🐹 Guinea Pig Care Sheet 

(Also known as cavies)

Guinea pigs are gentle, social, and vocal small pets that make fantastic companions for families and individuals alike. With the right care, they can live happy, healthy lives and become much-loved members of your household.

✅ Quick Facts

• Lifespan: 5–8 years (sometimes longer)

• Size: 20–30 cm (fully grown)

• Weight: 800g – 1.2kg (average adult)

• Temperament: Gentle, social, rarely bite

• Ideal for: Families, kids (with supervision), first-time pet owners

🏡 Housing & Environment

Cage Size:

• Minimum for 1–2 pigs: 120cm x 60cm (bigger is better!)

• Best kept indoors or in a safe, weather-proof outdoor hutch

• Must be kept out of direct sunlight, wind, and cold

Bedding:

• Use paper-based bedding, fleece liners, or kiln-dried pine

• Avoid sawdust, cedar, or non-kiln pine – these can irritate their lungs

• Spot clean daily and change bedding 1–2 times a week

Cage Setup:

• Hay rack

• Food and water bowls or bottles

• Hidey huts and tunnels

• Toys for chewing and exploring

• Floor time space (supervised free roaming outside the cage is essential)

🥗 Diet & Nutrition

Main Diet:

🐾 Unlimited hay (e.g., Timothy or Meadow Hay) – vital for digestion and teeth health

Daily Fresh Foods:

✔ Leafy greens (e.g., parsley, kale, lettuce, silverbeet)
✔ Capsicum, cucumber, carrot (small amounts), apple (no seeds)
✔ Vitamin C-rich foods are essential – guinea pigs can’t produce their own!

Pellets:

• Choose guinea pig-specific pellets with added Vitamin C

• Feed in small amounts alongside hay and fresh food

❌ Avoid:

• Iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, chocolate, dairy, and processed foods

• Anything toxic to guinea pigs or high in sugar/fat

Water:

• Clean, fresh water available at all times in a sipper bottle or heavy bowl

🧠 Social Needs & Enrichment

• Guinea pigs are herd animals – they must be kept in pairs or groups

• They thrive on routine and daily social interaction

• Talk to them, hand-feed treats, and let them explore supervised spaces

• Provide plenty of chew toys and hiding spots

🧼 Grooming & Health

Grooming:

• Short-haired breeds: Brush weekly

• Long-haired breeds: Brush 2–3 times per week

• Trim nails monthly

• Bathe only if needed with guinea pig-safe shampoo

Health Signs to Watch For:

❗ Sudden weight loss or gain
❗ Lethargy or hiding more than usual
❗ Breathing issues or sneezing
❗ Diarrhoea or very soft poos
❗ Hair loss or itchy skin

📍 See a small animal/exotic vet if anything seems off

🧾 Checklist Before Bringing One Home:

☑ Spacious cage with safe bedding
☑ Unlimited hay and good pellets
☑ Fresh veggies daily
☑ Fresh, clean water
☑ A companion guinea pig
☑ Regular vet access
☑ Daily handling or interaction

🐹 Fun Facts!

• Guinea pigs have 13 different vocal sounds – each with its own meaning!

• They "popcorn" (jump and twitch) when they’re happy

• Despite their name, they’re not pigs – or from Guinea!

 

With the right care and lots of love, guinea pigs are one of the most rewarding pets you can have. They're gentle, interactive, and full of personality. 💚