Your Guinea pig will bring you lots of fun, happiness and companionship for many years to
come. In the first few days of your guinea pig coming home your new guinea pig may be nervous
at first so you must talk to them and handle them gently.
Do not leave them on a table or other high place where they may fall. Support their weight with
both hands and do not squeeze them around the tummy.
Housing
As with all animals, the bigger the better. This will also be determined by where you intend to
put the hutch and also by how many you are keeping. If the hutch is to be outside (as most
tend to be) then you will need to ensure that it is weatherproofed and free from draughts.
During the evenings in the winter months it is advisable to cover the front of the hutch to stop
any snow or bitter winds. A piece of old carpet or newspaper can work wonders.(just make
sure it can‘t be nibbled). Alternatively turn your hutch to face the wall in the evenings or put it
inside a shed if possible. Another idea is to purchase an indoor cage. These are brilliant and
are made of plastic therefore really quick and easy to clean. Also, because the plastic doesn’t
absorb moisture etc., like a hutch, your home will be relatively free from piggy odours,
providing he is cleaned out regularly.
Your guinea pig will also need a run for exercise and fresh air and plenty of nibbling!
You must also provide some shelter to hide from both wind and rain, but also shelter from the
sun as heat-stroke can kill. Make sure the hutch is not in full sunlight during the summer if you
are unable to let you guinea pig out, as he needs some escape from extreme heat just as we
do.
The floor of the hutch should be covered with a generous amount of good clean shavings
along with a good handful of straw in the sleeping compartment.
Feeding
There are now a good range of complete guinea pig foods available. Do not be tempted to
feed him just a rabbit mix as it will not be suitable. A regular supply of fresh fruit and
vegetables should be available, as guinea pigs require plenty of vitamin C. Remove uneaten
food daily and do not feed stale greens. Dandelions are usually a firm favourite. A fresh supply
of water in a drinking bottle is also required. Feed plenty of hay daily.
General Health
If properly fedand cleaned, he should remain healthy for many years and give you lots of pleasure.
Your Guinea pigs teeth and claws are growing continually and it would not be unusual for them
to need trimming. It is usually advised, that you contact your vet if you are unsure on how to do this.
VEGETATION AND GUINEA PIGS
Guinea Pigs in the wild may live off wild plants but your bunnies are domesticated. While
finding out the basic history of your future pet, please ask details of its current diet and keep it
the same.
WHAT CAN I FEED MY GUINEA PIG?
All must be in small portions, fresh, raw and washed thoroughly, making sure it is clean and
free from herbi/pesticides.
Corn on the Cob Strawberry Leaves Spinach
Artichokes Kale Beetroot
Radishes Savoy Cabbage Brussels
Swede Broccoli Celery
Turnips Parsley Clover
Carrots Spring Greens Watercress
Rosemary Cabbage
( in moderation )
Dandelion Leaves
( in moderation )
Chives
WHAT SHOULD I NOT FEED MY GUINEA PIG?
Lettuce Evergreens Too Much Cabbage
Parsnips Tomato Leaves Bluebells
Buttercups Foxglove Ivy
Poppies Feverfew Snowdrops
Tulips Daffodils Acorns
Potato Tops Lily of the Valley Too Many
Dandelion Leaves
