EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

• Cage Size: Guinea pigs need a spacious living environment to move around and stay active. The recommended minimum cage size for one guinea pig is 7.5 square feet (around 24" x 36"). For two guinea pigs, the cage size should be 10.5 square feet (around 30" x 50"). Larger is always better, as guinea pigs are active and need room to explore.
• Type of Cage: A wire cage with a solid bottom is ideal. Avoid cages with mesh floors (wire-bottomed cages) as these can hurt the guinea pig’s feet and cause discomfort. Plastic or wooden enclosures can also be used, but ensure they are well-ventilated.
• Cage Location: Place the cage in a quiet, temperature-controlled area, away from direct sunlight, drafts, or loud noises. Guinea pigs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so keep them in a room that maintains a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing them in areas with high humidity or in direct sunlight.
• Bedding: Use soft, absorbent bedding to help control odor and keep your guinea pig comfortable. Options include:
  • Paper-based bedding (e.g., Carefresh, Yesterdays News)
  • Aspen wood shavings (avoid cedar or pine as these can be harmful)
  • Fleece liners are also popular as they are reusable, but they require frequent cleaning.
• Litter Box: Guinea pigs can be trained to use a litter box, especially in a specific corner of the cage. Use a paper-based or wood-based pellet litter, as clumping litters can be harmful if ingested.

• Hay: The most important part of a guinea pig’s diet is hay, which should be available at all times. Timothy hay is the most commonly recommended hay, but meadow hay or orchard hay can be used as alternatives. Hay is essential for digestive health and helps wear down their ever-growing teeth.
• Fresh Vegetables: Guinea pigs need a variety of fresh vegetables daily to meet their nutritional needs. Recommended options include:
  • Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, kale, cilantro, parsley, and dandelion greens
  • Bell peppers (high in Vitamin C)
  • Carrots (in moderation, as they are high in sugar)
  • Cucumber, zucchini, and broccoli can be offered occasionally.
  • Avoid iceberg lettuce and high-oxalate vegetables like spinach and rhubarb, as they can cause digestive upset or kidney issues.
• Vitamin C: Guinea pigs cannot produce their own Vitamin C, so it’s essential to provide a good source daily. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, parsley, and kale are excellent sources of Vitamin C. You can also offer Vitamin C supplements (either in the form of crushed tablets mixed into food or water) or specially-formulated guinea pig pellets that contain added Vitamin C.
• Guinea Pig Pellets: Offer high-quality, timothy hay-based pellets. Avoid pellets with added seeds, nuts, or dried fruits, as these can be too fatty and sugary. Pellets should make up about 1/4 to 1/8 cup per guinea pig daily, depending on their size and age.
• Fresh Water: Guinea pigs should always have access to clean, fresh water. Use a water bottle or bowl, whichever your guinea pig prefers. Be sure to clean the water bottle or bowl daily to prevent bacterial buildup.

• Free Roam: Guinea pigs need daily exercise and should be allowed to roam in a safe, guinea pig-proofed area for several hours each day. This space should be free of hazards such as electrical cords, small objects they could swallow, or toxic plants.
• Cage Space: Even if your guinea pig has access to a free-roam area, it should still have a spacious cage to move around in. The cage should have multiple levels or hideaways to explore. Guinea pigs enjoy tunnels, ramps, and hiding spots where they can feel secure.
• Toys & Enrichment: Guinea pigs are intelligent and social animals that need stimulation to stay happy. Some great enrichment options include:
  • Chew toys made from safe materials like wood or cardboard to help wear down their teeth.
  • Cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, and paper bags for exploration.
  • Tunnels and hiding places where they can retreat and feel safe.
  • Treat balls or food puzzles to encourage foraging and mental stimulation.

• Social Animals: Guinea pigs are very social and thrive in the company of other guinea pigs. It’s highly recommended to keep at least two guinea pigs together to prevent loneliness and stress. Male and female pairs, or same-sex pairs, can live together if introduced properly.
• Bonding: If you are introducing guinea pigs to one another, do so gradually in a neutral space. Use positive reinforcement like treats and gentle petting to encourage bonding. Sometimes, dominance behaviors (such as chasing or squealing) are normal but should settle over time.
• Handling: Guinea pigs are generally gentle and enjoy being handled, but they should be approached calmly and carefully. Support their body with both hands—one under their chest and the other under their bottom. Avoid picking them up by the scruff or their limbs. Guinea pigs may be skittish at first, but with gentle, consistent handling, they will learn to trust you.
  • Limit handling to short sessions (5-10 minutes) initially, and gradually increase the duration.
• Vocalizations: Guinea pigs are talkative animals and use a range of sounds to communicate. Some common vocalizations include:
  • Wheeking (a high-pitched sound) when they're excited or hungry.
  • Purring when content or happy.
  • Chutting or chirping during play or exploration.

• Regular Grooming: Guinea pigs have different grooming needs based on their coat type. Short-haired guinea pigs require less grooming, while long-haired breeds (e.g., Peruvian or Abyssinian) need to be brushed more frequently (every few days) to prevent matting.
  • Teeth: Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously, so they need plenty of hay and chew toys to help wear them down. Check their teeth regularly to ensure they are not overgrown, which could cause feeding difficulties.
  • Nail Trimming: Trim your guinea pig’s nails every 2-4 weeks. Use a guinea pig-safe nail trimmer or small pet clippers and be careful not to cut the quick (the pink area inside the nail).
• Bathing: Guinea pigs do not need frequent baths. Only bathe your guinea pig if absolutely necessary (e.g., if they get something sticky on their fur). Use mild pet shampoo and make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward with a soft towel.
• Signs of Illness: Guinea pigs are prey animals, so they may hide signs of illness until the condition becomes severe. Some common symptoms to watch for include:
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
  • Lethargy or inactivity
  • Changes in their stool (e.g., diarrhea, lack of stool)
  • Nasal discharge or sneezing
  • Coughing or difficulty breathing
  • Discharge from the eyes or mouth
  • Unusual weight lossIf you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian that specializes in small animals or exotics.

• Spaying/Neutering: If you do not plan to breed your guinea pigs, it is advisable to have them spayed or neutered. This helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and can improve behavior.
  • Female guinea pigs should be spayed before 6 months of age to reduce the risk of reproductive health problems like ovarian cysts and uterine cancer.
  • Males can be neutered around 4-6 months of age.
• Breeding: If you plan to breed guinea pigs, it’s essential to provide them with a healthy, safe environment. Female guinea pigs should not be bred after they are 1 year old, as pregnancy can be risky for older females. Proper care during pregnancy and birth is crucial for both the mother and the babies.

• Toxic Plants: Guinea pigs are herbivores and love to nibble on plants. However, some plants are toxic to them, including:
  • Tomato leaves, potatoes, onions, garlic, rhubarb
  • Daffodils, tulips, and liliesAlways ensure that any plants in your guinea pig’s environment are safe for them to nibble on.
• Electrical Cords: Guinea pigs love to chew on cords, so be sure to guinea pig-proof the area by hiding or protecting all cords and cables.

Guinea pigs are delightful, low-maintenance pets that thrive with plenty of space, fresh food, and regular social interaction. With the right care, a guinea pig can live 5-7 years, or even longer, and will provide years of joy and companionship. By meeting their social, dietary, and environmental needs, you can ensure your guinea pig is happy, healthy, and thriving.