Guinea Pig Care Guide

Caring for guinea pigs requires understanding their needs for space, nutrition, socialization, and enrichment. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your guinea pig thrives in its new home:

Cage Size:
Guinea pigs need ample space to roam and explore. Here are some recommended cage sizes:

  • 1 Guinea Pig: Minimum 2x3 grids
  • 2 Guinea Pigs: Minimum 2x4 grids
  • 3 Guinea Pigs: Minimum 2x5 grids
  • 4 Guinea Pigs: Minimum 2x6 or 3x4 grids

Recommended Cage Types:
We recommend Kavee C&C cages, which offer ample space and easy customization. Another great option is a cage from Amazon, such as this one: Amazon c&c cage.

Bedding:
Choose bedding that is absorbent, comfortable, and safe for your guinea pig. Here are our top recommendations:

  • Absorbent Fleece Liners: These are easy to clean and help keep the environment dry, making them ideal for guinea pigs.
  • Chenille Noodle Rugs: Soft, absorbent, and cozy, these rugs provide a comfortable surface for your guinea pig to walk and lie on.

Nutritious Diet:
A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy guinea pig. Here’s what to provide:

  • Unlimited Hay: Essential for digestion and dental health. Offer fresh timothy hay daily.
  • Fresh Green Vegetables: Include bell peppers, leafy greens (like spinach or kale), cucumbers, and other safe veggies daily.
  • Pellets: We recommend Oxbow pellets for a balanced diet, ensuring your piggy gets essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Occasional Fruit: Treats like apples, strawberries, and berries can be given in moderation.

Supplemental Vitamin C: Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C, so it is essential to provide vitamin C-rich foods or supplement with Oxbow Vitamin C Cookies (one per day).

Daily Enrichment:
Guinea pigs are active and curious, so providing daily enrichment helps them stay mentally and physically stimulated:

  • Snuffle Mats: Encourage foraging and mental stimulation by hiding treats in snuffle mats.
  • Chew Toys: Essential for dental health. Offer safe chew toys to keep their teeth in check and prevent boredom.
  • Hiding Places: Guinea pigs need secure spaces to retreat and rest. Provide at least two hideys or cozy spots in their cage.
  • Free Roam Time: Allow your guinea pig at least 1 hour of floor time daily to explore and exercise outside of the cage.

Other Fun Enrichment Ideas:

  • Tunnels: Use collapsible guinea pig tunnels during free-roam time to encourage exploration and exercise.
  • Foraging Activities: Hide small treats (like bits of carrot or herbs) in hay or in toys to stimulate natural foraging behavior.
  • Timothy Hay Chews: Chew toys made of hay help keep teeth healthy and provide a safe, enjoyable activity.
  • Apple Tree Wooden Sticks: These are great for keeping teeth healthy and providing safe chewing options.
  • Small Play Balls: Lightweight, guinea pig-sized balls they can push around are perfect for entertainment.

Additional Care Tips:

  • Nail Trimming: Regularly trim your guinea pig’s nails using small, safe clippers, such as cat nail clippers.
  • Hydration: Ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water (two water bottles are recommended).
  • Cuddle Time: Guinea pigs thrive on social interaction. Make sure to give them plenty of daily cuddles and attention.
  • Comfortable Sleeping Areas: Cuddle cups or cozy hideaways provide your guinea pig with extra comfort and a sense of security.

Recommended Products:

  • OXBOW Adult or Young Adult Pellets (depending on age) for a balanced diet.
  • OXBOW Vitamin C Cookies for daily vitamin C supplementation.
  • Timothy Hay (unlimited supply).
  • 32 oz Water Bottle to ensure constant hydration.
  • Cuddle Cups for extra comfort.
  • Fleece Pee Pads under water bottles and hidey areas to help keep their space clean and dry.