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GUINEA
PIG CARE
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Guinea pigs make great pets for children. They are inquisitive, friendly and talkative, and rarely bite or scratch. They enjoy being handled regularly too. They can live for 4 to 8 years. In their natural habitat guinea pigs live in groups, and they will always be happier if they have company ( never keep rabbits and guinea pigs together ). Guinea pigs can live outdoors between May & September, but should be brought into a shed or unused garage in winter ( exhaust fumes are very dangerous to guinea pigs ). Make sure their hutch is dry, draught free and weather proof. The hutch should be raised off the ground. Line the hutch with woodshavings ( not sawdust ), megazorb or newspaper, and the bedroom area with a cosy bedding, hay can also be used. ( avoid straw as this can scratch their eyes ). You can also keep guinea pigs indoors, you can buy indoor cages for this. Make sure the cage is positioned away from radiators, damp, cold or draughts. Whether kept indoors or outdoors, your guinea pigs will need time out of their hutch or cage to exercise. Never leave them unattended if they are not in a safe and secure environment. A run can be used in the garden, add rocks, terracotta plant pots, logs and toys for them to play amongst. Also try putting a brick or breeze block in there, it will be cool in summer and they will enjoy laying on it, also playing on it. Drain pipes can be used as tunnels.The run can go on grass, but move it regularly to avoid overgrazing and never put guinea pigs out onto damp grass. Feed your guinea pigs a good quality pellet food. Guinea pigs will also need a vitamin C supplement , you can buy this to add to their water, or feed a diet rich in food containing vitamin C. Make sure fresh water is always available for them. They will also need a constant supply of good quality hay. You can also give your guinea pigs treats in small quantities. Try apple, broccoli, kale or freshly picked dandelions. ( Always introduce new foods slowly and in small quantities ) Always provide your guinea pigs with toys to keep them occupied when they are left alone. Try hiding treats around the cage, give them boxes to hide in, toys to gnaw on, wooden or willow toys are ideal. Guinea pigs are clean animals. You should replace soiled bedding daily, and thoroughly clean their hutch/cage every week. Hay should be changed daily. If you think guinea pigs are the pets for you, please consider giving a home to a rescue guinea pig, there are so many perfect piggies waiting in rescues all over the country, for a perfect forever home.
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