Guinea Pig Care
Delightful & lovable pets
Your guinea pig will depend on you for food, water, an enriched environment, veterinary care and companionship.
Guinea Pig essentials
Guinea pigs live 4–7 years and bond deeply once trust is built.
Quick facts
- Crepuscular: most active at dawn and dusk.
- Teeth grow continuously; 80% of their diet should be hay to wear them down.
- Cannot store vitamin C—needs fresh veggies daily.
- Love burrows, hiding spots, and make varied sounds.
- “Popcorning” = happy jumps around their enclosure.
Essential equipment
- Hutch + exercise run (min 120×60×45 cm for two).
- Water bottle and heavy ceramic food bowl.
- Bedding straw over an absorbent base (shredded paper, paper-based litter).
- Timothy or lucerne hay and pellets.
- Safe wooden chews or fruit-branch blocks.
Daily care
- Shelter from rain, wind, and direct sun.
- Feed 2 large handfuls of hay, ¼ cup of leafy greens, and ¼ cup of pellets.
- Change water and remove droppings/uneaten veggies daily.
- Clean soiled spots; replace bedding hay weekly.
- Supervise free-range play and handle gently with two hands.
Additional tips
Clip nails every few weeks.
Provide gnawing blocks to prevent overgrown teeth.
Avoid cedar or fragrant wood shavings (toxic).
House no more than two per hutch to prevent fights.
Guinea pig-proof cords and hazards to avoid chewing accidents.
Have questions about your guinea pig's health?
Talk to the friendly team at your local clinic.