Hi New Farm Vet, I just adopted a guinea pig, what should I do?
Guinea pigs housing requirements are quite similar to a
rabbit. These adorable creatures can be housed outdoors or totally indoors.
What type of enclosure should I use, New Farm Vet?
It is recommended that a guinea pig be housed in an
enclosure that is at least 30cm by 60cm wide. Since cavies do not jump or
climb, the height of the enclosure needs to be 30cm high and can be left opened
(beware of predators if housed outside!).
Should be easy to clean and
"chew-proof", New Farm vet?
Like rabbits, avoid wire mesh floors as they cause harm to
their feet and lead to pododermatitis.
Guinea pigs produce a lot of urine and faeces so make sure
that the enclosure is well ventilated to prevent the build up of ammonia. The
fumes can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Place the enclosure in a
dry, draft and rain free area. Heat stress is a common fatal illness, so make
sure the temperature in the enclosure ranges between 18-25 degrees Celsius.
What to put in the enclosure, New Farm Vet?
Line the enclosure with hay, straw, shredded newspapers or
recycled paper pellets. Avoid wood shavings or saw dust as they may cause
respiratory problems.
Caves, like rabbits, love to explore. Leave cardboard boxes,
pvc pipes or thick layer of hay/straw for them to hide and burrow. This also
provides mental enrichment.
Provide at least two water bottles for your cavies just in
case one gets clog up with food. Avoid using water bowls as they tend to be
easily soiled and cause wetting of the enclosure.
Should I give any behavioural enrichment toys, New Farm Vet?
4 main points to satisfy:
1) Socialise
2) Gnaw and chew
3) Tunnel, explore and play
4) Hide and rest.
Toys include toilet paper rolls, paper bags, bird or cat
toys. Tree branches are ideal for chewing.
Guinea pigs enjoy exercise outside their enclosure. Just
remember to guinea pig proof your home! Plug any tiny holes you can find to
prevent escape.
Can I house my guinea pig with other animals, New Farm Vet?
Guinea pigs are very sociable animals, so they enjoy the
company of other cavies. Groups of female only or desexed males only are
suitable. Similarly, grouping girls with desexed boys are OK too. Any
introductions should be on neutral territory and under supervision.
