English (short hair), Abyssian (whorled hair), and Peruvian (long hair). Guinea pigs are rodents, originally found in the Andes Mountains of South America, and now bred in captivity. Guinea pigs are very social animals who live in large groups in the wild. Their popularity as companions is due to this sociable nature, as well as their ease of care and even temperaments. Guinea pigs are sometimes called by their native Peruvian name: cavy.

Guinea pigs can be housed in a wire cage, such as those sold for rabbits. The bottom of the cage should be lined with thick bedding, such as straw or softwood shavings. Do not use ceder or hardwood chips as the oils they contain can be harmful to the animal. The bedding will need to be changed frequently, as guinea pigs are quite messy with their bathroom habits. The cage should be as large as possible, at least two feet by two feet for one animal, four feet by two feet for two animals. It should be kept indoors, away from drafts and areas of temperature extremes.

Guinea pigs enjoy something to perch on, such as a brick or cardboard box. The box can also provide a hiding place and resting place for the animal, by having a door cut out on one side. A house such as this provides a safe place for the guinea pig to run when frightened and helps avoid injury to a panicked animal.

Although not as active as some small mammals, guinea pigs do need consistent exercise opportunities. Allowing your guinea pig to run about the room when you are home is one good way to offer exercise. In fine weather, guinea pigs love to graze on grass and dandelions. They can be allowed access to an enclosed yard as long as you are there to supervise.

Guinea pigs are unable to manufacture vitamin C within their bodies. Commercial guinea pig chow contains vitamin C, however even if they are properly stored, half of the vitamin C is lost within six weeks of manufacture. It is recommended that you supplement your pig’s diet with 200 mgs of vitamin C per one quart of water. This solution should be made up daily, because vitamin C breaks down readily. Orange juice can be added to water to make it more palatable.

Guinea pigs should have pellets available at all times. Fresh greens, alfalfa hay, and small amounts of fruits and vegetables can be offered daily. Vegetable matter should not exceed 10–15% of the total diet. All vegetables and fruits should be washed prior to feeding, to remove pesticides and bacteria. Rabbit pellets do not contain vitamin C and are not an acceptable substitute for guinea pig chow. Pellets should be stored in the freezer. This will help prolong shelf life, and prevent the breakdown of vitamin C.

Types of fresh foods to offer your pig include: carrots, apples, dandelion greens, clover, cauliflower and broccoli. Celery should be avoided, as its high salt content is not healthful for guinea pigs. Hay may be offered daily—it provides roughage, nutrition and nibbling pleasure. It is also a good idea to offer fruit tree twigs to your guinea pigs to chew on. These will help keep his teeth ground down, for like all rodents, his grow continuously throughout his life. Guinea pigs love to eat, and may have a tendency to put on weight. If this is the case with your pig, do not feed him less. Rather increase his exercise opportunities.

Food should be in sturdy ceramic dishes. These are not as easily tipped as other types of dishes, and therefore lessen the chance of contamination from urine and feces. Water should be offered in a water bottle with a sipper tube rather than a water dish.

The average life span of a guinea pig is four to five years, with the maximum being about nine years. Common health problems to watch for include:

Signs– loss of appetite; swollen, painful joints; reluctance to move; bleeding of the gums. What to do–call your veterinarian.

Signs– premolar teeth fail to meet properly; the tongue is entrapped by the teeth; interested in food but can’t eat; or eats only soft food; weight loss; drooling. What to do–discuss options with your veterinarian.

Causes– overweight animals, heavily furred animals, environmental temperature over 85°F, humidity above 70%, inadequate shade or ventilation, animal crowding, stress. Signs–Panting, slobbering, weakness, refusal to move, delirium, convulsions. What to dobathe your pig in cool water and call your veterinarian.

Daily examination of your guinea pig will help you notice signs of illness. In addition, guinea pigs, like dogs and cats, benefit from an annual examination by a veterinarian. Signs of illness to watch for include: lumps or swellings, decreased appetite, discharge from eyes or nose, labored or rapid breathing, diarrhea, hair loss, weight loss or parasites. If any of these signs are observed, consult a veterinarian.

To pick up your guinea pig, place one hand under his front end and one hand under his haunches. Hold him next to you, supporting his body and letting him sit or rest on your hands. Always handle your guinea pig gently.

Guinea pigs are social, and are best kept in groups of two or more. Females can live together amiably, and pairs in which at least one of the individuals is neutered are also good combinations. Guinea pigs are capable of breeding at six weeks of age and a pair can produce a litter (usually 3 babies) in only two months. As with other small mammals, homes are not easy to find for your guinea pigs, and animal shelters receive too many unwanted individuals. Think carefully about what you are doing before you allow your companion to breed.