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A: Housing A guinea pig’s cage should be at least 16x25” with a bedding pan that is 4-6” deep. A wire top and sides are ideal. You may notice that your guinea pig kicks bedding out of the cage. A simple solution to this is purchasing a few pieces of plexi-glass from your local hardware store and slipping them between the bedding pan and the wire. Since cedar bedding is toxic to guinea pigs, bedding made from pine shavings or recycled paper products should be used. You may want to spread a thin layer of cat litter underneath the bedding to control odor. If you notice that your guinea pig is nibbling on the litter, stop using it. Guinea pigs are defenseless animals in nature, so they feel secure when they are hiding. A wooden box or cardboard box placed inside the cage will provide a safe haven for your new pet as well as a comfortable place to sleep. Guinea pig urine has a strong odor, so be sure to clean the cage once every week. Litter training It is possible to litter train your guinea pig. However, keep in mind that not all guinea pigs are “litter trainable”. Simply place a small litter pan inside the cage and encourage your guinea pig to use it by placing a few droppings inside. You will eventually be able to place the litter box on the floor and allow your pet to come out of his cage. Keep in mind that males are generally larger and heavier, and they give off an unpleasant smell when they reach sexual maturity if they are not neutered. Females are smaller and they do not smell. Grooming You should purchase a nail clipper from a pet store and use it to trim your guinea pig’s nails. A human-grade nail clipper may split the nail. Use a soft-bristled brush to groom your guinea pig. Brush longhaired guinea pigs once weekly and shorthaired or rosette guinea pigs twice weekly only in the fall and spring when they shed their coats. Clean the ears gently with a tissue. If your pet is carrying its head at an angle and you notice foul-smelling brown residue inside of the ears, this is a very common sign of an ear infection. Please consult your veterinarian. Diet Timothy hay should be the staple of your guinea pig’s diet. Be sure to provide fresh hay and water at all times. Purchase hay that is green or green-brown, fresh smelling, and free of dust. Your guinea pig will enjoy eating greens from outside, such as dandelion leaves and clover. However, it is important to avoid anything that has been treated with fertilizers or pesticides. Fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits from the grocery store will provide your pet with essential vitamins and nutrients. Do not feed iceberg lettuce or cabbage, which have very little nutritional value. Guinea pigs are lactose intolerant; therefore, do not offer your pet any dairy products. Guinea pig pellets should be supplied daily, especially if you do not feed your pet a lot of hay. Avoid any food mixture that contains seeds or nuts because these can cause digestive problems. Guinea pigs need to chew on hard objects in order to keep their teeth short. Wooden chewing sticks can be purchased from a pet store, or you can provide your pet with untreated chewing sticks from birch, willow, or fruit trees. Guinea pigs are highly social animals. They are happiest when they are not left alone. Be sure to neuter or spay male and female pairs. Squeaking can be in response to pain, fear, or loneliness. However, a more common reason is to beg for food. Guinea pigs have a keen sense of hearing, and they will recognize sounds such as your footsteps and the refrigerator door and learn to respond to them by squeaking! The location of your guinea pig's should be bright, sunny, free of drafts but not too warm. It should be elevated above floor-level and placed in a family room or common area. Guinea pigs can live as long as eight to ten years.  | New Puppy FAQ's | Guinea Pig Care Sheet | Hypoglcemia Care | | Return Home | Puppies and Kittens | Events Schedule | Our Services | Great Links | FAQ Page | Contact Us | Puppy and Kitty feedback | |
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