Checklist of Guinea Pig Supplies

With the wide array of options available at pet supply stores, it is a responsible person who learns what basic supplies are needed before purchasing a guinea pig. This gives the cavy a smooth transition from one home to another, and prioritizes his quality of life. Once the necessary supplies are in place, you can prepare to bring your new guinea pig home.

  1. Housing

    • Select a wire cage rather than a glass tank for optimal ventilation. The cage must have a solid floor, however, to prevent injury to the guinea pig's feet. One or two cavies will need a minimum of 7.5 square feet, provided they are given a large exercise pen. The more room a guinea pig has, the better. Place the housing away from drafts and out of direct sunlight to maintain a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Inside the Cage

    • Soft bedding can be made of aspen, hardwood shavings or wood pulp, but never cedar or pine, which is toxic to the guinea pig. If possible, purchase the same bedding used at the guinea pig's original home to ease his transition to your home. Soiled bedding must be removed completely on a weekly basis so you can clean the cage with soap and water. A nest box is a dark place for your cavy to retreat, giving him privacy and a sleeping area. Some guinea pigs even enjoy a soft bed inside of the box. Avoid purchasing a plastic nest box, since the guinea pig can chew the material, causing potential injury if swallowed.

    Food

    • A heavy ceramic food dish cannot be chewed or tipped over easily, Purchase two if you want to keep the guinea pig's pellet mixture separate from fresh fruits and vegetables. Because a cavy cannot produce vitamin C on his own, he must regularly eat foods rich in the vitamin, such as orange segments, dandelion greens, kale or a few strawberries. Remove any uneaten produce before it spoils. Another dietary requirement is Timothy hay. To prevent your guinea pig from making a mess, give him hay in a rack affixed to the side of cage or in a hay wheel. Provide clean, fresh water daily in an inverted water bottle.

    Fun

    • Guinea pigs naturally chew to file down their continuously growing teeth. Chew toys include untreated wood and cardboard, which can come at no cost by saving empty cereal boxes, and toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Keep things interesting by placing a flower pot, PVC pipe or brick in the cage. Do not use a running ball or wheel, as these can cause injury to a cavy's back and legs. A spacious cage is better for exercise. As guinea pigs are social animals who prefer to live in groups, the most fun a guinea pig could have is by living with at least one friend. Try to purchase a pair from the same litter and of the same gender, or plan to have the male neutered to prevent accidental litters.

    Additional Supplies

    • A travel case is needed to protect your guinea pig on the ride home. While some stores offer a disposable case, you should purchase one for future veterinary visits. Grooming brushes remove loose hair and though nail clippers are another option, you should never use them unless you are experienced with the process of trimming a guinea pig's claws. Instead take your cavy to the vet for regular nail trimmings as overgrown claws on a guinea pig can cause injury to the foot and leg.