Guinea pigs as pets – more than just a caged animal
Are you considering getting a guinea pig for your family? Guinea pigs are social, talkative and tame little animals, but they require more care than many people think. They need daily supervision, plenty of space and the opportunity to move outside their cage. Before you acquire a guinea pig, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the needs of the species. With the right care, food and facilities, guinea pigs can live a long and happy life.
5 Fast Facts About Guinea Pigs
- Social herd animals: They do not thrive alone and should always be housed with at least one other species.
- Talkative: They communicate with various sounds such as beeping, humming and chirping.
- Herbivores: They only eat plants, hay and vegetables.
- Origin: They originally originate from South America.
- Teeth growing: Teeth grow throughout life and need to be ground down through proper diet.
Is a guinea pig a suitable first pet?
Guinea pigs can be a good fit for calm and responsible owners. They are relatively fragile and cannot tolerate rough handling or falls from heights, and are therefore best suited to older children and adults. Since guinea pigs are distinctly herd animals, they should not be kept alone. If you have one of each sex, castration must be carried out to avoid uncontrolled reproduction.
Note: Guinea pigs should not live in the same cage as rabbits. Rabbits can carry a bacteria (Bordetella) which makes guinea pigs seriously ill, in addition to rabbits being much stronger and can physically harm the guinea pig.
Lifetime
Guinea pigs usually live for 4–8 years, but with optimal care and a little luck with their genes, they can live up to 8–10 years.
Fur care and breeds
There are many breeds of guinea pigs with different fur lengths and textures. Long-haired breeds require regular grooming (brushing and clipping) to avoid tangles and skin problems. There are also hairless ("Skinny") guinea pigs. These are more susceptible to cold, sun damage and skin irritation, and therefore require a little extra care.
Allergy
Unfortunately, guinea pigs are not considered hypoallergenic. People with animal allergies can react to the animal itself, but it is often the dust from hay or the bedding that triggers the reaction. It is a good idea to check if anyone in the family is allergic before purchasing.
What do guinea pigs eat? (Important!)
Guinea pigs are herbivores with a delicate digestive system. Good quality hay is the most important thing and should make up approximately 80-90% of their diet. They should have free access to hay 24/7.
Remember vitamin C!
Guinea pigs are one of the few animal species (along with humans) that do not produce vitamin C themselves. They mustn't Get this daily through the food. A lack of vitamin C leads to the disease scurvy, which causes joint pain, dental problems and a reduced general condition. Therefore, give pellets specially adapted for guinea pigs (with added vitamin C) and vitamin C-rich vegetables every day.
Good vegetables to give:
- Bell peppers (rich in vitamin C!)
- broccoli
- Kale and parsley (in moderation)
- Cucumber and lettuce (mostly as a snack, contains a lot of water)
Avoid rodent mixes with lots of seeds, nuts and dried fruit – these often contain too much sugar and fat.
How to create a good guinea pig life
Cage and space
Guinea pigs are active animals that need floor space rather than height (they do not climb). For two guinea pigs, a cage of at least 120 × 60 cm is recommended, but a larger area always provides better well-being. The cage should be draft-free, without direct sunlight and protected from loud noise. In addition, they should be allowed out of the cage daily to run freely in a safe, enclosed area.
Dental health
Since guinea pigs' teeth grow throughout their lives, they rely entirely on chewing roughage (hay) to grind them down. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons why guinea pigs need to go to the vet. Is your guinea pig eating less than before, or drooling? Contact us immediately.
Activation and equipment
An empty cage is a boring cage. Guinea pigs are prey animals and need security. Make sure the cage has:
- At least one house/hiding place per guinea pig
- Tunnels and bridges
- Absorbent litter (avoid dusty sawdust)
- Heavy food bowl (that won't tip over) and drinking bottle
- Claw clippers (claws need to be trimmed regularly)
How much does a guinea pig cost?
The purchase price for a guinea pig is often between 300–600 NOK, but the major costs are in equipment and operation. A suitable cage, high-quality food and veterinary visits cost money. Remember to set aside a buffer for unforeseen veterinary expenses.
Do you need help with a health check, nail trimming or dental check for your guinea pig? At A-Vet we have expertise in rodents and rabbits. Welcome to us!
