1. Water
Let's start with the most important thing for survival - The Water
Required Volume - 100 ml ~ 1/2 of your Coffee mug per guinea pig per day to begin. Depending on the weather condition and health your piggy may require more water.
Container - Can be bowl or sipper. Depending on what your guinea pig prefers.
2. Hidey
Guinea Pigs are prey animals and are closer to bottom in a food chain. This means they are prone to be hunted by other animals for food. Having an enclosure from top and sides makes them feel safe and warm. This is important for their peace of mind and health otherwise your Guinea Pig will always stay stressed.
Enters the concept of Hidey, an area or space used as a hiding place. They are usually in the form of small boxes, enclosures, doll house like structures and tunnels.
Where to find Hideys? - You can buy online, from pet store or can make your own.
3. Food = Hay + Green Vegetables + Pellets
Guinea Pigs are herbivorous animals and their diet is divided into 3 categories - Hay, Green Vegetables & Pellets. All are equally important for guinea pig's health and should be given daily.
Hay - By definition, Hay is a collection of grass and other plants that have been cut, dried, and collected. It is used as food for grazing animals like cattle or domesticated animals like rabbits or guinea pigs. For guinea pigs and rabbits, hay serves more than just food. It helps in their digestion and in limiting the growth of their teeth.
Green Vegetables - Vitamin C is a very important component of food for Guinea pigs. Some of the vegetables & fruits good in Vitamin C are - Capsicum, red bell peppers, carrots, apples, oranges, cucumbers, corianders, tomatoes, dill, grapes and parsley. Fruits should be given once or twice a week as they contain sugars which if given in excess can damage their digestive system.
Pellets - Pellets are cereal like thing that contains a balance of all the essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals for your guinea pig's health.
How much to serve ? -
Hay | Daily, Unlimited |
Green Vegetables | Daily, 1 cup or 1 small size bowl |
Pellets | Daily, 1/2 cup |
Fruits | 1-2 times a week, very small portion |
4. Cage
Cage is important to provide a dedicated and secure space for your guinea pigs to live safely. It should be big enough that it can accommodate hidey, food bowls, water sippers, hay rack and some space for them to roam around. Prefer open roof cage and no wire mesh in the bottom of the cage. Guinea Pigs have little feet that can get caught in the mesh.
Bedding - Bedding is usually a soft fabric placed in the bottom of the cage where your Guinea Pig will sleep, pee and poop. You can use shredded papers, pee pads, baby bed protector, fleece liners, waterproof baby sheets etc.
Important factors to consider while building a cage -
Both cage and bedding should be easy to clean and maintain. So, choose wisely depending on your lifestyle.
Cage should be placed away from direct sunlight and breeze.
Cage should be well ventilated for Guinea Pigs to get fresh air.
The bedding material should be safe for Guinea Pigs.
Recommended - If you are getting Guinea Pig for the first time kindly get a pair. It could be male-male, female-female or male-female. Guinea Pigs are social animals and in wild they are usually in groups. Having a pair of Guinea Pigs will provide each Guinea Pig a companionship when you are not around. This will keep them less stressed and healthy. Also, it is found that a pair of Guinea Pigs will bond quickly with you than a single Guinea Pig.
