Guinea pigs are fun pets to own, but before making the huge decision to bring one into your family, there are a few things you need to take into consideration to ensure that the new adjustment goes smoothly. In this article, we outline all the things that you need to know before starting your new life as a guinea pig parent.
Guinea pig care
Because guinea pigs have a much shorter life expectancy than your normal household pets (dogs and cats), it’s easy to think that they may not require as much effort as dogs and cats do. Guinea pigs, however, require more care as they are highly active animals and are more prone to illnesses that you may not be familiar with. Finding a vet for your guinea pigs might also be a difficult task, though you should ask your vet to refer you to a specialist if you have any doubts. Just know that you should have a vet on call for whatever animals you have.
Guinea pig pair
It is extremely important to note that guinea pigs are sociable creatures and you may have to get more than one to make sure that the new furry addition to your family does not get lonely, bored or anxious.
To avoid unwanted litters, however, make sure that you keep pairs of the same sex together. Start the lifetime bonding while the pair of guinea pigs are still infants to ensure that they adjust to being together from the very beginning.
If you are keeping two guinea pigs at once, it’s crucial to have a cage that is big enough to house both. Guinea pigs need an ample amount of space to be active as well as comfortable in. Space is key, especially to ensure that your guinea pigs are not agitated by having to share their space with one another.
Standard guinea pig or small animal cages are ideal to comfortably house your guinea pigs. If you are worried about your guinea pigs being too crammed in one habitat together, you can build them a cage yourself and customise it to suit your guinea pigs’ needs.
Guinea pig needs
If you are looking for a pet that will not disturb your peaceful night’s sleep then a guinea pig might not be the best choice. Even though they do not have a loud bark, guinea pigs make a high-pitched squeaking sound when they are irritated or are in need of food.
Once your guinea pig gets accustomed to being in your house, they start being less restless and more of a breeze to have around. Guinea pigs need a lot of care and if your household includes children, then it’s highly recommended that you supervise any playtime between your kids and your guinea pig.
Guinea pig diet
Just as with cats and dogs, your guinea pig’s diet will determine the quality of his life. Give him the best diet to sustain his comfort, health and lifestyle. Fortunately Pet Hero stocks a variety of top-rated guinea pig foods that are not only an affordable buy, but are healthy for your guinea pig.
Your home should be a comfortable and safe environment for your guinea pig. These pets are often taken to animal shelters or rehomed because families are no longer willing to deal with the responsibility that comes with owning one. If the idea of caring for a guinea pig still sounds fun and colourful and you are willing to give a guinea pig (or two) a good home, remember that Pet Hero stocks all your guinea pigs necessities at affordable prices.
Shop all your guinea pig essentials online
Read our guide to guinea pig care here: https://pethero.co.za/a-guide-to-owning-your-first-guinea-pig/