

Basic Guinea Pig Care
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Guinea Pigs!
Hey there, fellow guinea pig enthusiast! It's Feather here, from Serenity Guinea Pig and Friends Rescue. We're absolutely over the moon that you're thinking about welcoming these adorable little fluffballs into your life! Get ready for endless snuggles, quirky antics, and those oh-so-cute wheeks that will melt your heart.
At Serenity, we're passionate about matching guinea pigs with their perfect human companions and making sure they have everything they need to live their best piggy lives. This guide is your go-to resource for all things guinea pig care, packed with information and tips from the experts at Guinea Lynx. So, grab a cup of something warm, get comfy, and let's embark on this exciting adventure together!
Choosing Your Guinea Pig
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Where to Find Your New Bestie:
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Shelters and Rescues: We might be a little biased, but we truly believe that adopting from a shelter or rescue like ours is the way to go! You'll be giving a deserving guinea pig a second chance at happiness, and you'll be helping us make space for even more piggies in need. Plus, you'll have our amazing team to guide you every step of the way. We can help you find the perfect guinea pig to fit your lifestyle and personality, and we'll provide you with all the information and support you need to give your new furry friend the best possible care.
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Things to Consider Before Bringing Your Guinea Pig Home:
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Personality: Just like us, every guinea pig has their own unique personality. Spend some time getting to know the piggies at the rescue. Some might be social butterflies and love to popcorn around, while others might be a bit shy and need a little extra time to warm up. We can help you understand their different personalities and choose a guinea pig that will thrive in your home.
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Companionship: Guinea pigs are social creatures and thrive in pairs or small groups. We always suggest adopting at least two. They'll love having a buddy to snuggle with, chat with, and share their veggies with. Having a companion helps prevent loneliness and boredom, and it's wonderful to watch them interact and play together.
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Sex: If you're planning on having a piggy party of more than one (which we highly recommend!), it's usually best to choose two girls, two boys, or a neutered male and a female. This prevents any surprise litters and ensures a harmonious living environment for your furry friends. We can guide you through the process of introducing guinea pigs and help you create a happy and bonded pair or group.
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Age: Guinea pigs can bring joy to your life for 5 to 7 years, sometimes even longer! So, think about whether you'd prefer a young, energetic piglet who loves to popcorn and play, or a more mature, relaxed companion who enjoys cuddles and naps. Both young and older guinea pigs have their own unique charms, and we can help you find the perfect fit for your family.
Housing Your Guinea Pig
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Cage Size Matters:
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The bigger the cage, the happier the piggies! Guinea Lynx recommends a minimum of 7.5 square feet for two guinea pigs, but bigger is always better! Think of it as their own little palace - the more space they have to explore, popcorn, and play, the more enriched their lives will be. A spacious cage allows for plenty of room for hiding, running, and exploring, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
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Cage Types:
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C&C Cages: These are fantastic DIY cages made from grids and coroplast (a type of plastic). They're super customizable, easy on the wallet, and a breeze to clean. You can design your own layout and create a unique and spacious home for your guinea pigs. C&C cages offer excellent ventilation and are easy to expand if you decide to add more piggies to your family.
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Midwest Habitats: These are ready-made cages that are also nice and spacious. They're easy to put together, and your piggies will love them! Midwest habitats provide a secure and comfortable environment, and they come in various sizes to accommodate different numbers of guinea pigs.
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Bedding:
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Fleece: Fleece bedding is soft, comfy, and reusable. It's a great choice if you're looking for an eco-friendly option that's gentle on your guinea pigs' feet. Fleece is also absorbent and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for many guinea pig owners.
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> Mischief Stitches, Piggy Pancakes Fleece & Ashes Fleece our recommendations.
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Paper Bedding: Paper bedding is another good choice, especially for piggies who love to burrow and snuggle. It's soft, absorbent, and provides a comfortable surface for your guinea pigs to rest on. There are many different types of paper bedding available, so you can choose one that suits your preferences and your guinea pigs' needs.
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Aspen Shavings: Aspen shavings are safe for your piggies, but stay away from cedar and pine shavings - they can be harmful to their little noses and lungs. Aspen shavings provide a natural and comfortable bedding option, and they can help absorb odors.
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Cage Accessories:
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Hideys: Every guinea pig needs a safe space to hide and relax. Make sure you have at least one hidey per piggy. They'll love having their own little retreat where they can feel secure and comfortable. Hideys can be made from various materials, such as wood, fabric, or even cardboard boxes.
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Water Bottles: A water bottle with a sipper tube is the best way to keep your piggies hydrated. Make sure to refresh the water daily and clean the bottle regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Always choose a bottle that is easy for your guinea pigs to access and drink from.
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Food Bowls: Heavy ceramic bowls are perfect because they're hard to tip over (and we all know how much piggies love to redecorate!). Choose bowls that are shallow and wide enough for your guinea pigs to eat comfortably from.
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Hay Racks: A hay rack keeps the hay nice and tidy, and it encourages your piggies to eat more of this essential food. Hay racks come in various designs, so you can choose one that fits your cage and your guinea pigs' preferences. Hay racks should not be able trap guinea pigs and should be for supplementing not the main source of hay.
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Feeding Your Guinea Pig: A Guide to Happy Tummies
Alright, let's talk about everyone's favorite topic - FOOD! Guinea pigs are little eating machines, and they need a balanced and nutritious diet to keep them healthy and happy. Don't worry, it's not complicated! Just follow these guidelines, and your piggies will be munching their way to good health.
Hay is King!
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Unlimited Timothy Hay: Think of Timothy hay as the foundation of your guinea pig's diet. It should make up about 80% of what they eat! It's essential for their digestion, keeps their teeth trimmed, and provides them with important nutrients. Make sure they have access to fresh Timothy hay 24/7.
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Alfalfa Hay for the Young 'Uns: If you have young guinea pigs (under 6 months old), pregnant piggies, or nursing mamas, they need alfalfa hay. It's higher in calcium and protein, which is essential for their growth and development.
Pellets: A Little Extra Goodness
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Plain and Simple: Choose a plain, Timothy hay-based pellet. Avoid those colorful mixes with seeds, nuts, and dried fruits - they can be unhealthy and cause picky eating habits. Guinea pigs only need about 1/8 cup of pellets per day.
Veggies: The Fun Part!
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Variety is Key: Guinea pigs need their veggies! Offer a variety of fresh, leafy greens every day. Some of their favorites include romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuce, cilantro, parsley, and bell peppers.
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Vitamin C Boost: Guinea pigs can't produce their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet. Offer vitamin C-rich veggies like bell peppers (especially red ones!), kale, and parsley.
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Treats in Moderation: Fruits can be given as occasional treats, but only in small amounts because of their sugar content. Think of things like a small slice of apple, a few blueberries, or a tiny piece of banana.
Foods to Avoid
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No-No's: Some foods are harmful to guinea pigs and should be avoided altogether. These include avocados, onions, garlic, rhubarb, and chocolate. Always do your research before introducing a new food to your guinea pig's diet.
Water, Water Everywhere!
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Fresh and Clean: Make sure your guinea pigs always have access to fresh, clean water. A water bottle with a sipper tube is the best way to provide this. Change the water daily and clean the bottle regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
Remember:
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Introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting your guinea pig's tummy.
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Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your piggies.
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If you have any questions about your guinea pig's diet, don't hesitate to ask us or consult with a veterinarian who specializes in guinea pig care.
Keeping Your Guinea Pig Healthy: A Guide to Wellness
We all want our furry friends to live long, happy, and healthy lives! This section will give you the knowledge and tools to keep your guinea pigs in tip-top shape. Remember, prevention is key, and regular checkups with an exotic vet are crucial for catching any potential health issues early on.
Signs of a Healthy Guinea Pig
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Bright Eyes and Shiny Coat: A healthy guinea pig has bright, alert eyes and a smooth, glossy coat.
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Active and Alert: They should be active and curious, exploring their environment and interacting with their cage mates.
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Good Appetite: Healthy guinea pigs have a healthy appetite and enjoy munching on their hay, pellets, and veggies.
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Regular Poops: Keep an eye on those poops! Healthy guinea pig droppings are oval-shaped, firm, and relatively dry.
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Happy Wheeks: A happy guinea pig is a vocal guinea pig! You should hear those adorable wheeks and squeaks regularly.
Common Health Problems in Guinea Pigs
Even with the best care, guinea pigs can sometimes experience health issues. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
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Respiratory Infections: These are common in guinea pigs and can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes or nose, and difficulty breathing.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain when urinating.
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Dental Problems: Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously, so dental problems can occur if they don't wear them down properly. Symptoms include drooling, difficulty eating, and weight loss.
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Scurvy: Guinea pigs need vitamin C in their diet. A deficiency can lead to scurvy, which causes weakness, lethargy, and joint pain.
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Parasites: Guinea pigs can be affected by external parasites like mites and lice, as well as internal parasites like worms.
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Skin Problems: Skin problems can be caused by allergies, fungal infections, or parasites. Symptoms include itching, hair loss, and scabs.
What to Do if Your Guinea Pig is Sick
If you notice any signs of illness in your guinea pig, it's important to contact an exotic veterinarian who specializes in guinea pig care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in their recovery.
Finding an Exotic Vet
Not all vets are experienced in treating guinea pigs. It's important to find an exotic vet who has specific knowledge and experience in guinea pig care. You can ask your local animal shelter or rescue for recommendations, or search online for exotic vets in your area. We use Westpark Animal Hospital and see Dr Stubbs for most of our vet services.
Preventing Illness
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Cleanliness is Key: Keep your guinea pigs' cage clean and dry to prevent the spread of bacteria and parasites.
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Balanced Diet: A balanced diet with plenty of hay, fresh vegetables, and vitamin C is crucial for maintaining good health.
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Stress Reduction: Stress can weaken the immune system, so provide a calm and comfortable environment for your guinea pigs.
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Regular Vet Checkups: Schedule regular checkups with an exotic vet to monitor your guinea pigs' health and catch any potential problems early on.
Your Guinea Pig's Health: A Partnership for Life
Remember, you're not alone on this journey! At Serenity Guinea Pig and Friends Rescue, we're always here to support you and your guinea pigs. If you have any questions or concerns about your guinea pig's health, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're happy to offer advice, resources, and a listening ear.
By working together and staying informed, we can ensure that our guinea pigs receive the best possible care and live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. After all, their happiness is our happiness! ❤️