3 Ways to Care for English Guinea Pigs (2024)

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Co-authored byDeanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA

Last Updated: September 6, 2019Approved

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   Provide the biggest cage possible. Most cages advertised for guinea pigs are too small. An ideal enclosure size for one guinea pig is about 7 square feet (0.65 square meters), or 30 by 36 inches (76 by 91 cm).^[2]

   • Providing the largest cage that your home can accommodate will help ensure your guinea pig can exercise on its own time. That way, you won't have to provide as much daily out of cage time.
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   Avoid glass aquariums and wire-bottomed cages. Glass aquariums don't allow proper airflow, which could cause harmful ammonia buildup and high temperatures. Also, the bottom of the cage should be solid, as wire bottoms can injure a guinea pig's feet and legs.

   • If the only good-sized cage in your budget has a wire bottom, cover it with solid floorings, like a plastic or metal sheet.
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   Line the bottom of the cage with bedding. Store-bought paper bedding is a popular choice and is great for odor control. You can also use newspaper or fleece as bedding. Provide several inches worth of bedding so the big can dig and burrow.

   • Avoid wood shavings, straw, and cat litter. These can all cause injuries or health problems.
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   See Also

   9 Long-haired Guinea Pig Breeds (Plus Tips to care for their Long Hair) - More Guinea PigsEnglish Crested Guinea Pig: Origin, Appearance and Other Facts - More Guinea PigsLong Haired vs Short Haired Guinea Pigs - Which is Best?American Shorthair Guinea Pig: The Oldest Breed Of Guinea Pigs

   Place the cage in a draft-free area away from direct heat sources. Guinea pigs are prone to heat stroke, so keep the cage away from vents, fireplaces, sunlit windows, and other sources of direct heat. The ideal temperature range is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), so unheated, drafty areas are poor choices, too.^[3]

   • While guinea pigs are social and like to be around their owners, they have sensitive hearing. A family room can be a good location but keep the cage away from televisions, speakers, and other sources of loud noise.
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   Give the cage a quick daily cleaning. Guinea pigs are messy, and you'll need to clean the cage regularly. Put on a pair of gloves, then scoop out droppings, remove uneaten food, and replace soiled bedding. Take out the food and water containers, clean them with hot, soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly before refilling them.^[4]

   • Keep your guinea pig in a spare cage or other secure areas when you clean the main cage.
   • During daily spot cleanings, check for damage to the cage and other hazards. Make sure feces and urine are normal in quantity and appearance to rule out health issues.
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   Clean the cage thoroughly once a week. Remove everything from the cage and discard all of the bedding. Wash the cage in hot, soapy water, and scrub away any stubborn deposits from the bars and floor. Disinfect the cage and food and water containers with a solution of white vinegar and water, then rinse them well with hot water.^[5]

   • Once everything is completely dry, add bedding and reassemble the cage.
   • Wear gloves, use cleaning supplies designated for cage cleaning only, and wash your hands well when you're finished.

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   Make sure your guinea pig always has clean water. Since a hay and pellet diet is low in moisture content, guinea pigs drink lots of water. Your pet should always have access to clean fresh water in a stoppered bottle container with a metal spout.^[6]

   • Refill the bottle with fresh water each day.
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   Keep a constant supply of grass hay in its cage. Grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard, or brome hay, is the most important part of a guinea pig's diet. It helps wear the teeth and provides the fiber a guinea pig needs.^[7]

   • Avoid legume hay, such as alfalfa, which is too high in protein and calcium.
   • Use a hay dispenser so the pig always has access to fresh hay.
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   Feed it a small amount of guinea pig pellets every day. Store-bought pellets labeled for guinea pigs provide other needed vitamins and minerals. A constant supply can lead to obesity, so provide a limited daily amount. Provide 1/8 cup (30 mL) of pellets per 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of weight.^[8]

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   Give it vitamin C supplements. Guinea pigs can't synthesize their own vitamin C, so it's imperative to provide your pig with vitamin C. In addition to its pellets, daily portions of fresh fruits and veggies will help provide the vitamin C it needs.

   • If you don't feed it fresh produce every day, you can purchase chewable vitamin C tablets for guinea pigs. If it doesn't like the tablets, there are also supplements that you can mix in its water.^[9]
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   Keep a small number of fresh fruits or veggies in its cage. A daily portion of washed fruits or veggies will help prevent boredom and ensure your guinea pig's diet is well-rounded. Offer 1/2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 mL) of washed, chopped produce, such as kale, mustard, and collard greens, grapes, kiwis, and oranges. Remove uneaten portions within a few hours to prevent bacterial growth.^[10]

   • Guinea pigs tend to dislike cold produce, so serve fruits and veggies at room temperature.^[11]
   • Avoid feeding your guinea pig iceberg lettuce, shelled nuts or seeds, dairy products, and candy.

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   Keep a hidden area in its cage. A dark hide area will offer your guinea pig a good resting spot and help reduce stress. You can purchase a hide box from your pet supply store, or make one at home. You could use a cardboard box, a flower pot, or a large PVC tube.^[12]

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   Provide a variety of toys and chew sticks. Guinea pigs love to chew and need to wear down their teeth, which grow constantly. Store-bought chew sticks and chew toys, cardboard boxes, and untreated wood and wicker are all great options. Keep a backup supply so you can replace destroyed objects as needed.^[13]

   • Exercise wheels and balls are not suitable toys for guinea pigs. They're both bad for a guinea pig's back, and a ball can lead to overheating.^[14]
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   Let your guinea pig play outside of its cage under supervision. Since they're social animals, guinea pigs love to play with their owners. Daily out of cage time will also help ensure your pet gets the exercise it needs. Always supervise your pet closely when it's out of its cage, and make sure the room is secure and guinea pig proof.^[15]

   • It shouldn't be able to access electrical cords, rugs, or other objects it might want to chew. Put away delicate and breakable objects, and make sure nothing can get knocked over during playtime. Keep it away from vents, furniture, and other nooks and crannies where it might get lost.
   • Keep your guinea pig away from other pets, and supervise children when they interact with it.
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   Get your guinea pig a playmate. Guinea pigs are highly social, so it might get lonely if you're often away from home. As long as you provide a large enough cage, guinea pigs do well in groups of two or three.^[16]

   • If you have a male and a female, it's essential that you get them fixed. Female guinea pigs pelvises fuse, and the female can die if it gets pregnant and is unable to deliver the baby. Also, two intact males can get violent in the presence of a female.
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   Bathe your guinea pig only when necessary. English guinea pigs are shorthaired and handle most of their grooming themselves. However, your pet won't be happy if something sticky gets in its coat, so an occasional bath might be necessary.^[17]

   • Fill a basin with about an inch (2 to 3 cm) of warm water. Carefully place your guinea pig in the basin, and give it a minute to adjust. Offer it treats so it knows it's safe and in a good place.
   • Use your hands to get its fur wet, but take care to avoid its eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. Gently lather shampoo labeled for guinea pigs into the soiled area, then rinse it thoroughly with a stream of warm water.
   • After rinsing away all soap residue, towel dry your guinea pig. Brush its fur while you dry it to prevent matting.

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