One of the most important items you will need for your guinea pig is a cage. The cage needs to be roomy and at least 8 square feet for one guinea pig and an extra one square foot every extra guinea pig. You can choose between buying a cage or making your own. Bought cages are sometimes too small and have wire floors, ladders and shelves which are not suitable. These can however be covered with lino, or wood to make them safe.
Home made cages can be made exactly how you want them and can be as large and creative as you like. One thing to remember is it has to be well ventilated, and safe from predators and other pets. On my pictures page you can see pictures of different cages i have had and what i am currently using for ideas. Bedding also has to be considered, cedar shavings or chips should never be used. Suitable beddings include Kiln dired pine, recycled paper bedding and sheets of newspaper (needs to be changed regularly - daily).
Other needed items for your guinea pig are...
* A drip feed water Bottle
* two bowls - one for pellets and the other for fresh foods.
*Food. Please refer to Guinea Pig care page.
You may also like to add a cardboard box or other small animal house, PVC pipes, Bricks or pavers, pots etc...
Choosing A Healthy Guinea Pig, And Bringing It Home
Guinea pigs are available in petstores, animal shelters, guinea pig rescues, and from breeders.
It is really up to you as to where you adopt your new pet from but always check it over to make sure it is healthy. If there are any signs of hairloss, eye and nasal discharge, large deposits of wax in the ears, lethargic, or have diarrhoea in any of the guinea pigs in the cage do not adopt any of them as they are most likley sick.
Once you have checked that they are healthy have a look at the ones you like. It is always important to check their temperment before buying. Ask to hold the ones you like, It is normal and very healthy for them to run when someone trys to pick them up. Hold them gently but firmly against your chest and pet them and talk them. He/she will be nervous and scared but just make sure it's not nippy and settles well after a few mintues. Make sure you have your cage setup at home before buying your guinea pig.
When you get your new guinea pig home wrap him/her in a towel and sit for a few minutes and offer some veges while you get to know eachother, then place him in the cage.
Your new guinea pig will be very nervous and scared arriving in a new home and will take a few days to settle in. Take your guinea pig out several times a day wrapped in a towel and feed some veges. This will help you bond and overcome thier fear of you.
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One, Two, Or More?
In the wild guinea pigs are pack animals and are happiest when kept in pairs or small groups. A single guinea pig can be kept as long as you have plenty of time to spend with him/her every day as it will get lonley easily.
A pair of males or females will usually get along very well provided they have been introduced correctly and are housed in an appropriate sized cage.
Normally three or more males will not get along, but it is possible. And groups of females are usually trouble free.
There will occasionally be a male or female guinea pig that will not get along with others, in this case it is best to keep them on their own and spend plenty of time with them daily.
Males and females should not be housed together unless they are de-sexed or you are planning to breed. If you do plan to breed please refer to my care page for information on breeding.
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