Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs or cavies are descendants from the wild guinea pigs of South Africa. They maybe considered as easy pets for children as they don’t make much mess or take up a great deal of space. However, Guinea pigs still need special attention and have certain care requirements that must be met.

Housing

Ideally Guinea pigs should be kept away from cats and dogs, they can be housed with other small mammals especially rabbits. Although they are small Guinea pigs still need ample space to move around as they are fairly active.

Guinea pigs can be housed in a wire run with a night cage attached, it should have a wooden frame, be at least 2 metres long, 30-40 cm high and 80 cm wide with a strong wire over the top to keep intruders out. If you have more than one Guinea pig the run should be extended an extra metre and house no more than four Guinea pigs. You will need to move the cage to a fresh area of grass when necessary. Do not have cages with wire or mesh flooring as the Guinea pigs may injure their delicate feet.

The night area should contain plenty of high quality straw or shredded paper which the Guinea pigs will use for nesting and to stay warm. It is best not to use materials such as sawdust, woodchips or fabrics that may cause respiratory or other health problems. The cage should be placed in a draught-free spot, sheltered from the rain and away from cats and dogs. Guinea pigs have been known to die of heart failure from the effect of cats and dogs trying to get into their cage. Any soiled bedding should be changed daily.

When choosing cage furnishings, keep in mind that Guinea pigs will chew on anything to wear down their constantly growing teeth, so it is important to place non-toxic items in their cage. Providing the Guinea pigs with a gnawing log such as a untreated fruit tree branch, some tunnels to crawl through and platforms to climb on will help to enrich their environment.

Diet

Guinea pigs like lots of fresh green grass, but also provide commercial Guinea pig pellets formulated for this species. Guinea pigs require lots of vitamin C so supplement their diet with carrots, celery, cabbage, silverbeet and a little wholemeal bread. Apple and watermelon can be fed as a treat but remember to remove the seeds as these are toxic to Guinea pigs. Place the food inside a heavy bowl resistant to tipping and gnawing. Always have fresh clean water available in a sipper bottle. Change the water daily.

Handling

Guinea pigs are easily stressed and they have fragile bone so handle them very carefully. To pick up a Guinea pig place one slowly under his chest just behind the front legs, then gently cup your other hand under his hindquarters, once lifted immediately pull him close to your chest or lap, so the Guinea pig doesn’t thrash or struggle which can cause injury. If you let your Guinea pig indoors keep it away from dangerous things such as stoves, heaters, heights or other animals which may cause it harm.

Other guinea pigs

Guinea pigs enjoy each others company, so it is recommended to keep two or more Guinea pigs together, providing there is enough cage space. Ensure the Guinea pigs are the same sex and are temperamentally compatible as two males kept together may fight.

Health

Guinea pigs and humans are the only animals to get the disease scurvy, which is caused by a lack of vitamin C, so including fresh vegetables in your Guinea pigs diet is very important.

Check your Guinea pig’s claws and teeth occasionally to see if they are overgrown.

Constipation and diarrhea can be cured by a change of diet. Give the Guinea pig more greens and liquids if constipation is present and food pellets only if it has diarrhea.
You can lightly dust your Guinea pig with flea powder occasionally, but use only cat or kitten powder. This will stop it from getting fur-mites.

A little cod-liver oil given occasionally, especially in winter, will help to keep your Guinea pig healthy.

If at any time your Guinea pig suffers hair loss, seems depressed or has a poor appetite, see your vet surgeon immediately.

Desexing

Desexing is very important as it stops unwanted young from being born. If you keep a male (boar) and a female (sow) together, you must have the males neutered as Guinea pigs can produce up to 15 young a year.