Guinea pigs are popular pets, especially for families, largely due to their wonderful temperaments. They are social, keep a daytime schedule, and rarely bite, even when they are stressed. Guinea pigs do need a large cage and opportunities to exercise and play outside of the cage, as well as a diet that provides adequate vitamin C and roughage.
Introduction to Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs live, on average, 6 to 8 years, weigh about two to three pounds, come in a variety of colors, are very social, and make great pets for children and adults alike. Learn some facts about guinea pigs and what you need to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet.
Guinea Pig Breeds
Did you know there is a hairless variety of guinea pig? There are actually about a dozen different breeds of guinea pigs like texels, coronets, Baldwins, and more, all of which can be categorized by their hair (or lack thereof).
![Three guinea pigs with brown and white, all white and black, brown and white fur sitting next to each other]
Cages
Guinea pigs require spacious environments for healthy exercise. Consider buying large cages available online or at pet stores, or create a custom enclosure using small fences or pens to ensure your cavy has ample room to move safely. But even if you have a large cage, do not forget that your guinea pig will love some time to roam about freely.
![Guinea pigs in outdoor red cage with wire fence open]
Bedding for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs use the bathroom wherever they please so you will need bedding that is absorbent but does not harm your pet. Wood shavings used to be popular, but more information on how they can harm pets has been discovered over the years, especially cedar shavings. Popular choices include fleece, which can be purchased from a craft store and then washed and reused when it gets dirty, and various kinds of paper-based small animal bedding.
Warning It's essential to provide vitamin C in the guinea pig's diet as they can't produce it naturally. Also, avoid using cedar wood shavings as bedding, as it can harm your guinea pig.
Warning
It's essential to provide vitamin C in the guinea pig's diet as they can't produce it naturally. Also, avoid using cedar wood shavings as bedding, as it can harm your guinea pig.
Feeding
Vitamin C is crucial in a guinea pig’s diet, as they cannot produce it themselves, similar to humans and capybaras. Supply this vitamin through guinea pig-safe supplements and fortified pellet food. Additionally, provide plenty of roughage like timothy hay, and avoid sugary treats and seeds to prevent gastrointestinal problems.
![Brown and white guinea pig eating special guinea pig pellet food from white bowl]
Grooming
Should you bathe your guinea pig? How do you trim guinea pig nails? It's important to learn how to groom your guinea pig and what shampoo you can safely use on your cavy. Don't worry, you don't need to brush your guinea pig's teeth—but you do need to pay close attention to them. Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously throughout their lives and can become overgrown due to a variety of reasons. Overgrown teeth can cause your guinea pig a lot of pain and they may stop eating. Their teeth can be trimmed or removed, but hopefully, your guinea pig will never need either procedure.
Guinea Pig Names
Some people find naming their pets incredibly difficult. Thankfully there is a huge list available if you need a little help in this department. Find that perfect name for your new guinea pig or check to see if your pig's name made the list.