Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs usually make good family pets (but make sure children handle them gently). Guinea pigs are social animals, consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. A pair of females is a good choice; a pair of males may be fine but may fight. They are a long-term commitment, with an expected life span of around 5-7 years. They need a large cage. While usually quiet they can call out quite loudly, and can be active both day and night. They may be nervous at first but rarely bite and generally become very tame with frequent handling.
Animal Island Pets cares an assortment of guinea pigs.
They are: (subject to availability)
American (short smooth hair coat),
Abyssinian (short coat with "swirls" called rosettes)
Peruvian (long haired)
Guinea pigs are available in many colors.
Stop in and see these cute cuddly characters.
Piggie checking out what's going on in my food bowl! Squeeks heading for her favorite hiding spot.
Our Guinea Pigs are available starting at $34.95
Guinea Pig Supply Checklist (All of the items are available at Animal Island Pets in our small animal aisle.)
- Solid-bottom cage with wire cover or plastic-bottom “tub” cage
- Guinea pig pellets
- Bedding shavings (we carry a selection of bedding types)
- Grass hay
- Bricks, rocks, cardboard boxes, plastic pipes and other appropriate toys
- Medium flower pot or covered sleeping box
- Brush and comb for grooming
- Attachable water bottle with drinking tube
- Unpainted, untreated piece of wood or safe chew toy
Check out one of our recommended guinea pig enclosures, available at Animal Island Pets.
On sale for $69.95
If you have some of these items we can help you with the rest of the supplies you will need for your furry friend.
Feeding and Water
Commercial guinea pig pellets should make up the bulk of your pet’s diet. Feed your guinea pigs twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. Available at Animal Island Pets in bulk supply.
Give them an offering of small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables to your guinea pigs every day. Grapes, cucumbers, corn, peas, carrots and pears. Half a handful of veggies and a slice of fresh fruit per pig is plenty. Make grass hay available to your pets at all times. It’s great for the digestive system. Also it satisfys your pet’s need to gnaw.
Guinea pigs cannot manufacture Vitamin C. They will need food with a high vitamin C content. A quarter of an orange will do or you can a include some fruits and veggies that are high in C to their daily ration of fresh foods, such as kale, dandelion greens and strawberries. There are vitamin supplements available also.
Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Use an inverted bottle with a drinking tube, and change the water daily.
General Care
Clean the cage completely once a week by replacing dirty bedding and scrubbing the bottom of the cage with warm water. Remove stale food, droppings nad dirty bedding daily.
Guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously. It is important that you provide yours with something to gnaw on at all times. Branches and twigs from untreated trees will work, as will any small piece of wood that hasn’t been treated with chemicals. Chew blocks and specially designed treats from your local pet store can be used.
Training
It’s crucial that you get your pets used to you—and used to being handled. Start by feeding them small treats. When they’re comfortable with that, you can carefully pick up one pig at a time, one hand supporting the bottom, the other over the back. They need to feel secure when handling so make sure you are holding them with both hands or in a way that they do not squirm or struggle excessively.
Once you have hand-tamed your guinea pigs, let them run around in a small room or enclosed area to get some additional exercise every day. Check the room for any openings from which the guinea pigs can escape, get lost and possibly end up hurt. Supervise your guinea pigs when they are loose because they will chew on anything in their paths. Watch especially for electrical wires as they can be very tempting.
Grooming
Guinea pigs are very conscientious about grooming themselves. Brushing them on a regular basis will help keep their coat clean and remove any loose hairs. Long-haired guinea pigs should be brushed daily in order to prevent tangles and knots from forming. Trimming their toe nails is also recommended when necessary.