Thinking about welcoming guinea pigs into your home? You're in the right place! Owning guinea pigs can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. This comprehensive Guinea Pig Guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a new guinea pig owner—from understanding what modern guinea pig ownership really looks like, to preparing the perfect home, sourcing your new pets responsibly, and offering them the best care possible.
With over sixteen years of experience in guinea pig care and research, I’m excited to share practical advice and insights to help you start your journey confidently and lovingly.
Table of Contents
- What Is It Like to Be a Guinea Pig Owner Today?
- Essential Starter Supplies for Your Guinea Pigs
- Diet Essentials: Feeding Your Guinea Pigs Right
- Where to Get Your New Guinea Pigs
- Bringing Your Guinea Pigs Home: What to Expect
- Top 5 Tips for New Guinea Pig Owners
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
What Is It Like to Be a Guinea Pig Owner Today?
Guinea pigs used to be kept in outdoor hutches, often seen as low-maintenance pets that were only visited for feeding and cleaning. That old-fashioned approach gave guinea pigs a reputation as “boring” or “disposable” pets. But things have changed dramatically.
Nowadays, guinea pigs are cherished family members who live indoors and enjoy daily interaction with their owners, much like cats and dogs. Bringing your guinea pigs inside means you get to form a close, meaningful bond with them, appreciating their unique personalities and quirks every day.
Expect to spend quality time with your guinea pigs regularly, watching them explore, playing with toys, and simply enjoying their company. This interaction not only enriches their lives but also deepens your connection with these charming little companions.
Essential Starter Supplies for Your Guinea Pigs
Before bringing your guinea pigs home, preparation is key. Having the right supplies ready will ensure a smooth transition and a happy start for your new pets.
The Perfect Home: Choosing the Right Cage
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the choice of cage. I highly recommend keeping your guinea pigs indoors. Indoor cages keep them close to you, safe from predators, and protected from extreme weather conditions.
When I first got guinea pigs, I made the mistake of housing them in a garage hutch, which was inconvenient and not ideal for bonding. Switching to a large indoor cage in my bedroom was a game changer for both me and my piggies.
Make sure the cage is spacious enough, especially if you plan to have two or more guinea pigs. Unfortunately, many pet shops still sell cages that are too small. Use a guinea pig cage size chart to select an appropriate size or consider DIY options, which are often cost-effective and customizable.
Bedding Options: Finding What Works Best
Bedding is another essential component of your guinea pig's home. You have several options:
- Newspaper and hay or other natural beddings
- Wood shavings (ensure they are safe and dust-free)
- Fleece liners, which are becoming increasingly popular due to their reusability and comfort
Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect the first time. Bedding can be changed and experimented with until you find what suits both you and your guinea pigs best.
Other Basic Supplies and Accessories
Besides the cage and bedding, you’ll need some key supplies for your guinea pigs’ comfort and enrichment:
- A medium-sized plastic or glass water bottle (one or two per pair of piggies)
- A sturdy, heavy-based bowl for pellet food
- Enrichment items such as tunnels, hideouts, and toys to keep your piggies active and mentally stimulated
For a curated list of recommended products, including links to trusted suppliers, you can check out my Amazon storefronts where I share all the items I personally use and endorse.
Diet Essentials: Feeding Your Guinea Pigs Right
Feeding your guinea pigs properly is crucial for their health and happiness. Let’s break down the essentials:
Hay: The Cornerstone of Their Diet
Hay should be unlimited and always available in their cage. It’s vital for their digestive health and dental care. Opt for good quality hay, such as meadow hay, and if possible, supplement with high-quality timothy hay for added nutrition.
Pellets: Choose Wisely
Most guinea pigs also eat dry pellets, but steer clear of muesli-style mixes as these encourage selective feeding, which can lead to nutritional imbalances. Instead, choose plain pellets from reputable brands such as Burgess, Oxpo, Science Selective, or Small Pet Select.
Fresh Vegetables: Variety and Vitamins
Fresh vegetables should be a regular part of your guinea pigs’ diet. Start simple with a selection of about four or five different veggies per week, offering small amounts daily. This may add a bit to your weekly shopping, but it’s well worth it for your pets’ health and enjoyment.
Guinea pigs can also safely enjoy fresh grass and foraged plants from your garden, provided you are certain they are free from pesticides and harmful substances. Always wash any foraged greens thoroughly before feeding.
Where to Get Your New Guinea Pigs
Choosing where to get your guinea pigs is an important decision. While pet shops are a common option, I encourage you to explore alternatives first.
Many guinea pig rescues do amazing work rehoming guinea pigs of all ages. Rescue guinea pigs can make wonderful pets, and adopting from a rescue supports animal welfare.
Over half of the guinea pigs I have owned have been rescues, including one named Pedro, who was a true delight. Supporting rescues helps reduce the demand on commercial breeders and pet shops.
If you’re keen on baby guinea pigs, contact rescues and responsible breeders before turning to pet shops. Wherever you source your guinea pigs, look for sellers who genuinely care about the animals’ welfare. They should also strongly recommend getting more than one guinea pig, as these social creatures thrive in pairs or groups.
For new owners, I suggest getting either two males or two females to keep your piggies happy and healthy.
Bringing Your Guinea Pigs Home: What to Expect
The day you bring your guinea pigs home is exciting, but it’s important to know what to expect during their first few days.
New guinea pigs, especially babies, will often be scared and timid at first. This is completely normal. They may hide and be reluctant to explore or eat in front of you initially.
To help them settle, place some hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables near their hiding spot so they can eat without feeling exposed. Also, young guinea pigs might take some time to learn how to use their water bottle. Don’t worry—fresh vegetables provide some moisture, and placing the water bottle near their pellets encourages them to find it.
After about a week, your guinea pigs will start to feel more comfortable and you can begin taming and bonding sessions. Be patient—taming is a slow process, especially for shy guinea pigs.
Top 5 Tips for New Guinea Pig Owners
Once your guinea pigs are home and settling in, here are five essential tips to help you care for them effectively:
- Prepare for Mess and Cleaning: Guinea pigs can be messy. With fleece bedding and four piggies, I clean the litter tray daily and do a “poop sweep” two or three times a day to maintain cleanliness.
- Invest in High-Quality Hay: Your guinea pigs will eat lots of hay, so buy the best quality you can find. Supplement regular meadow hay with high-quality timothy hay if possible.
- Keep Bonding and Taming: Spend time cuddling and giving your guinea pigs floor time at least twice a week. This helps them become calmer and more confident around you.
- Provide Enrichment: Enrichment doesn’t have to come from store-bought treats, which can be unhealthy. Use cardboard boxes for hideouts, hay holders made from cardboard tubes, paper bags, and safe play areas outside the cage.
- Stay Alert to Health Issues: As your guinea pigs age, be aware of common health problems. Have a good vet lined up and set money aside for veterinary care. Don’t hesitate to book a vet visit at the first sign of illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many guinea pigs should I get?
Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs or groups. For new owners, two males or two females are recommended to keep them happy and healthy.
Can guinea pigs live outside?
While traditionally kept outdoors, modern best practice is to keep guinea pigs indoors where they are safer from predators and extreme weather, and where you can bond with them daily.
What is the best bedding for guinea pigs?
Options include newspaper and hay, wood shavings, or fleece liners. Fleece is popular due to its reusability and comfort, but you can experiment to find what works best for you and your guinea pigs.
What should I feed my guinea pigs?
Their diet should mainly consist of unlimited good-quality hay, supplemented with plain pellets and a variety of fresh vegetables. Avoid muesli-style pellets to prevent selective feeding.
Where can I find guinea pigs to adopt?
Look into guinea pig rescues first, as they rehome piggies of all ages. Responsible breeders are another option. Pet shops should be a last resort, and always ensure the seller prioritizes animal welfare.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of guinea pig ownership is a joyful and fulfilling experience. By understanding the modern approach to care, preparing the right environment, sourcing your pets responsibly, and dedicating time to their wellbeing, you can build a lasting bond with your guinea pigs.
This Guinea Pig Guide is designed to set you up for success, providing practical advice and insights gained from years of experience. Remember that patience, love, and attention are the keys to happy, healthy guinea pigs.
Best of luck on your guinea pig adventure!
This article was inspired from the video BEGINNERS GUIDE: Becoming a Guinea Pig Owner!
