Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs, with their adorable squeaks and cuddly personalities, are a popular choice for small pet lovers. But these furry friends have specific needs to thrive. Browse through our wide range of options to help you create a comfortable and enriching environment for your new porcine pals!
Start by ditching the cramped cages and opt for a spacious enclosure that allows for plenty of room to run, burrow and explore.Guinea pigs are surprisingly active and need lots of space! They are social creatures and do best in pairs of the same sex (properly introduced to avoid fighting). If you can only have one, provide them with extra playtime and interaction to keep them from getting lonely. Guinea pigs are prey animals and need places to feel secure. Provide plenty of hiding spots in their habitat, such as cosy huts, tunnels, or cardboard boxes. Guinea pigs love playtime outside their cage. Provide a safe, enclosed area with tunnels, toys, and obstacles for them to explore. They are very curious creatures! Rotate their toys regularly, offer foraging opportunities by hiding treats in hay, and provide cardboard boxes for them to shred and explore. Be sure to provide a deep layer of absorbent, soft bedding like paper pellets, hay, or fleece. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can irritate their respiratory system. Change the bedding regularly to keep their home fresh. And remember, cleanliness counts, spot clean the cage daily and do a thorough cleaning weekly, removing soiled bedding and disinfecting with a pet-safe cleaner. A balanced diet is key! Guinea pig pellets should form the base, supplemented with fresh fruits and veggies daily to provide essential vitamins. Fresh water should always be available in a sipper bottle. Hay is essential for both their diet and their teeth. Offer unlimited access to high-quality hay to keep their digestive system healthy and their ever-growing teeth worn down naturally. Unlike most pets, guinea pigs can't produce their own vitamin C and need a daily supplement to prevent health problems. Look for vitamin C-fortified pellets or provide supplements as directed by your vet. And be sure to schedule regular check-ups with a vet experienced in exotic pets to ensure your guinea pigs stay healthy throughout their 5-8 year lifespan. Lastly regular brushing helps keep their fur healthy and prevents matting. Use a soft brush specifically designed for guinea pigs.
With proper care and attention, guinea pigs can be loving and rewarding companions. Their sweet personalities and gentle nature will bring joy to your life for many years to come. Explore our Guinea Pig Care section for more detailed information and fun enrichment ideas to keep your squeaking wonders happy and healthy! Don't forget to have a look at the rest of our small pet advice pages and why not take a look through our other small pet categories for supplies for rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, ferrets, degus, and chinchillas.