Guinea pigs are lovable, social animals. That’s why they can make perfect pets for families. If you’re thinking about getting a pair of furry friends, this article will tell you everything you need to know.
One thing for sure is, they’ll fill your home with joy and excitement! Guinea pigs have lots of character, especially when it comes to food. Upon opening the fridge door, or rustling a bag, you’ll hear their adorable ‘wheek’. It’s like saying “walkies” to a dog!
Check out the facts below, they may help you decide whether guinea pigs are the right pet for you.
Guinea pigs depend on the companionship of their own species to help keep them safe, happy and healthy. The best mixes are two males, two or more females, or a neutered male with one or more females.
Guinea pigs can live for six to eight years+
Guinea pigs can live indoors or outside. When the weather is nice, they enjoy spending time on the grass grazing.
The ideal accommodation for a pair of guinea pigs should consist of a five ft by two ft (153cm by 61cm) single level hutch or indoor cage and a six ft long by four ft wide by 18 inches high (182cm by 122cm) wooden framed run with a removable/hinged lid for the grass.
It’s worth noting that it can cost £300 onwards to set up an outdoor hutch and run. Find out how to house your guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs are herbivores, their diet needs to be 85% hay/grass, 5% pellets, 10% vegetables and safe plants, with round-the-clock access to fresh drinking water.
Did you know, there are lots of safe and healthy plants suitable for guinea pigs on your front doorstep? Check out our article for foraging advice.
Guinea pigs need their nails to be trimmed regularly and their teeth must be checked for dental disease. See our article for more tips on how to health check your guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs can make lovely pets for all the family, particularly older guinea pigs. This is because they’re larger and more relaxed about being handled and interacted with.
If you have any questions about your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us for free advice and support.
Also, discover the perfect care tips for your guinea pigs in our guinea pig care guide.
Adopt a guinea pig today with Woodgreen.
Learn all about what guinea pigs need with this interactive online course. Whether you are thinking of getting guinea pigs or want to know if yours are happy, this course will help! Suitable for all the family.
Read more about 'An introduction to guinea pigs – Online family course'
A self-led online course suitable for anyone with guinea pigs, thinking of them as pets or who would simply like to learn more.
Read more about 'An introduction to guinea pigs – Online course'
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