4 Guinea Pig Essentials for a Happy, Healthy Pet

Guinea pigs are adorable little pets. Seriously, some of the cutest you’ll ever see. But did you know they’re also super social? They love having company, whether it’s a human or another piggy to play with. And just like dogs and cats, guinea pigs have their own needs as well. They need a safe enclosure where they can play and rest, the right food and some attention every day.

But you must start with the basics, find a guinea pigs enclosure and make it their little safe space where they can just relax and go to when it’s nap time. If they’ve got their basic needs covered, they are very active and happy little creatures and are a lot of fun to be around.

If you’re thinking about getting a guinea pig, the first thing you want to do is provide them with a safe space to sleep and eat. With that being said, it’s natural to ask: What type of enclosure is recommended for a guinea pig? Most guinea pig rescue groups actually suggest these things called C&C cages, which are made from wire cubes and sturdy plastic stuff called coroplast.

They’re super popular because they’re easy to clean, give your piggies loads of space, and you can even shape them how you want. Honestly, they’re way better than stuff like plastic tubs or glass tanks. Those just don’t have enough air flow, and wire floors? Big no – they can actually hurt their little feet. So if you want to do it right, a nice open C&C setup is the way to go.

Another thing when you’re buying a guinea pigs enclosure: they need much more space than you’d think. So, if you have two guinea pigs, getting at least 0.74 square meters cge would be a good start. Remember, more is always better because they love to run around and explore. Also, more space means more stimulation.

Which brings us to the next question: What about cages with multiple levels? Do they like those? Well, not really. While it’s good to have them because it gives them plenty of room for exercise, a large, single-level C&C cage with a solid floor might be a better solution in the long run.

Also, keep an eye on the weather. A nice sunny day? It’s totally fine to let them hang out in a safe enclosure. They’ll love the fresh air. But if it’s extremely hot or cold, it’s best to bring an enclosure for guinea pigs inside. Guinea pigs are pretty sensitive to extreme weather changes, so think about their comfort and what’s best for them.

There are a few good options when it comes to cosy bedding, such as fleece liners, paper bedding, hay, and aspen shavings.

Fleece liners are quite popular because they are soft and reusable. However, you do need to be washing them regularly to keep them clean and also, make sure to use an absorbent layer underneath, like towels or puppy pads, to soak up the moisture.

Another good option is paper bedding, which is absorbent and controls odours as well. Just make sure to choose one that is free of fragrances, as guinea pigs have sensitive respiratory systems.

Aspen or wood shavings are another great option, and yes, they are safe for guinea pigs. Just make sure to avoid cedar and pine shavings as they can be harmful because of the oils they contain.

Also, hay is a great bedding option. Not only is it essential for their diet, but it can be used as bedding as well. However, since it’s not very absorbent, it’s best if it is combined with other bedding types.

While hay is super important for guinea pigs’ diet, it’s not the only thing they eat. It’s their main meal that keeps their teeth healthy and helps their tummy work right. But they eat more than just hay. A small handful of fresh veggies like capsicum, cucumber, or leafy greens and pellets are always more than welcome. But don’t ever attempt to feed them iceberg lettuce because that stuff’s not great for them.

Remember that guinea pigs are social pets. They love having a companion, whether it’s another guinea pig or even you! If you can, get two or more, and they’ll bond and keep each other company. But if you’re only getting one, make sure you spend a lot of time with it. They’ll be super attached to you and happy to have you around.