Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are great pets. They are clean they don't cost alot of money to keep and are very sociable animals.
They are best kept in pairs as they like each others company. (Remember they breed rapidly so make sure they are both the same sex!) It's better to get two from the same litter as they know each other and it will prevent fighting.
Male guinea pigs can be castrated from 5 months onwards, then they can be kept with females.
 
Guinea Pig Care

 

The Hutch

Guinea pigs need space so you should buy the biggest hutch you can afford. The hutch should have a sheltered area for night time and a light area for day time.  

Hutches should be weatherproofed if kept outside and placed in a sheltered position away from draught, cold and damp. The hutch should be raised off the floor and the hutch should be secured from predators such as foxes.

Bedding

Put lots of bedding in your guinea pigs hutch or cage. They will curl up snugly in it. Your guinea pig will need lots of clean bedding which you should change once a week or as soon as it becomes dirty.

Feeding

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for your guinea pig.

Pellet food

Pellet food has the same vitamins and minerals as a mix.  Pellet food stops guinea pigs picking out the bits they like and leaving the bits they don't (selective feeding). Although pellet food doesn't really give much variety to the diet it stops them losing vitamins from selective feeding.

Mix

A mix is a good main food for your guinea pig. It provides them with all the vitamins and minerals they need. They might pick out certain bits they like more than others so it's important to make sure they don't miss out on any vitamins.

Fruit and vegetables

 

Like us guinea pigs can't make vitamin C. So they should have a good supply of fresh vegetables and fruit. Remember though to introduce fruit and veg gradually to your guinea pig as to much at once may upset their stomach.

Only feed as much fresh food as they will eat as it will go mouldy quickly and may make your guinea pig ill if they eat it. Uneaten food should be removed.

Hay

Hay is an essential part of a guinea pigs diet not only does it give them something to chew when they get bored but it also aids their digestion.

Treats

There are lots of treats available at the pet shop. Some treats help to keep your   guinea pigs teeth short by wearing them down.

Mineral stick

A mineral stick will help to keep your guinea pig teeth short and help provide extra minerals.

Handling

Its important that you handle your guinea pig as much as possible. The more you handle them the tamer they'll become. To pick up your guinea pig place one hand under their chest and forelegs and your other hand under his bottom and scoop him up. Hold him firmly but gently.