Guinea Pigs make ideal pets for children as they rarely bite or scratch although they can sometimes be nervous. They are very inquisitive little creatures and should be handled regularly. Guinea Pigs are very talkative!!
Guinea Pigs can live for 4 - 8 years and both male and female make good pets. Because Guinea Pigs are very sociable animals they are happier living with another Guinea Pig for company. If you are not wanting to breed them, always make sure they are the same sex if they are going to be living together. I would recommend that guinea pigs do not live with rabbits as some people suggest. Guinea pigs are very vocal and rabbits do not understand this sound, rabbits also tend to mount for domination and could seriously damage a guinea pig by doing this. Rabbits naturally frolic and kick which could also injure a guinea pig.
Guinea Pigs can be kept outdoors all year round but they should be brought inside or into a shed for the winter period. If you do keep your guinea pigs outside, make sure the hutch is kept free from draughts and fully weatherproofed. The hutch must be raised off the floor to keep the bottom of the hutch dry . The base of the hutch should be covered with woodshavings to provide an absorbent layer and the bedroom should be filled with bedding material to cuddle up into at night. Straw can irritate guineas pigs eyes so please try and avoid it. Alternatively guinea pigs can live contently indoors in a cage specifically for rabbits or guinea pigs but must be placed in an area away from radiators or draughts.
Guinea Pigs must have a run with plenty of toys and space to keep them in good shape and also to keep them happy!!
Guinea Pigs like to eat muesli or nuggets but unlike other animals guinea pigs do not produce their own Vitamin C and must receive it in their food. Vitamin C drops are also available in liquid form and can simply be added to their water. Hay should also be available in small quantities to help grind down their teeth and stop them from growing too long. Small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables can also be fed to your guinea pig but always introduce new food gradually to stop any tummy upsets.
When getting your new guinea pig, he is likely to be nervous so it is best that for the first few days, you do not handle them, just talk to them. When you do eventually pick up your guinea pig, use both hands, one hand under the chest and the other hand resting on their back. Hold them close to you to stop them from wriggling and falling. Once your guinea pig is used to being picked up, he will love to be held.
GUINEA PIG CHECK LIST
*HUTCH OR A GOOD SIZED INDOOR CAGE
*WOODSHAVINGS
*HAY
*EXERCISE RUN
*FOOD BOWL
*WATER BOTTLE
*GUINEA PIG FOOD & DAILY FRESH VEGETABLES
*BRUSH & COMB
*SALT LICK
*VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENT
