How to look after your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs can make affectionate, entertaining pets, but they need the right care and habitat. If the guinea pig is for a child, an adult should take overall responsibility for the animal's welfare. There is no such thing as a "starter pet," and guinea pigs need a fair amount of care. If treated properly, however, a guinea pig becomes a rewarding pet full of personality. It is always best to keep them in pairs or small groups of the same gender, because they are social animals.

Things You'll Need

Large solid-bottomed cage
Aspen shavings or paper-based bedding
Timothy or oat hay
Nest box
Food and water bowls
Guinea pig mix or pellets
Fresh produce
Dishwashing liquid
Cleaning cloths
Paper towels
Exercise pen

Instructions

- 1
  Acquire the largest cage you can afford. Each guinea pig needs a minimum of 4 square feet of floor space, but the larger the cage the better.
- 2
  Add a nest box to the cage for sleeping.
- 3
  Lay a few inches of a safe bedding, such as aspen shavings or a paper-based bedding, on the bottom of the cage. Cedar or pine shavings are not suitable, because they are dangerous to guinea pigs.
- 4
  Add food and water bowls to the cage. Replace the water daily and feed your guinea pig twice a day. An adult guinea pig needs about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of a guinea pig mix each day, supplemented with small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. Unlimited hay or grass is also important.
- 5
  Clean the cage completely once a week. Transfer the guinea pig to a pet carrier or its exercise pen. Throw away all the old bedding and any cardboard accessories. Wipe the cage down with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Dry the cage. Add new bedding and replace the guinea pig. It is safe to compost soiled guinea pig bedding.
- 6
  Take the guinea pig out for exercise daily. Set up an exercise pen inside or take it outside. Supervise the guinea pig outside because of the danger of predators.