Elmer's Aquarium Pet Center:                Guinea Pig Care Tips

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 are social animals and can be kept as pairs or groups.  Be sure to provide a cage with plenty of room.

Housing:   Guinea pigs need plenty of room to jump, and play.  Choose a large wire cage with a plastic bottom.  We stock several sizes.  Avoid small "economy" cages.  A small covered hut inside the cage will provide a sense of protection and a place to sleep.

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: Feed fresh, Guinea Pig pellets.  Also provide a continual supply of  Timothy Hay.  Guinea pigs have a high requirement for Vitamin C in their diet.  You can provide vitamin C with some fresh cabbage leaves, kale, green peppers, and alfalfa.  An Oxbow Brand vitamin C tablet can be offered daily.   Guinea Pigs consume large quantities of water every day.  Use a large water bottle, and keep it full of fresh water. 

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.

Suggested Reading To enjoy your pet the most we suggest you purchase a book on Guinea Pig care. Our staff will be able to recommend a good book.  We also suggest the following web site:
and www.guinealynx.info

Guinea Pigs at Elmer's : We purchase Guinea Pigs from reliable local breeders.  All of our Guinea Pigs come with a guarantee.

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