GUINEA PIG

Choosing and buying your guinea pig

There are three basic types of guinea pig Smooth-haired, Abyssinian and

Peruvian. The hair of the Abyssinian guinea pigs falls in rosette patterns,

while the Peruvian is long-haired.

Whichever type you choose, your guinea pig should be 4-5 weeks old when

you buy it. A healthy guinea pig should be:

Bright and alert

Have no signs of discharge from eye, ears, mouth and nose

Have a clean anal area

Have a glossy coat with no bald patches and not have sores on the

skin

Should move around the cage easily

Should feel well covered and not bony

Housing

Guinea pigs should be provided with as large a cage as possible. A hutch for

outdoors should be sturdy and water proof. It should be raised off the floor by

about 25 cm and placed in a sheltered position or inside a shed. Guinea pigs

must be protected from inclement weather as well as strong sunlight. (A

hutch cover, blanket or piece of old carpet will often offer added protection on

cold nights.)

If you decide to keep your guinea pigs indoors then a cage similar but much

larger than those used for hamsters would be suitable. These should be

placed in a cool room out of direct sunlight and draughts.

All guinea pigs benefit from access to a covered pen or run in the garden.

Avoid using pesticides nearby and ensure that the enclosure is secure

enough to keep the rabbit in as well as other animals out. A hutch or cage

should have a layer of shavings on the floor with hay for bedding.

Hygiene is extremely important especially in the summer. If not kept clean

the hutch or cage will attract flies. As a general rule, cages should be

cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. A good quality, pet-friendly

disinfectant should be used and all the bedding and shavings replaced with a

fresh supply.

Guinea pigs often use the same area as their toilet every day. This can make

cleaning easier and allows them to be trained to use a litter tray. Outdoor runs should be moved regularly. Toys should be provided to break boredom. Try and buy a selection

of toys and rotate them to avoid boredom.

Gnaw Blocks should be provided to help wear down teeth.

Feeding and Water

Guinea pigs are herbivores. A range of specially prepared diets are

available from your pet shop. Fresh foods can be given in small

quantities. Cabbage, sprouts, dandelions, chicory, carrots, apple

and some soft fruits are suitable.

A supply of good quality hay is essential for the health of the digestive

system and for wearing teeth down. Guinea pigs require vitamin C daily.

This can be provided by feeding a commercially prepared diet, by providing

a few small pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables daily or in the drinking water

by using a liquid vitamin supplement.

Remember you can give your pet the occasional treat. Fresh water should

be available at all times. This is best provided in a water bottle attached to

the side of the cage, it should be emptied, rinsed and refilled daily.

Handling

It is advisable to let your new pet settle in for a few days before you start

handling. Using smooth and gentle movements, gripping firmly but not tightly

place one hand across the shoulders with the thumb over and around the

neck. The other hand should support the hind quarters. This prevents injury

to the back from kicking.