Things to consider
So you're thinking of getting a guinea pig? Congratulations on deciding on such an adorable animal. However, before you go ahead and get your gorgeous guineas there are some things to consider. Guinea pigs are sociable animals. They should not be kept on their own if it can be avoided. They should be kept in pairs. Sows (girls) can also be kept in larger groups, and they tend to thrive with company of their own kind. They need plenty of space and lots of time from their owner.
Please do not get guinea pigs for a child / children unless you are prepared to care for them if the kids lose interest. It breaks my heart to think of guinea pigs just shoved in a hutch in the garden and forgotten about.
Guinea pigs do not like the cold and are prone to respiratory problems and pneumonia. That's not to say that they don't like being outside - quite the contrary, but certainly in winter they will require a heated shed, or why not bring them indoors? Indoor piggies get the chance to spend more time with their owners so tend to become tame quickly. Please do not purchase / rehome guinea pigs if you intend to keep them in a hutch outside in the garden, particularly in cold / damp weather. It is not good for them at all.
Please do not get guinea pigs for a child / children unless you are prepared to care for them if the kids lose interest. It breaks my heart to think of guinea pigs just shoved in a hutch in the garden and forgotten about.
Guinea pigs do not like the cold and are prone to respiratory problems and pneumonia. That's not to say that they don't like being outside - quite the contrary, but certainly in winter they will require a heated shed, or why not bring them indoors? Indoor piggies get the chance to spend more time with their owners so tend to become tame quickly. Please do not purchase / rehome guinea pigs if you intend to keep them in a hutch outside in the garden, particularly in cold / damp weather. It is not good for them at all.
What do you need?
As long as you understand the above regarding keeping piggies inside or in a heated shed, and you are happy to have more than one then the things you will need are as follows:
If you need any more info on the above I am happy to share my experiences with you.
- Hutch / Cage. The recommended size for 2 piggies is 4ft x 2ft. If you are keeping 2 boars (boys) then bigger is better. (Please see links page for ideas for housing for your piggies)
- A ceramic food bowl. Guinea pigs have a tendency to knock over their bowls. Ceramic bowls are heavier, so they tend to stay put!
- A water bottle - putting water in a bowl is not an option for piggies as they sit in it and knock it over.
- Lots of good quality hay. Timothy hay is best, although they can also have meadow hay. Look for dust extracted hay. Do not give guinea pigs alfalfa hay unless they are young or pregnant sows as it is no good for them. Piggies must have access to hay at all times. They are constant grazers and this is a major part in keeping their digestive system in tip top condition.
- Bedding - I normally use fleece for my piggies as shavings can cause respiratory problems. Please see links page for more info and the pros/cons of different bedding. I am happy to chat to you about my experience / advice on different beddings etc.
- Run - Piggies will appreciate a run on the grass or in the house, and should be allowed plenty of time for excercise. Please be careful with piggies on grass - I was heart broken when I lost 2 of my boys following them eating some contaminated grass. I would recommend using preventative measures for worms/lice etc as you would do with your cat / dog. This is available in the same sort of form as spot on. Please note it is not usually recommended for use on piggies under 6 months old.
- Food - Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and therefore they require it in their diet. DO NOT FEED RABBIT FOOD. It does not contain the necessary vitamin C and therefore is not suitable. Only feed food specifically designed for guinea pigs. Pellets are better than the muesli style food as piggies tend to selectively feed - they only eat the parts that they like and miss out the others, which means that they can become malnourished. Guinea pigs will also benefit from fresh vegetables in their diet. Please see this link for info on what veggies are safe for piggies and how often - www.guineapigcages.com/food/Veggie-and-Fruit-Charts.pdf
- Love - guinea pigs will require a lot of love and attention, and will happily return it.
If you need any more info on the above I am happy to share my experiences with you.
Which piggies should you get?
There is a myth that you cannot keep boars together. This is rubbish. Often pairs of boy piggies are very successful, however there are some things to consider. You are better off getting 2 baby boys at the same time, or getting a baby boy to go with an adult boar. Please see the links page for advice on keeping boars and their behaviour. I personally have kept bonded boars together without issue. Boys can quite often be calmer than girls and I have found them to make lovely pets.
You can generally keep sows in larger groups, although sometimes you do find sows that just do not like other sows, or do not want to be part of a group. Sows can have their fallings out just like boys can. As with all living beings it is all down to their individual personalities.
Please do not keep a male and female guinea pig together unless you are prepared to deal with the consequences - they will have babies, these will require extra care and attention. The male will have to be removed from the female immediately after birth or she will get pregnant again straight away which is very very bad news for her health. Boy babies must be removed from their mum and sisters by 4 weeks as they can impregnate females from that age. Sows should not be bred before 6 months, and never after 12 months as this can kill them. Please if you are thinking of breeding your piggy talk to people with experience first and do lots of research. It is in the best interests of your piggy and yourself as you will be forewarned of issues that you could run into.
Regarding breeds and colours there are plenty to choose from - please see my various breeds on the links at the top of the page. Each breed has different traits etc just like dogs. One thing you will need to consider is whether to go for short haired or long haired or something in between. I am happy to offer advice on the requirements of different types of coat and their grooming needs.
You can generally keep sows in larger groups, although sometimes you do find sows that just do not like other sows, or do not want to be part of a group. Sows can have their fallings out just like boys can. As with all living beings it is all down to their individual personalities.
Please do not keep a male and female guinea pig together unless you are prepared to deal with the consequences - they will have babies, these will require extra care and attention. The male will have to be removed from the female immediately after birth or she will get pregnant again straight away which is very very bad news for her health. Boy babies must be removed from their mum and sisters by 4 weeks as they can impregnate females from that age. Sows should not be bred before 6 months, and never after 12 months as this can kill them. Please if you are thinking of breeding your piggy talk to people with experience first and do lots of research. It is in the best interests of your piggy and yourself as you will be forewarned of issues that you could run into.
Regarding breeds and colours there are plenty to choose from - please see my various breeds on the links at the top of the page. Each breed has different traits etc just like dogs. One thing you will need to consider is whether to go for short haired or long haired or something in between. I am happy to offer advice on the requirements of different types of coat and their grooming needs.