Pet Mania

 Print This Page

Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are adorable rodents that are fun to watch and hold. They make cute noises and even greet you when you enter the room!

Fun facts:
-Guinea pigs are actually called “cavies” in most parts of the world.
-When they are excited, they jump straight up in the air, called “popcorning”!
-They are very social creatures who love to be with other pigs. Some people even keep a whole “herd” of guinea pigs!
-The normal age for a pig to live is 6 to 8 years, but some can live up to 10 years.

Basic supplies:
-Cage should be 4 times the size of the guinea pig stretched out.
-Litter such as Carefresh, Cellsorb or aspen wood shavings
-Water bottle with fresh water provided daily
-HAY (75% of their diet!), preferably timothy
-Pelleted food fortified with vitamin C. (Alfalfa based is okay for young pigs <8 months, but then should be switched to Timothy based pellets)
-Food bowl
-Vitamin C supplement, in tablet form or liquid to add to water
-Dark leafy greens
-Chew toys
-Brush and nail clippers

Extra add-ons:
-”Cuddle cup” or “snuggle sack” for guinea pig to sleep in
-Guinea pig or baby shampoo
-Treats such as dried fruit or nuts, to be fed sparingly

Basic care:
-Guinea pigs thrive on the company of other pigs, and so adding another pig of the same gender (or else fixed) to your single guinea can greatly improve its quality of life.
-The cage should be cleaned once a week.
-Your pig should get brushed every now and then, but especially if it is long haired. Your pig may need to be bathed, in which case you can use piggy shampoo or kitten shampoo to gently wash it. Make sure the water is warm, and that you do not get its face wet. The pig must be thoroughly dried off after being bathed, as they may get too cold.
-Guinea pigs need their nails trimmed every couple months. Look for a pink worm-like shape in the nail, for this is the blood vessel/nerve, and shouldn’t be cut. Cut at least 1 cm away from the quick. Pet Mania provides this service free if you aren’t comfortable doing this, so feel free to bring your piggy in to see us!
-Vitamin C is very important in the diet of a guinea pig, and should be supplemented. Leafy greens such as kale and mustard greens are high in this vitamin and should be a regular part of your pig’s diet.
-Your guinea pig will make a variety of sounds, especially if being kept with another pig. If your pig starts “wheeking” or oinking at you, don’t be alarmed! It is begging for snacks. This is the typical way your pig may greet you when it sees you walk into the room.
-Most guinea pigs take a little while to warm up to people, but don’t get discouraged! After a while your pig will get used to the sound of your voice, and with a little “treat bribery” you will be pals in no time.
-When picking up your guinea pig, use one hand to support its bottom and keep the other hand under its front legs. The more secure a guinea pig feels, the more comfortable they become with being picked up.

Possible health concerns:
-Without enough vitamin C, guinea pigs suffer from scurvy. Signs of this problem include lethargy or problems moving its limbs. Make sure your pig gets plenty of vitamin C in its diet, and this problem is easily avoidable.
-Just like rabbits, guinea pigs’ teeth are constantly growing. Chewing hay wears down the teeth, but if the teeth are not properly aligned they will not wear properly and may cause the pig pain. If you notice your piggy is not eating like normal, you may need to take it to a veterinarian to have its teeth clipped or filed.
-CEDAR wood shavings should never be used as litter for guinea pigs or other small animals, as it releases an a toxic oil that can be absorbed into the pig’s skin.