🐹 Looking After Your Guinea Pig
A complete guide to caring for happy, healthy guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are gentle, friendly pets that can be easily tamed with regular attention. They are social animals and thrive when living with other guinea pigs. They can also live with small rabbit breeds, but introductions work best before they reach five months old. If keeping males and females together, ensure one is neutered.
Guinea pigs are crepuscular, meaning they are active on and off throughout the day and night. Their average lifespan is 5–6 years, so they require long‑term commitment and daily care.
What every guinea pig needs to stay healthy and happy
- Companionship — guinea pigs should live with other guinea pigs
- Gnawing block — helps keep teeth naturally worn
- Vaccinations — protects against serious diseases
- Daily grooming — especially important for long‑haired breeds
- Twice‑daily feeding — meadow hay, pellets, washed fruit and vegetables
- Fresh water — provided in a drip‑feed bottle with a metal spout
- Large weatherproof home — raised off the ground, shaded, and protected from wind
- Separate sleeping areas — each guinea pig needs its own covered space
- Clean bedding — hay or shredded paper
- Daily exercise — in a safe, grassy area free from predators
- Regular cleaning — home cleaned daily, bedding changed weekly
- Veterinary care — for illness or injury
- Holiday care — someone must look after them when you’re away
🧺 Guinea Pig Essentials
🩺 Guinea Pig Health
Long‑haired guinea pigs are especially vulnerable to flystrike, a potentially fatal condition caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur.
To prevent flystrike:
- Clean their home daily
- Change bedding regularly
- Groom daily, checking fur — especially under the tail
🦠 Ringworm
Bald patches may indicate ringworm, a fungal infection. Seek veterinary help immediately.
🩺 Daily Health Checks
What to look for each day
- Under the tail — clean and dry
- Toes and nails — all present, clean, not overgrown
- Leg movement — no stiffness or staggering
- Teeth — straight, not overgrown
- Nose — clean, no discharge
- Eyes — bright, clear
- Ears — smooth, clean
- Fur — clean, no bald patches or parasites
- Skin — not red, dry, or flaky
- Body condition — not bloated or bony
- Breathing — quiet, no wheezing
If you answer no to any of these checks, your guinea pig may need veterinary attention.
🐞 Flystrike
Common health issues and how to prevent them
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Principal Pets
184 Telegraph Road
Heswall
Merseyside
CH60 0AJ
Tel: 0151 342 9635
Email: info@principalpets.co.uk
VAT : 178 3864 58
Free Local Delivery
Monday Closed
Tuesday 09:00 to 17:30
Wednesday 09:00 to 17:30
Thursday 09:00 to 17:30
Friday 09:00 to 17:30
Saturday 09:00 to 17:30
Sunday Closed