Guinea Pig Care and Facts

-My experience with this silly and wonderful creature-

      I have loved guinea pigs since I was a small child.  I had my first guinea pig when I was nine and his name was Lover.  I loved that pig and when he passed, my mother had everyone from work sign a card.💌
      As I grew up my love for these little special pets did not fade and rightfully so. I have had several guinea pigs and have also raised guinea pigs. My two favorite guinea pigs had wild long hair and their names were Laverne and Shirley.

Long hair guinea pig

Guinea pigs will take up a special place in your heart.  

      
     They require an incredible amount of attention and admiration.  Guinea pigs are mysterious creatures and are thought of as good luck in some cultures. They are happy, loving, loyal, and don't forget cute!
     They will squeal with delight when they see you and will whinny when they hear food. Be aware that this noise can happen anytime.  It can happen if you open the refrigerator, walk by, or crinkle a bag. It happens when they are hungry.  Guinea pigs are always hungry! 

They should have at least 1/8th of pellets daily.  They should have more if they are pregnant, nursing, or under 6 months.  

They should always have a supply of Timothy Hay and water.  

Fresh vegetables and fruits can be given daily at around 1 cup in total.  Sometimes more. 

Here is the wondrous noise they make! 

Guinea Pig Must-Haves-

• Large cage- 10.5 square foot cage or larger is preferred.  They bounce and play all-day

• Fresh Water at all times

• Vitamin C- guinea pigs cannot make vitamin C.  They usually need a supplement in their water. 

• Timothy hay at all times
• Guinea pig pellets that do not have tons of fillers like nuts, corn, etc. Adult guinea pigs have around 1/8th of a cup.  Pregnant, nursing or guinea pigs under 6 months may have more.
• Treats! 

There is a large range of fun treats available specifically made for guinea pigs. 

 

• Guinea pigs love veggies.  They eat and eat and eat.  Daily intake is around 1 full cup of veggies.  
• Bedding that will not irritate their sensitive skin-aspen and pine can be inexpensive but irritating.
• Love and attention- Easy!
• The ability to clean a cage often!  Cages need to be completely cleaned at least once a week.  A dustpan and a trash can will help you get the bulk of the bedding out.  Then clean the bottom of their living environment with pet-friendly solvent and paper towels or rags.  
• A brush- Some guinea pigs have long hair and will require brushing.

• A bed- Guinea pigs love to lay around and sprawl out.  A soft bed is ideal and can be purchased at a Petstore or online.  

Here are a few guinea pig items available. They can range from food, bedding, cages, etc.

-Guinea pig care items-

       This is just a start to what goes into loving a guinea pig.  Guinea pigs can 4-8 years.  My guinea pigs have lived longer than this.  Know that it takes a large commitment and they become a member of the family.  
They soil their cage at an alarming rate.  This is not a pet that a child will likely be able to take care of easily.  The cage will become too much to handle without adult help.  Even if your child promises to take care of the cage, it is an adult job.  Eventually, your child may handle it alone but supervision is always needed to ensure a healthy living environment.  

A guinea pig is not a fair-weather friend

With Love and Care!  

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Attribution: Sound provided by J-Luc
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