Guinea Pets Make Great Pets

Guinea pigs are very gentle creatures that do not bite or scratch and can become very close with their owners. Guinea pigs are very social animals and in some countries it is illegal to have only one! If you are considering getting a guinea pet, get them at least one friend. They do much better in groups then alone.

Guinea pigs have a diet similar to tiny horses. They eat around 80% hay, 15% pellets, and 5% fruits and veggies. They are vitamin D deficit so you will need to give them a supplement daily or feed them a something high in vitamin C such as green peppers.

Guinea pigs live anywhere from 5-8 years on average but can live longer. Many sure you are ready for that commitment when considering getting them. They also require space. Most pet store cages are not the best for piggies. They require horizontal space rather than vertical. You should not utilize harnesses or leads to “walk” them as they have fragile bones and it is not good for their spine. Never use hamster or chinchilla balls for them. They should not be housed in cages with grates designed for rabbits as their feet can easily become stuck.

For bedding, recycle paper bedding usually works fine; avoid pine or wood shavings. Many people elect to use simple fleece fabric as bedding and wash it rather than using traditional bedding. When the weather is nice, Guinea pigs enjoy being outside and eating grass. They don’t do well with extreme temperatures so keeping them outside year around can be a challenge.

These are just some of the basic things to consider when looking to adopt a Guinea pig. Feel free to message us with any further questions you may have.