General Information:
Unlike their name suggests, Guinea pigs are not from Guinea, nor are they biologically related to pigs, quite the contrary, in fact.
Guinea pigs are native to the lower slopes of the Andes mountains and local grasslands in South America. They’re social, chatty, active rodents who live in herds.
Interestingly, Guinea pigs aren't diurnal or nocturnal. Guinea pigs can be awake for approximately 20 hours a day, they scatter their resting periods somewhat intermittently throughout their activities. They usually display crepuscular behaviour, but can be active at other times as well.
They can live anywhere from 4-8 years in captivity but ages up to 14 years have been documented.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Housing can vary depending on your circumstances. Guinea pigs can be kept indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Guinea pigs:
C and C cages are a great, affordable, and secure set up for indoor Guinea pigs. They need plenty of floor space – horizontal rather than vertical. Some say you can keep 2 Guinea pigs in 7.5sqft enclosure, but 10.5-30sqft is much preferred - especially when it comes to housing boars. Please reference the infographic below.
As animal welfare standards improve, we believe the ideal minimum housing size should be around 20sqft.
Other options include custom made enclosures or converting an area of your home.
Unlike their name suggests, Guinea pigs are not from Guinea, nor are they biologically related to pigs, quite the contrary, in fact.
Guinea pigs are native to the lower slopes of the Andes mountains and local grasslands in South America. They’re social, chatty, active rodents who live in herds.
Interestingly, Guinea pigs aren't diurnal or nocturnal. Guinea pigs can be awake for approximately 20 hours a day, they scatter their resting periods somewhat intermittently throughout their activities. They usually display crepuscular behaviour, but can be active at other times as well.
They can live anywhere from 4-8 years in captivity but ages up to 14 years have been documented.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
Housing can vary depending on your circumstances. Guinea pigs can be kept indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Guinea pigs:
C and C cages are a great, affordable, and secure set up for indoor Guinea pigs. They need plenty of floor space – horizontal rather than vertical. Some say you can keep 2 Guinea pigs in 7.5sqft enclosure, but 10.5-30sqft is much preferred - especially when it comes to housing boars. Please reference the infographic below.
As animal welfare standards improve, we believe the ideal minimum housing size should be around 20sqft.
Other options include custom made enclosures or converting an area of your home.
Enrichment options are endless in today's market; you can have custom hides, hay boxes, gnawing toys - anything to encourage natural behaviours!
Useful Links:
Useful Links:
- www.burgesspetcare.com/gpaw/guinea-pig-welfare/environment/
- BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets (fifth edition)
Credit: https://www.manorpethousing.co.uk/enclosures
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Credit: https://squeakdreams.com/guinea-pig-indoor-cc-and-diy-cages-2020-can-you-build-and-design-your-own-custom-cage/
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Outdoor Guinea pigs:
An outdoor environment for guinea pigs can be a fantastic option as you may have space to build something truly remarkable. Shed conversions
When considering housing Guinea pigs outdoors, make sure they are safe from extreme weather conditions and predators. Chicken wire is not fox proof. Safe temperatures are approximately 16°C -24°C and humidity should be 40%-70%. Guinea pigs are prone to heatstroke so be mindful of this during warmer weather.
An outdoor accomodation should be as large as your budget allows and certainly meeting the minimum requirements already discussed.
An outdoor environment for guinea pigs can be a fantastic option as you may have space to build something truly remarkable. Shed conversions
When considering housing Guinea pigs outdoors, make sure they are safe from extreme weather conditions and predators. Chicken wire is not fox proof. Safe temperatures are approximately 16°C -24°C and humidity should be 40%-70%. Guinea pigs are prone to heatstroke so be mindful of this during warmer weather.
An outdoor accomodation should be as large as your budget allows and certainly meeting the minimum requirements already discussed.
Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lovepawsrescue/?ref=page_internal
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Credit: https://www.facebook.com/lovepawsrescue/?ref=page_internal
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Credit: http://www.northeastguineapigrescue.co.uk/outdoor-housing.html
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Socialising:
Guinea pigs are very social creatures, they benefit from companionship with their own kind. Sows (females) are usually easier to cohabit in larger herds. Boars (males) are best kept in pairs, but space if vital for their relationship.
Boars can be neutered and housed with sows.
Useful Links:
Never house Guinea pigs and rabbits together as they can seriously injure each other. It’s far more beneficial for both species to be housed with the same species
Diet:
Guinea pigs are true herbivores and their dietary needs can be complex and overwhelming to some. Low-calcium hays such as Timothy hay is by far the most important part of their diet and should be provided in unlimited amounts. This helps maintain normal bodily functions and overall well being.
Guinea pigs lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase and as a result are unable to manufacture their own vitamin C, you must provide vitamin C through their diet. A lack of dietary vitamin C can lead to numerous health issues. This is most commonly done by providing them with pellets which contain vitamin C (pay attention to expiry dates as vit C content does decline), via fresh greens, or even supplements - but you don't want to over-supplement their diet only 10mg/kg is required daily
Please feel free to ask more questions.
Guinea pigs are very social creatures, they benefit from companionship with their own kind. Sows (females) are usually easier to cohabit in larger herds. Boars (males) are best kept in pairs, but space if vital for their relationship.
Boars can be neutered and housed with sows.
Useful Links:
Never house Guinea pigs and rabbits together as they can seriously injure each other. It’s far more beneficial for both species to be housed with the same species
Diet:
Guinea pigs are true herbivores and their dietary needs can be complex and overwhelming to some. Low-calcium hays such as Timothy hay is by far the most important part of their diet and should be provided in unlimited amounts. This helps maintain normal bodily functions and overall well being.
Guinea pigs lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase and as a result are unable to manufacture their own vitamin C, you must provide vitamin C through their diet. A lack of dietary vitamin C can lead to numerous health issues. This is most commonly done by providing them with pellets which contain vitamin C (pay attention to expiry dates as vit C content does decline), via fresh greens, or even supplements - but you don't want to over-supplement their diet only 10mg/kg is required daily
Please feel free to ask more questions.