Empowering Guinea Pig Enthusiasts
At Cavy Care Corner, we’re here to help guinea pig parents be the best they can be! From tips on care and nutrition to fun facts about behavior, we’ve got you covered. Our mission? To make sure every little cavy gets the love and care they deserve. Join our community of fellow guinea pig lovers for all things fuzzy and fabulous!
Get on board, sign a petition to end guinea pig sales in stores, and be a hero for their well-being today!
Our Story
Once a dedicated volunteer in Southern California, I always found joy in serving others, particularly small furry creatures that resembled adorable potatoes. However, due to personal reasons, I could no longer physically volunteer. Despite this setback, I was determined to find a way to continue giving back and making a difference in the lives of these small animals.
Need help finding a vet?
Guinea Pigs require a specially trained veterinarian known as an exotic vet. To find one near you please follow the link below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs need a diet of hay, fresh veggies, and pellets made for them. Hay keeps their digestion and teeth healthy, while veggies provide essential nutrients. Pellets should be given in moderation. Avoid sugary treats and harmful foods like chocolate or avocado to keep your guinea pig happy and healthy.
How big should a guinea pig’s cage be?
These are minimum space requirements, and providing more space can lead to happier, healthier guinea pigs by allowing for more exercise and reducing conflicts in shared living situations. Additionally, these animals thrive in environments that allow for enrichment, including hiding places, toys, and opportunities for foraging and exploration. Always consider the largest cage that can fit in your space and budget.
For one guinea pig: A minimum of 7.5 square feet (about 0.7 square meters), but more space is always better. A cage that is 30 inches by 36 inches (about 76 cm by 91 cm) is a good starting point.
For two guinea pigs: A minimum of 10.5 square feet (about 0.98 square meters) is recommended. Dimensions might be around 30 inches by 50 inches (about 76 cm by 127 cm).
For three guinea pigs: Aim for at least 13 square feet (about 1.2 square meters), with dimensions such as 30 inches by 62 inches (about 76 cm by 157 cm).
For four guinea pigs: A minimum of 13 square feet is recommended, but significantly more space will be needed to ensure they all have enough room to live comfortably together, with 30 inches by 76 inches (about 76 cm by 193 cm) being a suitable size.
Do guinea pigs need companionship?
Yes! Imagine living in a world without anyone to talk to, share secrets with, or laugh over the silliest jokes. That’s precisely how a guinea pig feels when they’re all by themselves—a bit like being the only one at a party who doesn’t know anyone. Now, enter the magical world of guinea pig companionship, where every day is a gala of squeaks, popcorn jumps, and shared lettuce leaves.
You see, guinea pigs are social butterflies of the rodent world. In the wild, they roam in herds, gossiping in their unique squeaky language, and keeping each other warm and cozy. Isolation for them is like trying to sing a duet solo—possible, but nowhere near as joyful. Having a buddy (or two) means they can chatter about the latest in hay flavors, run laps around each other in excitement, and snuggle up when the lights go out, ensuring they always feel loved and secure.
This camaraderie isn’t just for funsies; it’s a lifeline for their mental and emotional well-being. Like us, they need interactions to stay happy and healthy. Think of it as their version of social media, where every moment is about sharing, liking, and living life to the fullest with their furry friends by their side. So, in the grand scheme of things, providing a companion for your guinea pig is like giving them the key to a treasure chest of endless joy, adventures, and, most importantly, friendship.
Are guinea pigs good starter pets?
Guinea pigs may not be the most suitable choice for novice pet owners. These animals have specific care requirements that can be quite demanding. They need a spacious cage, a specialized diet (including fresh vegetables and vitamin C supplements), regular handling, grooming, and veterinary care from exotic specialists. Additionally, guinea pigs are social creatures and thrive best in pairs or small groups. The commitment level in terms of time, effort, and finances associated with caring for guinea pigs is considerable, making them better suited for experienced pet owners who understand the responsibilities involved in looking after these charming companions.
How can I adopt a guinea pig?
Always prioritize adopting over purchasing from pet stores! Begin by exploring your local animal shelters, as they often have guinea pigs eagerly waiting for a loving home. Additionally, consider reaching out to a small animal rescue in your vicinity. Keep in mind, however, that adopting through an animal rescue might take some time due to their thorough vetting processes. These steps are designed to guarantee that guinea pigs find a permanent home where they can flourish.
What is the true cost of owning a guinea pig?
Guinea pig ownership can be very costly due to the specific needs they have:
Housing: Guinea pigs require spacious cages that can accommodate their active lifestyle, bedding changes, and enrichment activities. These cages, along with the necessary accessories like hideouts, water bottles, and feeders, can be an initial investment.
Diet: A proper guinea pig diet includes not only pelleted food but also a daily variety of fresh vegetables and unlimited hay. High-quality hay and fresh produce can add up in cost, especially considering the volume they consume.
Healthcare: Guinea pigs need regular health check-ups, and because they are considered exotic pets, veterinary care can be expensive. They also require vitamin C supplementation, as they cannot produce it naturally, and may need other supplements or medications throughout their lives.
Bedding: Guinea pigs need absorbent, dust-free bedding to keep their living area clean and comfortable, requiring frequent changes to maintain a healthy environment. The cost of bedding can accumulate quickly, especially for larger enclosures.
Enrichment and social needs: To keep guinea pigs happy and mentally stimulated, owners need to provide a variety of toys, tunnels, and chew items, which may need to be replaced or rotated regularly. Additionally, since guinea pigs are social animals, it’s often recommended to have more than one, doubling many of the aforementioned costs.
Unexpected expenses: Like any pet, guinea pigs can have unexpected health issues or emergencies, leading to potentially high veterinary bills. Guinea Pigs can’t just go to any Vet, they need a speical v
All these factors combined make guinea pig ownership a significant financial commitment. Potential owners should carefully consider these costs to ensure they can provide a loving, enriching, and stable environment for their guinea pig companions.
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