Elmer's Aquarium Pet Center:                Guinea Pig Care

Guinea pigs make an excellent pet. They are small clean, and easily cared for. They like to be petted and cuddled. Guinea Pigs are good pets for children because they are so easy to handle. Guinea Pigs are also known as Cavies.

Varieties: There are 3 popular varieties of Guinea Pigs. They are the Short Hair, the Abyssinian, and the Long Hair. The Short hair is the most common variety. The Abyssinian has curly hair. The long hair variety requires frequent brushing.

How Many To Buy: Guinea pigs can be kept as singles or in groups of two or more. Two females are good, but two males will fight. Remember that guinea pigs are prolific animals and a male and female kept together will most likely result in babies at some point.

Housing:   We stock several sizes of cages designed for Guinea Pigs.   We also sell wire cages with special plastic coated grates designed for guinea pigs small feet.  They are easy to clean.   Do not use wire rabbit cages.

Maintenance: The bedding should be changed about twice a week. The entire cage should be wiped clean a few times a month. Never allow the cage to become damp or dirty.

Feeding: A balanced diet consists of guinea pig pellets, and a supplement such as oats, or Timothy Hay. (Guinea pig pellets consist of a variety of dried greens and grains, and Vitamin C.) Carrot tops, celery tops, oranges, and apples can also be offered in small amounts at 2 months of age. Add liquid vitamins to their water. Fresh food and water should be available at all times. Guinea pigs consume large amounts of water and therefore a large water bottle should be used. A supplemental salt spool is also recommended.

Suggested Reading To enjoy your pet the most we suggest you purchase a book on Guinea Pig care. Our salespeople will be able to recommend a good book.

Breeding Females are able to breed at about 2.5 months of age. Males are able to breed at 2 months of age. Gestation is 65-70 days. Females can breed again shortly after giving birth. Babies nurse for 3 to 4 weeks and then they will be able to eat on their own. Male can remain in the cage until the babies are weaned.

Handling : Guinea pigs almost never bite. When you pick it up put one hand over his shoulders and the other under his back legs. He will feel supported and will be less likely to struggle. Guinea pigs like to be petted and have their ears scratched. They will even eat out of your hand. As with any animal, adult supervision should be provided until children learn proper handling techniques.

Our Guarantee: Problems are rare, but should the animal die the following guarantee applies:
 (Dies within 7 days.-Replace at no charge) (Dies within 8-30 days- Replace at 1/2 price)  (Please save your receipt)

Elmer’s Aquarium Pet Center         4005 Wm Penn Hwy. Monroeville, Pa. 15146     (412) 372-6535
Daily 10-9:30 Sunday 12:00- 5:00 Pet Specialist Since 1969
Last Revision- 02/19/08