All About Guinea Pigs:
The Ultimate Care Guide
Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly and affectionate rodents that make wonderful pets. With their charming personalities and gentle nature, they are ideal for families and first-time pet owners. If you’re considering bringing a guinea pig into your home, here’s everything you need to know!
Are Guinea Pigs Right for You?
Guinea pigs are wonderful pets for those who can provide proper care, companionship, and attention. They require daily feeding, fresh bedding, and social interaction to thrive. If you’re looking for a friendly and affectionate pet, a guinea pig may be the perfect choice!
Housing your Guinea Pig
Housing should just be viewed as your guinea pigs’ ‘bedroom’ and be permanently attached to a much larger run. These little rodents are active for up to 20 hours a day and sleep only for short periods, so they need plenty of space to exercise. If a ramp connects the hutch to a run, check it is wide enough and not too steep or your piggies may be too scared to use it
Diet & Nutrition
A guinea pig’s diet consists mainly of high-quality hay, which helps with digestion and dental health. They also require fresh vegetables, guinea pig pellets, and a daily source of vitamin C, as their bodies cannot produce it naturally. Fresh water should always be available in a sturdy bottle or bowl.
Socialisation & Enrichment
Due to their highly social nature, guinea pigs can only be truly happy as one of a pair or as part of a small suitable group of guineas – litter mates make the best companions. If you’re planning to keep a male and female together, it’s recommended that the male is neutered to avoid the unwanted patter
of tiny guinea pig feet.
Health & Care
Regular health checks are important to ensure your guinea pig stays in top condition. Watch for signs of overgrown teeth, respiratory issues, or changes in behavior. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their enclosure should be cleaned frequently to maintain hygiene. Unlike some small pets, guinea pigs do not require dust baths and should only be bathed when absolutely necessary.
Long-Term Commitment
Guinea pigs are social and affectionate pets, but they require daily care and attention for 5–8 years or more. Providing unlimited hay, fresh water, guinea pig pellets, vitamin C-rich vegetables, safe toys, and regular grooming can cost an average of £10–£25 per month, depending on their needs. Beyond the financial aspect, guinea pigs need space to explore, enrichment to prevent boredom, and gentle, consistent handling, so it’s important to be prepared for the time, effort, and commitment their care requires.
Food & Treats
We have a wide range of nutritious food & treats for all of your small animals
Toys & Enrichment
Find the perfect toys & enrichment to keep you furry little friends entertained all day long.
Hutches & Cages
We have suitable Hutches & Cages for indoors or outdoors.
Straw & Hay
We have an ever growing selection of straw, hay & bedding, to keep your fluffy friends safe, warm and healthy.
Grooming
We have a large selection of small animal grooming and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guinea Pigs
1. What food do guinea pigs need?
They require high-quality guinea pig nuggets, unlimited hay, and vitamin-C rich vegetables.
2. Do guinea pigs need vitamin C supplements?
Yes, guinea pigs cannot make vitamin C, so supplements or vitamin C-rich foods are essential.
3. Do you rehome guinea pigs?
Yes, we do offer guinea pig rehoming. Availability depends on whether we have space and on the guinea pig’s health and age. All potential rehomes are carefully assessed to ensure the animals are in good condition and can be matched to a loving, suitable long term home.
4. Do you sell guinea pigs?
Yes! We sell Guinea pigs. We always aim to ensure our animals are going to a loving, suitable, long-term home. If the guinea pig is not being housed in a setup purchased from us, we may ask for proof of an appropriate cage or enclosure. For the wellbeing of the animals, we reserve the right to refuse a sale if we feel the home would not meet their needs. Our team will also provide guidance on diet, housing, and bonding to help ensure a smooth and happy transition.
5. Where do your guinea pigs come from?
Our Guineas come from reputable breeders. Every Guinea pig undergoes a health check and a settling period before being offered for sale, ensuring they are free from common illnesses and parasites.
6. Do you offer grooming or nail-clipping services?
7. How do I handle guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are gentle and social but can be nervous at first. Always approach slowly and use gentle, supportive handling. Most enjoy being petted and will explore your lap when comfortable.
8. Do you sell large indoor enclosures?
Yes! We stock a variety of indoor cages. Our staff can advise on optimal cage size, layout, and enrichment to ensure your pets have enough space to explore, exercise, and hide.
9. Can i buy a single guinea pig?
Generally No! We sell bonded pairs unless rehoming a single to someone that already has a guinea or 2. It is within our licensing that Guinea Pigs must be kept as pairs or more.
10. Do you offer Guinea Pig boarding services?
Yes, we provide boarding services for rabbits when you’re away. Check out our Boarding Page for more information.
Some of our trusted brands for our Small Animals
Just a few of the trusted brands we stock in our stores.
