Guinea pig care: companionship, feeding and daily checks

Guinea pigs need other guinea pigs, suitable housing and daily care. They are not small rabbits: their behaviour and dietary needs differ. A regular routine helps you observe each animal and explain care clearly to a sitter.

The company of other guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are social animals. Provide suitable company from other guinea pigs and get guidance when forming a new group if you lack experience. Do not put unfamiliar animals together without preparation.

Give each animal the opportunity to eat, hide and keep their distance. Watch for a guinea pig being repeatedly chased away or barely reaching food and water. A rabbit is not a substitute for a guinea pig companion and also needs different care.

Feeding and vitamin C

Provide unlimited hay, clean drinking water and suitable guinea pig food, supplemented with appropriate fresh foods. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Use food intended for guinea pigs; general rodent food is not automatically an alternative.

Store food according to its instructions and check expiry dates. Discuss with your vet how to adapt food and any supplements to your animals. These daily arrangements must also be clear to someone taking over their care.

Observe every guinea pig at feeding time. Not eating or eating noticeably less is a reason to contact a vet immediately. Do not wait until the next planned care visit to report changes.

Room to move and places to hide

Suitable housing has enough floor space, safe hiding places and room to move. Provide a surface that is comfortable for their feet and keep wet and dirty areas clean. Position food, water and hiding places where the animals can reach them.

Tunnels and other suitable furnishings add variety but must not fill all the space for movement. Check materials for places where an animal could become trapped. Consider temperature, draughts and shelter; outdoor housing needs extra preparation. The LICG care sheet below explains the requirements in more detail.

Handling and grooming

Approach guinea pigs calmly. Interact with them at ground level so they can choose to come closer or move away. Avoid unnecessary lifting and support the hindquarters too when lifting is needed. Stay present when children interact with the animals.

Long-haired animals need more grooming than smooth-coated guinea pigs. Check claws too and, if needed, ask for a demonstration of safe care. Do not force procedures that frighten your animal or that you do not know how to perform.

Handing over the routine

Record what is normal for each animal: how they eat, move and respond. Ask the sitter to join you for the usual care routine and explain what each guinea pig needs.

Use the guide to guinea pig sitting during your holiday for visit times, supplies and updates. The Petbnb pet sitter checklist helps with practical house arrangements.

Sources

• LICG: guinea pig — group living, feeding and vitamin C, housing, handling and care.