Caring for your guinea pig

Guinea-pigs make great pets and are a good choice for children as they are active during the day. They are longer lived than other small furries (up to 7 years) and are happy to be handled as long as you do it correctly. They do best in company (keep two or more of the same sex) and will be happy living indoors or out. Remember that they have sensitive hearing so will be better off outside if you have a noisy household. They are grazing animals so they must have (dust-free) hay, as well as vegetables to supplement any guinea pig mix for a balanced diet. Guinea pigs can become obese if overfed. And like all animals they need a constant supply of clean water.

Our friends at Blue Cross have prepared a leaflet to help you care for your guinea-pig.