Get the low down on guinea pigs

Guinea Pig Facts

1. Guinea pigs usually live between 5 and 6 years although some live longer.
   
   
2. Guinea pigs don’t like rabbits!  It’s best not to keep guinea pigs and rabbits together as some rabbits can be aggressive towards guinea pigs.  Rabbits also carry a bacteria that can make guinea pigs poorly.  Guinea pigs do like eachother though so you can keep them in small groups together.  It’s best just to have all girls or all boys if you don’t want baby guinea pigs though.
   
   
3. Guinea pigs come all the way from South America!
   
   
4. Guinea pigs can’t climb but they like running around and being active.  They also like digging and stretching out when the sleep.
   
   
5. Guinea pigs don’t like it when it’s very hot or very cold and can be ill if they are in temperatures below 15°C or above 26°C.

What type of house would my guinea pig like to live in?

There is a large variety of hutches and cages to choose from for your guinea pig.  In the Summer,  Guinea pigs can be kept outside as long as their hutch is in a good draught-free but well ventilated area and well protected against cats or foxes.  They might also enjoy spending some time in a mobile run on the grass as long as it has a dry covered area in case of rain.

Your guinea pig will need bedding in their cage or hutch as well as a little bowl for their food and a water bottle to drink from.  They may also like untreated wooden toys to chew on and a pipe or special place it can go if he or she feels scared. 

What should I give my guinea pig to eat?

Guinea pigs like to mainly graze on grass, herbs and plants like dandelions.  When it’s not too cold your guinea pig can go outside and eat the grass if you have a suitable pen.  When they are not eating grass, your guinea pig should mainly eat hay as well as some grass pellets from the pet shop.  Guinea pigs also like green leafy vegetables like kale and broccoli but they shouldn’t eat citrus fruits. 

Remember to always make sure your guinea pig has fresh clean water to drink. 

Any more guinea pig questions?

Just ask the team at your local Vets4Pets practice and they will be happy to help.