Guinea Pigs are delightful, friendly, and very social animals. They are larger then hamsters but smaller then rabbits. They come in a variety of color combinations and hair types ranging from short and smooth to fuzzy, long and even curly.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: A guinea pigs life expectancy with proper care is 5 years.

CAGE: A minimum cage should be 24 x 15 inches. If you have two guinea pigs increase the cage size by at least 20%. The cage should be a plastic bottom with a wire cage and lid. Do not put guinea pigs on a wire bottom floor or wire-mesh floor, as it is not good for their feet.

Being guinea pigs are very social animals they like to be places where the action is in your home. You should place their cage where you will spend the most time with them and they will have the most interaction during the day. Placing their cage on the floor is fine just keep in mind small children, cats, dogs, and other pets in the house.

They need natural lighting but do not place their cage in direct sunlight such as a windowsill. Remember never to put them in a drafty area.

TEMPERATURE: The room your guinea pig is in should be between 68 and 74 degrees.

BEDDING: We recommend you use Care Fresh. The bedding should be about 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. Never use Cedar bedding of any type.

CLEANING THEIR CAGE: You will need to clean your guinea pigs cage once a week. Be sure before adding new bedding the cage is completely dry.

EXERCISE: You should let your guinea pig out of its cage every day for exercise. You at least need to let them out 3 times a week as a minimum.

WATER: You will need a water bottle with a stopper in it. You will need to give your guinea pig fresh water every day.

FOOD AND FOOD DISHES: You should have 2 dishes made of hard plastic. Once for guinea pig pellets in which you will give your guinea pigs fresh pellets every day.

The other dish is for hay, you will need to have hay available at all times as it is important part of their diet. Hay helps to prevent hairballs and minimizes the risk of diarrhea. We recommend Timothy Grass, as it is what is best for them.

MINERALS, VITAMINS, SALT: You will need to give your guinea pig liquid vitamins and minerals in their water every day.

You will need to provide your guinea pig with a salt and mineral licks. These help keep their teeth from over growing, gives them needed salt, and minerals to help them stay healthy and provides entertainment for your guinea pig.

GROOMING: You will need to trim your guinea pigs nails once a month or you can bring your guinea pig into the pet store and we will be happy to do it for you. You will also need to brush your guinea pig as needed, however a longhaired guinea pig should be done once a week.

We have a great book at V.I. Pets about Guinea Pigs that will help you learn more about your pet, their habits, and help you to enjoy your guinea pig even more.