A Simple Guide To Guinea Pigs

A Simple Guide To Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are gentle, friendly pets with big personalities and a love for socialising. They thrive in pairs or small groups and enjoy a routine with fresh veggies, hay, and cozy hideouts. Their calm, expressive nature makes them ideal for families and first-time pet keepers.

Lifespan: 4-8 years

Size: 8-12in (20-30cm)

Activity: Technically crepuscular, but regularly active throughout the day

Sociability: Highly sociable – best in pairs or small groups

Suitability: Beginner

🏡Enclosure

• Minimum of 4x2ft (120x60cm)
• Wire bar with solid base for indoors
• Raised hutch and large run for outdoors
• Bigger is better
• Do not place in draughts, direct sunlight, near a radiator, or humid conditions

🛏️Substrate & Bedding

• Paper pellets or kiln-dried pine wood shavings for base substrate
• Hay for bedding
• Avoid cedar or non-kiln-dried pine shavings

🥦Diet

• Hay is the primary food source, and should be available at all times
• Guinea pig mix or nuggets (essential because of its added Vitamin C)
• Daily fresh veg, such as leafy greens, celery, or bell pepper
• Leafy greens that are high in calcium, such as kale or spinach, should be fed in moderation
• Foods such as carrot or apple on occasion due to high sugar content
• Avoid potato, onion, seeds and nuts, garlic, avocado, citrus, iceberg lettuce
• Fresh water should be permanently available

🧩Enrichment

• Enjoy the security of hides and tunnels
• Cardboard for shredding
• Chew toys and treat sticks to keep teeth trimmed
• Scatter feeding to encourage natural foraging behaviour
• Daily floor time in a secure space for exercise

🤲Handling & Behaviour

• Naturally shy – need gentle, patient handling
• Always scoop with two hands, supporting the chest and hind quarters
• Handle low to the ground or a surface – may jump if startled
• Enjoy lap time, gentle strokes, and being groomed
• Very vocal, particularly “chutting” when content
• “Popcorn” when happy (little jumps)

🧽Cleaning

• Spot clean daily
• Full clean weekly

🩺Quick Health Check

• Healthy signs: bright eyes, steady eating, clean bottom, active behaviour
• Concerns: struggling to eat, drooling, discharge from eyes or nose, diarrhoea, weight loss, wheezing
• Vet: persistent loss of appetite or lethargy
• Guinea pigs hide illness – seek vet advice if anything seems off

🧺Shopping List

• Cage / hutch and run
• Paper pellets or kiln-dried pine wood shavings
• Hay
• Guinea pig mix or nuggets
• Food bowl
• Water bottle
• Hay rack
• Guinea pig house
• Enrichment items
• Grooming brush
• Nail clippers
• Pet-safe disinfectant