Things to Know Before Getting a Guinea Pig

Thinking about adding a guinea pig to your family? These little fluff balls are adorable, social, and surprisingly full of personality, but as with any pet there is the responsibility of taking care of them.

Before getting your first guinea pig, there are a few things you should know to make sure you’re fully prepared to be a great piggy parent. Whether it’s knownig abuot their diet, housing requirements, or social behavior, getting the basics down will help you provide the best care possible for your new cavy friend.

Types of Guinea PIgs

There are several popular breeds of guinea pigs, each with unique traits. The American guinea pig has a short, smooth coat and is very gentle. It’s a great breed for first time owners, and is one of the more common breeds. The Abyssinian is known for its rosette pattern on the fur and a playful personality. The Peruvian breed features long, flowing hair and requires regular grooming.

You might also find the Teddy, known for its short, dense fur that feels plush. The Texel has a unique curly coat and is also friendly. There’s also the hairless guinea pigs, known as skinny pigs. They need some extra care as they’re vulnerable to temperature changes and skin issues.

What do Guinea PIgs Eat?

A healthy diet is vital for your guinea pig. They need fresh vegetables daily, such as bell peppers and leafy greens. If you need ideas, check out our guinea pig food guides that cover what fruit and vegetables your guinea pigs can eat.

Along with veggies, provide a constant supply of hay, which should make up 80% of their diet. High-quality hay, like timothy hay, helps with digestion and can be combnied with a meadow hay to give your piggy’s some variety.

You should also feed them a small amount of pellets such as Science Selective nuggets, which are made especially for guinea pigs, and contain essential nutrients. You can also feed them some treats such as oxbow vitamin c treats to help increase the amount of vitamin c in their diet.

Remember to avoid sugary treats, cooked food or processed foods. Fresh, clean water should always be available, as staying hydrated is important for their health.

How Many Guinea Pigs Should You Get?

Guinea pigs are social animals, and have to live in pairs or groups. They need companionship to stay happy and healthy. You should adopt at least two piggys so they can keep each other company.

When guinea pigs live alone, they can get depressed and stop eating. There are some extreme circumstances where a guinea pig cannot live with another piggy, but this is rare and comes with risks.

Never buy a guinea pig from a breeder or store that allows you to have a solo pig. This is a sign of a bad breeder. Please consider rescuing. Find your local guinea pig rescue here.

Can Male and Females Live Together?

Males (boars) and females (sows) should be kept separate unless they are neutered or spayed, as guinea pigs breed quickly and frequently. Spaying female guinea pigs is really risking, and isn’t recommended unless they have health issuse. Neutering males is a bit safer, but also carries a risk.

Unplanned litters can lead to overcrowding and additional care challenges. Guinea pigs having babies is risky and can lead is serious complications. So make sure to keep male and females apart to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Warning: Pet stores are typically bad at sexing guinea pigs. They may sell you a mixed set pairing/group which leads to unwanted, unsafe pregnancies. Please avoid buying from pet stores and use an experenced breed or rescue.

Where to Find a Guinea Pig

Finding a guinea pig requires some research and effort. You have several options, including local pet stores, reputable breeders, rescue centers, and online resources. Each option has its benefits, and you can choose the one that fits your needs best.

Reputable Breeders

Finding a reputable breeder is another good option. Breeders often offer healthy guinea pigs that have been well-cared for. They can also provide valuable information about each guinea pig’s personality and care needs.

To find a good breeder, search for local breeders with positive reviews. You can ask if you can visit their home and meet the guinea pigs. This way, you can see the conditions in which the animals are raised.

Rescue Centers and Shelters

Rescue centers and animal shelters are fantastic places to adopt a guinea pig. Many guinea pigs are looking for forever homes because their previous owners could no longer care for them. Adopting from a shelter saves a life and gives a loving pet a new chance.

Contact local rescue groups or shelters to see if they have guinea pigs available. When adopting, be prepared to fill out an application. Some rescues may even conduct a home visit to ensure a good match.

To find a local guinea pig rescue, check our rescue finder. We have tons of rescues listed that you can search through to find your nearest rescue.

Preparing for Your New Pet

Before bringing your new guinea pig home, it’s important to create a comfortable environment for them. You need to invest in a good quality cage and gather essential supplies. This preparation helps your guinea pig feel safe and happy in their new space.

Guinea PIg Housing

For two guinea pigs you should have a cage size of at least 120×60 cm. This provides enough space for them to move around and stay healthy. If you have three guinea pigs, you’ll need a larger cage, at least 150×60 cm.

It’s also recommended to have a larger cage for boars (males), as while social and needing compansionship they are also territorial and prone to aggressive behavior when they feel crowded. A larger space helps reduce stress and conflict between them by allowing each guinea pig to establish its own territory.

Additionally, consider using mesh or slatted sides for ventilation. Make sure the bars are spaced closely to prevent escapes. A cozy hideout and bedding materials like paper-based products will also make your guinea pig feel more secure.

When you setup their cage, add hiding spots, tunnels, and wooden chew toys such as apple sticks to keep them engaged.

You should also add one house per guinea pig, and ensure they have at least two exits. This ensure a piggy can run away if one of their friends becomes aggressive or territorial. Here’s some houses we recommend:

• The Kozko Hut, made from wood, has 2 exits and a washable pee pad.
• Happy Henrys Homes makes some fun wooden castle houses, such as this low castle kit. Free from formaldehyde and uses a non-toxic wood so piggy safe.
• A guinea pig hammock, such as this hammock that comes with a wooden stand.

Essential Supplies

Besides a cage, you’ll need essential supplies to keep your guinea pig happy and healthy. Start with a water bottle to keep their drinking water clean. Use a heavy bowl for fresh food, like veggies and pellets.

For bedding, you can choose between washable bedding such as fleece lineres or bath mats, or disposable bedding such as aspen shavings or paper-based products, avoiding cedar or pine due to harmful oils. You should never use saw dust as this is too dusty.

If you have a long haired guine apig, make sure to have a soft brush to maintain their fur. Regular grooming helps prevent mats and keeps your pet comfortable.

Health and Wellness

Keeping your guinea pig healthy is key to a happy pet. Regular veterinary care, attention to their common health issues, and proper grooming practices are essential steps in ensuring their well-being.

Routine Vet Visits

Taking your guinea pig to the vet regularly is crucial. Schedule visits at least once a year for a check-up. The vet can catch early signs of health problems that you might miss at home.

During these visits, make sure to discuss diet, weight, and any behavioral changes. A vet can provide vaccination and health advice. Keeping up with these visits helps ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.

Common Health Issues

Guinea pigs can face various health problems. Being aware of these can help you take quick action when needed.

Some common issues include:

• Dental Problems: Check their teeth regularly. Overgrown teeth can lead to pain and feeding issues.
• Respiratory Issues: Watch for sneezing or difficulty breathing. This can signal a serious problem.
• Skin Issues: Look for signs of itching or hair loss. These can be signs of mites or fungal infections.
• Bumblefoot: This is a foot infection in the guinea pigs feet pad. It’s quite painful but can be treated by the vet. Clean the cage and if you’re using any mesh or bars as a floor make sure it is covered. Read more about Bumblefoot and avoiding it here.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet promptly.

Grooming and Care

Proper grooming is not just about looks; it impacts health too. Regular grooming prevents matting and allows you to check for lumps or skin issues.

Here are some grooming tips:

• Brushing: Short-haired guinea pigs need brushing every week, while long-haired ones need it several times a week.
• Bathe Sparingly: Only bathe your guinea pig as needed. Too many baths can dry out their skin.
• Nail Clipping: Trim their nails every 4-6 weeks to keep them comfortable. If you have problems clipping their nails, take them to the vet.
• Teeth: Guinea pig teeth should be worn down by eating hay, but also chewing on wooden things such as apple sticks can help. If your guinea pigs teeth do get too long, take them to a vet who can clip them.

Keeping up with grooming helps your guinea pig stay healthy and comfortable.

Cost Considerations

When getting a guinea pig, it’s important to think about the costs involved. This includes the initial expenses for purchasing and setting up your new pet, as well as ongoing care costs that you’ll need to budget for.

Initial Expenses

Your first costs will include purchasing or adopting your guinea pig, which typically ranges from $20 to $50 (or about £20 to £40 in the UK).

Additionally, you’ll need to invest in basic supplies, such as:

• Cage: $50 – $200 (or £35-200 in the UK)
• Bedding: $10 – $30 (Or about £10 to £30 in the UK depending on bedding type)
• Food and hay: $30 – $50 (About £5 to £30 in the UK)

These prices will vary depending on brand, supplier etc.

Most guinea pig owners use a C&C cage which start around $40-60 (£35-40) for a budget SONGMICS cage (which is what we use). These are available on Amazon, both in the UK and the USA. You can construct them to be as small or big as you like, and we personally use them as a 4×2 and 5×2 cages without the upstairs area as this takes away from the floor space. The extra grids can be used to create a stand.

If you opt for a C&C cage you’d need a sheet of coroplast (also known as correx) to use as the base. In the USA, you can purchase a sheet from Lowes or Home Depot from around $35 which in the UK can be purchased from Wickes for about £6.

To save money on hay, look for your local equestrian store, farm store, or buy online in bulk. You can also check your local discount home supplies stores as sometimes the pet sections have some good buys. Your piggy will need a mix of both meadow hay (or orchard hay), and timothy hay. For babies under 4 month and expectant mothers you’ll want to also feed them some alfalfa hay.

If you’re in the USA, there’s a few brands that we recommend:

• Kaytee’s Timothy Hay, or a Timothy Hay and Orchard Hay blend, or their Timothy Hay Plus blend which is mixed with things like dried flowers or dried carrots to encourage foraging.
• Oxbow’s Timothy Hay, Meadow Hay, Orchard Hay or Alfalfa Hay (for babies and pregnant piggys).

In the UK, we recommend these brands:

• Fearns Farms, which sells a dust extracted timothy and rye grass blend
• The Happy Hay Company sells timothy hay, meadow hay, and a blend of timothy hay, rye and fescue.
• Oxbow’s alfalfa hay for babies and pregnant piggys.
• Nature’s Own Timothy Hay, and their meadow hay which is available in The Range.

For food, you’ll need to feed your guinea pig a mix of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, celery, and a teaspoon of pellets every day. In the USA, you can’t really go wrong with Oxbow brand pellets, and in the UK we recommend Supreme Science Selective.

Don’t forget treats! There’s tons to choose from but some good quality safe guinea pig treats include:

• Pea Flakes
• Oxbow’s Vitamin C treats
• Hay cookies/biscuits.
• Dried flower forage mixes
• Woodland Loops

In the UK, we also recommend the Burgess fruity feast treats.

Don’t forget about toys and accessories, which may add another $20 to $50 (about £20-£60 in the UK). Although you can try to keep costs lower by using cardboard boxes with two holes cut in as a tunnel/hide, and toilet rolls split down the middle and stuffed with hay for enrichment.

Bedding Costs

You’ll need to clean their cage at least once a week and swap out all the bedding. If you opt for a disposable bedding such as kaytee’s aspen bedding or Carefresh paper bedding this will cost around $20 to $30 (about £15-£30 in the UK) monthly.

If you opt for bath mats or fleece, this will have a lower on-going cost but downside is you will need to change this out sooner. Fleece liners are around $30-50 (£25-40) a cage, or more depending on supplier and materials. For bath mats, you want thick noodle bath mats (thin ones don’t absorb pee very well). These would cost about $5-15 each depending on brand, and thickness. In the UK, you can pick up thick noodle bathmaths in B&M for £6.99.

When using reusable bedding you will still need some paper bedding to line the bottom of the the trays/boxes you’ll fill with hay as this helps absorb pee. You can expect to spend about $20 (£15-20) every 1-2 months on disposable bedding if you’re only using it to line the trays.

Healthcare Costs

Make sure to also consider veterinary expenses. Routine check-ups and any necessary treatments can add to your monthly budget. This varies highly depending on your area, treatment and vet but we recommend putting away at least $50 or £25 a month to save towards future vet bills.

You’ll also want to pick up some items to keep in a first aid kit for your guinea pig. You want to at least have:

• Critical care + 10ml syringes – a supplement for sick piggys, helps prevent GI stasis.
• 1ml syringes for medications that your vet might prescribe
• Pro-biotic – if your guinea pig needs antibiotics, they’ll need these to stop their stomach getting upset.
• Oxbow Vitamin C treats – Combine this with the pro-biotic for sick guinea pigs
• Disposable gloves – protect your skin from any infections or medication.
• Heat pad – keep a sick guinea pig warm and help with recovery. Guinea pigs can chew it so make sure to keep it covered.
• Ice pack and a cover – guinea pigs are prone to heat stroke so this can come in handy. The cover stops guinea pigs chewing the ice pack.
• Leucillin Antiseptic – this is both an anti-septic and antifungal. Used to clean wounds, and prevent infections
• Hibiscrub or Hibiclens – Antimicrbial skin cleaner, to help kill germs and prevent infections around wounds
• Coconut oil – rub on dried or flakey skin to help heal faster and make it less uncomfortable, and for cleaning your guinea pig’s grease gland.
• Nail clippers – Guinea pigs need nails cutting every 6-8 weeks. Get ones with an LED light on to help see the quick.
• Styptic Powder – Helps stop bleeding, keep on hand when clipping nails in case you cut the quick.
• Weighing scales – To help you keep an eye on your pets weight and to monitor them after surgery, illness or if a guinea pigs cage friend passes
• Ivermectin – used to treat parasites (but make sure to see a vet as well)
• Infant Gas Relief – For bloating, but please see yourt vet if you suspect bloating.
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Paper towels
• Pet safe shampoo (although you should rarely bath your pet, as guinea pig’s dont like water)
• Tweezers
• 2 Inch Gauze bandages and 2 inch vet wrapping tape such as Vetrap.

Bonding with Your Guinea Pig

Building a strong bond with your guinea pig is essential for their happiness and your joy as a pet owner. These smart and social animals thrive on companionship and affection.

To bond with your guinea pig, start by spending time with them daily. Sit quietly near their cage and let them get used to your presence. You can offer treats like small pieces of fresh veggies to build trust.

When you pick up your guinea pig, be gentle. Use both hands to support their body. Always use one hand to support their bum, as their backs are weak. Speak softly to create a calm atmosphere. As they become more comfortable, play with them outside the cage. Use safe toys or just let them explore.

It’s important to recognize their body language. Signs of happiness include purring or popcorn jumping. This shows they feel secure with you, deepening your bond.

Guinea Pig as a Family Pet

Guinea pigs make excellent family pets due to their friendly nature. They enjoy interaction and often thrive in active households. Ensure all family members participate in their care to strengthen your guinea pig’s connection with everyone.

Teach children how to handle the guinea pig properly. This creates a sense of responsibility and respect. Supervised playtime can be a great bonding experience. Encourage your children to sit quietly and let the guinea pig come to them.

Creating a routine for feeding, grooming, and playtime helps your guinea pig feel secure. This structure builds trust and companionship, giving your family a joyful experience with your new pet.

Traveling With a Guinea PIg

When transporting guinea pigs, whether for a vet visit, to a new home or on a vacation, you’ll want to ensure they’re safe and comfy. Guinea pigs can be easily stressed by changes in their environment, so careful preparation is key.

Use a Secure Carrier: Always transport your guinea pig in a small animal carrier or a soft sided cat carrier. Make sure it’s well-ventilated, secure, and escape-proof. Avoid wide bars on cat carriers as your guinea pig can get their head stuck in these. The carrier should be sturdy with a non-slip bottom. A small towel or fleece liner inside will help keep your guinea pig cozy and prevent sliding. You can also add some hay, and treats.

Avoid Overheating and Cold: Guinea pigs are sensitive to temperature changes. Ensure the carrier is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or air conditioning vents. In warm weather, provide ventilation, and in colder weather, consider placing a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel inside the carrier.

Limit Noise and Stress: Keep the carrier away from loud noises or strong smells that can stress your guinea pig. Consider covering the carrier with a light cloth to block out distractions, but ensure air can still flow freely.

Provide Water and Food: For longer trips, ensure your guinea pig has access to water. A travel-friendly water bottle attached to the carrier is ideal. You can also place some fresh vegetables inside the carrier to provide hydration.

Frequent Breaks for Long Journeys: If you’re traveling for several hours, make regular stops to check on your guinea pig. Offer fresh veggies and make sure they’re not too hot or cold.

Emergency Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with essentials like a syringe, critical care formula, and some basic medical supplies. This can be helpful in case your guinea pig becomes stressed or unwell during travel.

I hope this guide helped. Make sure to check out our other guides. If you’re still looking for a guinea pig make sure to check out our rescue finder, to find rescues local to your area.