Housing

A guinea pig needs lots of room to exercise, and to explore.  See www.cavycages.com for instructions on building a custom guinea pig cage for less than $30.00!

Guinea pigs need privacy, provide a ‘hidey house’ for each of your guinea pigs.

Never use cedar bedding!   Because it’s dusty and strong smelling, cedar can cause Upper Respiratory Infections in your guinea pig.  Instead of cedar, use fleece or Carefresh brand bedding.  The author recommends Carefresh brand bedding.  It lasts longer than woodchips or corncob bedding, and is much easier on folks with allergies.

Never use strong smelling chemicals in or around your guinea pig’s cage.  You can use white vinegar to effectively clean your guinea pig’s cage.  A mild soap can be used to clean plastic hidey houses, water bottles, and other cage accessories.

Guinea pigs need lots of fresh greens, and on occasion fruits.  Feed one cup of fresh vegetables a day per guinea pig. 

If you’d like to give your piggy snacks, stick with fresh fruits.  ‘Store bought’ guinea pig treats generally have too much sugar, or worse, are filled with seeds and nuts that your guinea pig can choke on.  Guinea pigs cannot properly digest milk products (i.e. yogurt).

Be sure your friend always has a full bottle of clean, fresh water. 

Pellets designed especially for guinea pigs are an essential part of their diet.  Be sure to feed timothy pellets to adult guinea pigs, and alfalfa for the youngsters.  Give your piggy 1-2 tablespoons a day, and replace with new feed every morning.  The best pellets you can give your guy are  Kleenmama's pellets or Oxbow pellets.  Never buy pellets with seeds or nuts.

Your guinea pig loves timothy hay!  Make sure he/she always has unlimited amounts of hay.  If your guinea pig is a baby, be sure he/she also gets some alfalfa.  Replace soiled hay as needed (not only will your guinea pig love to eat hay, your guinea pig will also love to roll in the hay, play in the hay, and poop and pee in the hay).  The best hay you can provide is either Kleenmama’s hay, or Oxbow’s timothy hay. 

Health Maintenance

It’s a great idea to find a vet that specializes in guinea pigs.  The author recommends (for those in the Victoria, Texas area), Dr. John Beck.  You may make an appointment with him at the following address and phone number:

Hillcrest Animal Hospital

4001 John Stockbauer Dr.

Victoria, Texas 77904

(361)573-6131

Guinea pigs are great pretenders.  Chances are, if your guinea pig were sick, you wouldn’t know it.  That’s why it’s very important to weigh them weekly. You can purchase a kitchen scale (for weighing produce) from places like Target or Wal-mart to weigh your little guy in.  If your guinea pig loses three or more ounces, it’s time for a vet visit! 

During your weekly weigh-in, be sure to pay close attention to his teeth.  Are they even?  They should be.  Also, pay close attention to his coat, ears, eyes and nose.  Any change may signify an underlying health problem that requires attention.

I cannot stress this enough.  Guinea pigs are very fragile creatures and require immediate veterinary care when they are sick.  If you feel you cannot or will not seek veterinary care when it’s needed, then guinea pigs just aren’t for you.

For more ‘in-depth’ information on guinea pig health and care, visit www.guinealynx.com.