Caring for pet guinea pigs

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Guinea pigs, also known as cavy’s have been a beloved pet in Australian households for decades, and their popularity continues to grow. These adorable, furry creatures have a rich history that dates back to South America, where they were first domesticated by the Incas over 3,000 years ago. Today, guinea pigs are a popular choice as pets due to their petite size, docile nature, and relatively low maintenance care.

Guinea pig facts

• Guinea pigs are rodents, not pigs, and belong to the Caviidae family. 
• The Latin name for guinea pig is cavia porcellus, which is often shortened to “cavy”. 

History of guinea pigs

Guinea pigs were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century, where they became a popular exotic pet among the wealthy. They were highly valued for their soft fur, gentle nature, and ability to thrive in captivity. Queen Elizabeth I kept guinea pigs as pets, which helped establish them as companions in royal societies. In the 19th century, guinea pigs were brought to Australia, where they quickly became a popular pet among families and breeders.

The earliest known European painting depicting a guinea pig is a portrait, dated around 1580, in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, showing a girl holding a guinea pig. The painting, by an unknown Anglo-Netherlandish artist, depicts three Elizabethan children, two boys and a girl, with the girl at the center cradling a brown and white guinea pig. 

Diet and nutrition

A balanced herbivourous diet is essential for the health and well-being of your guinea pig. Quality hay should be the main staple of their diet, supplemented with fresh vegetables and pellets specifically made for guinea pigs. Some safe vegetables to feed your guinea pig include:

• Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens
• Carrots, capsicum, and cucumbers
• Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and mint

Avoid feeding them avocados, chives, garlic, leeks, onions, chocolate, fruit seeds/pits, highly processed foods, peanut butter, raw potatoes, and certain plants like buttercups, hemlock, nightshades or privet.  Also, be sure to introduce new foods gradually to prevent digestive upset.

The importance of hay

Hay is a crucial component of a guinea pig’s diet, providing essential fiber and helping to keep their teeth trimmed. Timothy hay is a popular choice, but you can also offer other types of hay such as oaten or rye grass. Make sure to provide a constant supply of fresh hay, as guinea pigs can eat up to 80% of their diet in hay.

Lucerne hay (also known as alfalfa hay) is high in calcium, which can lead to kidney and bladder stones. It is only recommended to feed lucern to guinea pigs requirining additional calcium supplement such as pregnant, lactating or baby guinea pigs. It is best to avoid feeding lucern to adult guinea pigs. 

Water bottles and hydration

Guinea pigs need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Water bottles are a convenient and hygienic way to provide water, but make sure to check the bottle regularly to ensure it’s not leaking or empty. You can also offer a water bowl as an alternative, but be sure to clean it daily to prevent bacterial growth.

Health and preventing illness

When kept healthy and given proper care, guinea pigs typically live for 5 to 8 years, though some may live longer, even up to 10 years. 

Guinea pigs are prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory infections, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), dental problems, skin conditions (like abscesses and mites), and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and GI stasis.  To prevent illness, make sure to:

• Provide a clean and well-ventilated environment.
• Offer a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and hay.
• Keep your guinea pig’s cage clean and free of waste.
• Monitor your guinea pig’s health regularly, looking for signs of illness such as runny eyes, sneezing, or lethargy.

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the most common health problems in guinea pigs:

1. Respiratory infections:

• Cause: Respiratory infections are a major concern, often caused by bacteria like Bordetella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. 
• Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, discharge from the nose or eyes, lethargy, and inappetence. 
• Importance: Respiratory infections can be very serious and potentially fatal if not treated promptly. 

2. Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency):

• Cause: Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and must obtain it from their diet, so a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy. 
• Symptoms: Skin lesions, hair loss, and joint problems. 
• Importance: Ensuring a diet rich in vitamin C is crucial for preventing scurvy. For guinea pigs, excellent sources of vitamin C include leafy greens like kale, parsley, and spinach, as well as bell peppers, broccoli florets, and citrus fruits like oranges. Commercial vitamin C supplements are also available.

3. Dental problems:

• Cause: Guinea pigs have continuously growing teeth, and if they don’t wear down properly, this can cause malocclusion (misalignment of teeth) and overgrowth, leading to difficulty eating. 
• Symptoms: Difficulty eating, refusal to eat, drooling, and weight loss. 
• Importance: Regular dental check-ups and ensuring a diet with roughage (like hay) are important for maintaining good dental health. Provide safe wooden chews such as dried apple sticks to encourage natural chewing and tooth wear. Be cautious when choosing wood, as some types can be harmful. 

4. Skin conditions:

• Abscesses: These pus-filled sores can be a sign of an underlying infection or injury. 
• Mites and lice: Guinea pigs can be susceptible to external parasites like mites and lice, which can cause itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. 
• Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis): This painful condition involves inflammation and infection of the footpads, often caused by poor housing conditions. 
• Alopecia: Hair loss can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including parasites, stress, injury, or other illnesses. 

5. Gastrointestinal issues:

• Diarrhea: Can be caused by various factors, including dietary changes, infections, or parasites. 
• GI stasis: This occurs when the digestive tract slows down or stops, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. 
• Reduced appetite: If your guinea pig stops eating or eats less than usual, it’s a sign of a serious problem that needs veterinary attention. 
• Importance: Ensure to contact your vet immediately at first signs of GI issues as they can become life threatening very quickly.

6. Other health concerns:

• Urinary problems: Guinea pigs can be prone to urinary tract infections (cystitis), especially older females. 
• Tumors: While less common, tumors can occur in guinea pigs, and early detection is important. 
• Lameness or swelling of joints: Can indicate various problems, including bumblefoot, arthritis, or infections. 

Indoor housing using C&C caging

Housing guinea pigs indoors offers better control over their environment, protecting them from predators, extreme temperatures, and weather while also allowing for easier health monitoring and bonding opportunities.

C&C (cubes and coroplast) caging is a popular and humane way to house guinea pigs indoors. These cages are made from plastic cubes and coroplast sheets, which provide a safe and comfortable environment for your guinea pig.

Cage lining and bedding

For lining a grid cage for guinea pigs, you can use fleece liners, washable puppy pads, bath mats, or even towels or bed linen. Fleece liners are particularly good as they are soft, absorbent, and eco-friendly, while absorbent pads can be used beneath the fleece for extra moisture absorption. Use of these materials prevents dust that can occur when using wood shavings.

If you don’t have a coroplast base on your cage, it is recommended to lay down a plastic waterproof sheet first. Layers of puppy pads, fleece and mats can then be placed over the top. We use a plastic tablecloth under our cage (pictured) to prevent moisture soaking through to the floor.

You can use wood shavings if you prefer, but ensure they are dust-extracted and kiln-dried, and avoid cedar or pine shavings which can contain harmful chemicals or cause respiratory issues. Aspen shavings are generally considered the safest option. 

When setting up a C&C cage, make sure to include:

• A large enough space for your guinea pig to move around comfortably. (See table below for recommended cage sizing)
• Plenty of hiding spots and toys to keep your guinea pig entertained.
• A solid bottom to prevent your guinea pig from escaping or getting injured.
• Ensure their enclosure is well-ventilated, draft-free, and in a dry area, away from direct heat sources.

Grid cage size recommendations:

Security & enrichment

Guinea pigs are naturally skittish animals and need plenty of hiding spots to feel secure. You can provide hiding spots such as:

• Cardboard boxes
• Tunnels
• Plastic or wooden houses
• Fleece hideouts
• Cat caves

You can also enrich your guinea pig’s environment by providing enrichment toys and activities, such as:

• Chew toys made from wood or hay
• Cardboard rolls and toys
• Tunnels and mazes
• Food puzzles and treat dispensers
• Foraging mats

Keeping guinea pigs outdoors

If you decide to keep your guinea pigs’ house outdoors, there are several key factors to consider to ensure their safety and well-being.

• First, make the enclosure predator-proof to protect them from animals like cats, dogs, or wildlife.
• The shelter should be weatherproof, providing protection from rain, wind, and temperature extremes. Guinea pigs are sensitive to both heat and cold, so consider insulation or shading for temperature regulation.
• It’s important to bring them indoors during bad weather or at night, especially in colder months, to prevent stress and keep them safe.
• Ensure their space is large enough for them to move around comfortably, with soft bedding.
• Regularly check for pests and provide fresh water and ample hay.
• Keep their enclosure away from areas where pesticides are used or toxic plants grow, as these could be harmful.
• Lastly, make sure their area is quiet and secure, away from traffic or other disturbances, to maintain their health and comfort.

Handling guinea pigs

To handle guinea pigs correctly, approach them calmly and gently, use two hands for support (one under the chest/abdomen, the other under the hindquarters), and hold them close to your body to prevent them from jumping or wiggling.

• Use one hand to gently scoop under their chest, just behind their front feet, and the other hand to support their hindquarters. 
• Hold them firmly but gently, ensuring they are well supported and won’t be able to jump or wiggle out of your grasp. 
• Hold them close to your body to minimize the risk of injury if they become startled and try to jump. 
• Avoid placing on their backs. Guinea pigs instinctively feel threatened when placed on their backs, so avoid this position.
• If your guinea pig is not used to being handled, start with short periods of handling and gradually increase the duration.
• Avoid strong smelling soaps, perfumes or moisturisers when handling your guinea pigs. 
• Always support their legs. Ensure that their legs are supported when you pick them up and carry them. 
• When placing them back down, ensure you have a secure hold and lower them gently. 
  

Preventing breeding

If you’re not planning to breed your guinea pig, it’s essential to prevent breeding to avoid unwanted litters. You can do this by:

• Keeping males and females separate.
• Spaying or neutering your guinea pig.
• Providing a safe and secure environment that prevents escape or unwanted breeding.
• To prevent early pregnancies, male and female baby guinea pigs should be separated at 3-4 weeks of age.

Sexing guinea pigs

To tell the difference between male (boar) and female (sow) guinea pigs, examine their genital area: males have an “i” shape, while females have a “Y” shape.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Males (Boars):

• The genital area resembles a small, rounded opening, often described as an “i” shape. 
• You may also be able to feel the testicles as small, hard swellings behind the rear legs in adult, intact males. 

Females (Sows):

• The genital opening is a “Y” shape. 
• Gently parting the genital area will reveal the “Y” shape. 
• The anus sits at the lowest point below the female genitals and is separate from the genitals. 

Important considerations:

• Sexing guinea pigs can be tricky, especially in young or swollen newborns. 
• If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian or an experienced guinea pig owner. 
• It’s important to sex guinea pigs to avoid unwanted pregnancies and to prevent fighting between boars. 

Other important considerations

• Guinea pigs are social animals and prefer to live in pairs or groups. However, introducing new guinea pigs to each other can be challenging, so make sure to do it gradually and under close supervision.
• Guinea pigs are prone to heat stress, so make sure to provide a cool and well-ventilated environment, especially during hot summer months.
• Guinea pigs can be noisy, so be prepared for squeaking and whistling, especially at night.

In conclusion, caring for pet guinea pigs requires attention to their diet, health, and environment. By providing a balanced diet, plenty of hay, and a safe and comfortable environment, you can help your guinea pig live a happy and healthy life.

IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

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