Basic Guinea Pig Care Guide

1-2 pigs need at least 8sqft cage. Measure the bottom of the cage length x width. Add 2 sqft for each additional pig. For a safe Cubes and Chloroplast (C and C) cage, ensure grids have at least 9 squares across OR unlimited number of rectangles. Guinea pigs (GPs) prefer a single level cage so they can run and "popcorn"!

Bedding should be fleece, bath mats, or dust-free paper bedding. Clean a single pig's cage once/week. For multiple pigs, clean every 3-4 days. Wash fleece with fragrance free detergent and no fabric softener. Add a cup of vinegar and a dash of baking soda to neutralize any smells. Air dry. Consider an air purifier for the room to help neutralize any smells.

No hamster wheel or hay rack... GPs' spines are very fragile and can't bend like a hamsters. Hay racks are not safe and most pigs prefer to stand in hay or climb through hay while eating.

Have one hide in the cage per pig. 

Unlimited orchard grass hay. GPs' teeth are always growing and chewing on hay is their way to keep them at an appropriate length. Timothy hay may cause humans allergy symptoms. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and should ONLY be served to pigs under special circumstances. Ask us for more information.

One vitamin c cookie (orange package) each day. GPs cannot produce their own vitamin c so it must be supplemented. Vitamin c drops in water tend to make the water bitter and they won't drink it, potentially causing dehydration. The liquid also loses its nutritional value overtime in the water. A slice of bell pepper or a single cherry tomato) can also be served daily.

Timothy pellets. Serve 1/8c (literally a handful) of pellets per pig per day. Check the label that Timothy is the first ingredient and not alfalfa. Extra colorful bits are NOT healthy! The more "plain/boring" the pellets, the better! 1cup of veggies/salad a day. You can Google good and bad veggies. Hand feeding veggies is a perfect way to bond with your pig!

Treats: A lot of marketed treats are VERY UNHEALTHY and even DANGEROUS for your pig. Oxbow brand treats, dried flowers, and pea flakes are great options. Pigs cannot have nuts, seeds, yogurt/dairy, or dried fruits.

Change and provide fresh water every day. Water bottles are recommended instead of water bowls due to dumping (leads to no water access and soaked bedding). One water bottle in the cage for each pig.

Handle and hold GP for 20min each day! Food is a way for them to fall in love with you!