How to Care for your Guinea Pigs

There is so much information out there on caring for guinea pigs that it can feel quite intimidating to newcomers!

Guinea pigs have relatively simple needs and I've simplified these to the below for starters


1. Company of their own kind

The most important thing to remember is that guinea pigs are sociable creatures that need to live in pairs or groups. For boar, 2 is the most successful number and the least likely to cause fights. For sows, it depends on the personalities but a pair, trio or small group can work well given the right space and care. Guinea pigs must not live with rabbits.

2. Food & Water

The majority of a guinea pig's diet is HAY. Hay hay and more hay - good hay, and in abundance. The rest of their diets is made up of pellets and vegetables / fruit. You will get more information on your specific pig's likes and dislikes when you visit as each one is different. Meadow hay is fine - long stalk stuff keeps their constantly-growing teeth down.
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Our rescue pigs are fed a mix of Excel Blackcurrant and Oregano, Excel Mint Nuggets and other brands that we are donated.

Click here for Guinea Lynx info on diet and feedi

3. Adequate Space

As discussed in our homing requirements, guinea pigs need as much space as possible to run, hide, play and forage as well as a play pen / outdoor run. They will need spot-cleaning regularly and a deep clean once or twice weekly.

Click here for Guinea Lynx housing info

4. Protection from the Elements

In the UK our weather is seldom ideal for guinea pigs, so we must take measures to make sure they are comfortable all year round. Sadly, every year the extremes of heat and cold causes guinea pigs to perish. This is why we prefer indoor homes for our adopted pigs. Even then, summer heat can be an issue. Guinea pigs are not tolerant of extremes of temperature, damp or draughts.

5. Medical Care and General Maintenance

It is always wise to register your guinea pig with a vet. Hopefully with good care they will not require veterinary attention, but they deserve access to good medical care as much as a cat or dog does. Guinea pigs are not very good patients, being prey animals they often hide illness very well until it's too late. We recommend regular weigh ins and health checks (at home) and can show you what to look out for.
Long haired guinea pigs will also require grooming / trimming and all pigs will need nail trimming, which is easily done at home once you know how.