Back to Basics

Wild guinea pigs live, eat and sleep together in small family groups on the grasslands of South America. They make their homes in abandoned burrows, caves and rock crevices.

Company

As in the wild, pet guinea pigs are happiest when kept together in pairs or small groups. Lone guinea pigs are liable to be lonely and unhappy. It is not advisable to keep a rabbit and guinea pig together, as rabbits are territorial and can become very aggressive towards guinea pigs, often with no warning and disastrous effects for the guinea pig.

Stimulation

Even with the companionship of their own kind, guinea pigs still need stimulation and exercise to keep happy and healthy. In the wild much of their time and energy is spent on finding food. For pet guinea pigs, with food readily supplied, much of their day is free! Toys, stimulation and space are therefore essential. This needn’t be expensive, all it takes is a little time and some imagination.

For a start, consider not just what is fed, but how it is fed. Rather than simply offering food in a bowl, much enrichment can be provided by hiding it around the cage or run so the guinea pig has to work a little to find it - much as in the wild. Hiding treats or food in a cardboard toilet roll tube or putting it in a plastic washing liquid ball are ways to add interest and prevent boredom. Gerty Nibble & Squeak Treats from Supreme are crunchy baked biscuit snacks, which are perfect for hiding around the run to encourage foraging.

Environmental Enrichment

It’s best to house guinea pigs outdoors in the summer months and to bring them inside in the winter. The more space a guinea pig has the better. Both indoors and out they should have a generous living space and as large a run as is possible and practical. However, a large empty run provides little in the way of interest. Outdoor runs should be sufficiently sturdy and secure to protect the guinea pigs from any predators and should also afford protection from direct sunlight.

A little imagination and creativity can go a long way in providing a stimulating environment for guinea pigs. Every day items can be put to good use, such as flowerpots, planters or cardboard boxes filled with hay. Tunnels made from clay pipes or chimney stacks are ideal not just for playing with and exploring, but also for providing a place where guinea pigs can hide from view, as all pets need the option for privacy. The more guinea pigs have to explore and investigate, the happier they’ll be. Of course, this should be in addition to, rather than a substitute for, company.

Health

Quite apart from the need for socialisation and stimulation, daily handling is important to check for any signs of injury or ill health, i.e. cuts, lumps, runny eyes, dirty bottom. Teeth and nails should be checked for length. Like all rodents, guinea pigs need plenty of safe things to chew, i.e. hay, untreated wood, cardboard, to prevent dental overgrowth. Guinea pigs should not be allowed to graze on chemically-treated grass and should never be given grass cuttings.

Hygiene