Guinea Pigs

GPs originated from the grasslands of South America, and in the wild, tend to live in small social groups of 5 to 10 animals. They are generally non-aggressive and make suitable pets for children. They are highly vocal and social animals, and are best housed in pairs or small groups – either single sex or mixed sex groups with the males neutered.

Provided the animals have been reared together from a young age, fighting is rare. Entire females and males may fight, but neutering will often resolve such problems. Occasionally, dominant animals may bully subordinates by chewing the coat and producing patches of hair loss – ‘barbering’.

GPs should not be kept with rabbits, as there is a risk of cross infections.

Housing

GPs are best kept in a hutch with either connected runs or a separate pen for exercise and grazing. The hutch should have an enclosed solid-sided nesting area for shelter, and a mesh fronted section. As they can get quite apprehensive in open spaces, hiding places and shelters should be provided in the run.

Wood should be protected by wire-mesh to prevent GPs from gnawing through the wood. Flooring should be smooth. Saw dust, wood shavings, shredded paper or hay should be provided as bedding. Use of sawdust as the basic bedding with the addition of hay is recommended as the latter provides a dietary supplement and also some variety in the environment.

Hutches must be cleaned 2-3 times a week, as GPs are rather messy animals.

Diet

Since GPs are quite selective feeders, a pelleted diet is often preferable as it helps to ensure that the animals receive a balanced diet.

It is important that they receive an adequate intake of vitamin c, as they are unable to synthesize this vitamin. If there is any doubt, a supplement should be added to the diet. GPs require a daily intake of approximately 10mg/kg and this increases to 30mg/kg/day during pregnancy.