Animal Antics for Students - Guinea Pigs

Food

Guinea pigs eat pellets, grass and chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach and apples.

Water

Guinea pigs must have fresh water all the time.

Shelter

Guinea pigs live in hutches, which are built of timber and wire. Part of a hutch should have a roof so the animals are safe from the sun, wind and rain. The floor should be covered in wood shavings and straw for the guinea pigs to make their beds in. Remember to clean the hutch regularly.

Friends

Guinea pigs need friends to share their homes with. It is best to get two or three females from the same litter when they are young.

Exercise

It is a good for guinea pigs to explore the world outside their hutches regularly. Make sure guinea pigs don't go into places you can't get them out of, like under the house or into a drain. It is important that guinea pigs can't escape under fences or through gates. Stay with the guinea pigs when they are exploring in case cats, foxes or dogs show up.

Vet care

Guinea pigs must visit the vet once a year for a check-up. Vets give guinea pigs vaccinations to stop them catching diseases. You should also take guinea pigs to the vet if they have weeping eyes, are sleeping all the time or not eating.

Identification

A microchip can be put underneath the coat of a guinea pig so it can be returned home if it is lost.

Lifespan
Guinea pigs live for up to five years.