe twice e in the warmer weather.

Breeding.  Only undertake breeding once you have researched the subject and are happy to take on the responsibility.

Holiday time. We offer a full boarding service for guinea pigs. Please ask for details.

Further information.  This leaflet is very basic. There are many good books and web sites available for further information. We are happy to offer advice on guinea pig care for the life of your pet.

Guarantee:  Should you have a problem with your pet within one week of purchase please contact us for advice, replacement or refund.  We do not take responsibility for any veterinary fees you may incur. We cannot refund any equipment you have purchased unless it is faulty. This does not affect your statutory rights under the sale of goods act.