Guinea pigs – or cavies, to give them their proper name – are fascinating, intelligent and when handled correctly, friendly. They originate from South America and there are eight species, but only one – the domestic cavy – is kept as a pet.  On average, guinea pigs live from four to eight years, so their care is a long-term commitment. Males are known as boars and females are called sows. Guinea pigs need company of their own kind and can be kept in same sex groups or in pairs. However, if you are planning to keep a male and female together, it is essential that the male be neutered to avoid unwanted babies. It takes approximately four weeks for a male to become sterile after being neutered. It is advisable to phone around to find a vet who has experience of neutering small pets like guinea pigs.  Small animals are also notoriously difficult to sex so if you have more than one and they are still young - keep them apart until you are certain or until neutering can be performed.

 Home comforts
Guinea pigs are curious and like to see what is going on, so they can be kept either indoors or out. However, they have sensitive hearing so, unless your home is quiet, they are usually happiest outdoors. They need a large predator-proof wooden hutch and run. Each hutch should have a separate sleeping area where the guinea pigs can retreat out of sight to get some peace and quiet. The hutch and run should be housed out of direct sunlight in a weatherproof, draught-proof shed, as guinea pigs are susceptible to all extremes of weather. Do not keep guinea pigs – or any other animals – in a garage that is used to house vehicles, as vehicle fumes can kill. Extra shelter and bedding must be provided during the winter months. The best form of bedding is bagged, pet shop straw (un‑bagged straw may contain mange mites). If you use wood shavings they must be dust-free and you should avoid cedar shavings as they can cause health problems. Never use fluffy bedding as it can get wrapped around limbs and injure your guinea pig. It will also not dissolve if eaten.

This lovely run with hut was made and donated by Scott of www.riversidehutches.homecall.co.uk and comes with a removable top. top Other equipment can be found on the website or on Ebay under Riverside Hutches

Food                                                                                                                         As guinea pigs are naturally grazing animals, it is important that they always have quality, bagged, non-dusty hay to keep their digestive systems working, along with a guinea pig mix. They also need small quantities of fruit and vegetables as a source of vitamin C, as guinea pigs lack the enzyme to produce this themselves. Melons, oranges and dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage are all good sources. Never feed your guinea pig with lettuce as this can cause diarrhoea.
Place food in earthenware bowls (which are hard to tip over), or stainless steel bowls that clip on to the front of the hutch. Clean, fresh water from a gravity bottle must be available at all times and changed on a daily basis. Do not feed rabbit food to guinea pigs, as guinea pigs have different nutritional requirements to rabbits. Guinea pigs can become obese if fed too much food or treats.

Health matters                                                                                                        A healthy guinea pig is alert, with bright eyes and a good coat. One of the most common problems in guinea pigs is bumblefoot, where the foot becomes swollen due to bacterial infection, often caused by dirty bedding. They are also prone to eye problems, so it is important to use dust-free bedding. Other conditions to watch out for include mange (itchy skin), dental problems due to a diet that is too low in fibre, and obesity due to being fed too many treats. If you have any concerns about your guinea pig’s health, seek your vet’s advice.
Grooming is a vital part of the routine care of guinea pigs. Long-haired varieties require daily grooming as their coats can quickly become matted and uncomfortable.
Female guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at four to five weeks old and males at eight to nine weeks. Do not be tempted to allow your guinea pigs to breed, as there are risks associated with pregnancy and birth. In particular, females that do not breed by the age of six to eight months can become pregnant, but they are physically unable to give birth as the pelvic bones fuse by this age. Male guinea pigs can be neutered to enable a male and female pair to live together without breeding.

Exercise and Boredom Busting                                                                             Provide your guinea pigs with as much floor space as possible – a hutch for two should not be less than 1.2m long by 60cm wide. They also need an outdoor run accessible from the hutch to allow them to graze. They can be allowed to run free indoors under supervision. Make sure all doors are closed, there are no escape holes and that cats and dogs are kept out of the room. Guinea pigs are not usually interested in toys, though some enjoy exploring cardboard boxes and running through tubes or pipes. You could also try hiding small amounts of food around the cage to help keep your guinea pigs alert and active.

Company                                                                                                              Your pet should only have other guinea pigs as companions. Never keep guinea pigs in the same hutch or run as rabbits, as there is a risk the guinea pigs will be bullied and seriously injured. The best combination is a pair or small group of the same sex, although neutered males and females may get along.

Getting to know you
Guinea pigs are friendly and most are happy to be handled once they have got used to their new surroundings. Always use both hands to pick up a guinea pig. Place one hand across its shoulders with the thumb tucked behind the shoulder and fingers wrapped round the ribs. Hold tightly enough to be secure without squeezing and put your other hand underneath the hindquarters for support. Hold the guinea pig close to your body, or sit down and place on your lap so your animal feels secure.

Guinea pigs as children’s pet
Guinea pigs can make good companions for adults or children. As guinea pigs are active during the day, you can have lots of fun just watching them. They communicate vocally and different noises have different meanings. A cooing sound gives reassurance, while a squeak can be a warning – a sign that the guinea pig is frightened, or anticipation that food is coming! They are unhappy when left alone in a hutch in the garden, as they need company. Guinea pigs are gentle animals and make good children’s pets, but consideration needs to be given to their long lifespan. They can live as long as seven years, so they might outlive a child’s interest. This is why it is important that the adults in the household share the children’s interest in the guinea pig. As with all small pets, an adult needs to be responsible for ensuring that the children provide the correct care and attention.

Don’t forget...
Guinea pigs have a long lifespan compared to other small animals
Guinea pigs need company of their own kind, either in a pair or in a small group of the same sex
Do not keep a breeding pair. If you are planning to keep a male and female together, talk to your vet about having the male neutered.  Do not keep guinea pigs and rabbits in the same hutch or run, as the guinea pigs may be bullied and severely injured. Make sure your guinea pigs always have dust-extracted hay to keep their digestive systems working and, a constant supply of clean water