Guinea Pig Care in the UK

Hay or fresh grass should make up most of a guinea pig's diet and remain available at all times. Chewing fibrous food helps wear continuously growing teeth and keeps the gut working. Offer measured guinea-pig pellets rather than rabbit food or a mixed muesli that lets them select only favourite pieces. Provide suitable leafy vegetables for variety and vitamin C; introduce any new food slowly to avoid digestive upset. Your vet can help with amounts for age, weight and health.

Supply fresh drinking water continuously and check that a bottle or bowl is working at least daily. Remove stale vegetables and wet hay. Never use lawnmower clippings as a shortcut to fresh grass: RSPCA warns that they can make guinea pigs ill. If your guinea pig is overweight, underweight or refusing hay, ask a vet to review its diet and teeth rather than removing food abruptly.

Guinea pigs are social and should not normally be kept alone. A compatible pair or group needs more than a small hutch: provide a secure exercise area, solid flooring, dry absorbent bedding, several hiding places and enough routes that one animal cannot trap another. A new companion needs careful introductions; ask a rescue or vet to confirm sex and advise on a suitable pairing.

Keep indoor accommodation well ventilated and away from draughts, radiators and direct sun. Outdoor housing needs protection from predators, wind, rain and temperature extremes. RSPCA advises moving outdoor guinea pigs indoors in cold conditions and keeping their environment cool in hot weather. Clean wet areas each day and deep-clean as needed without removing every familiar scent at once. Provide safe tunnels, hay piles and opportunities to explore.

Watch both animals eat; one may quietly lose out when food is shared. Note whether hay and vegetables are being eaten and whether droppings remain plentiful and normally formed. Weigh each guinea pig regularly on a kitchen scale and record changes. Check eyes, nose, coat, feet and the rear end for discharge, sores, wetness or soiling. In warm weather, inspect the rear end especially carefully because flystrike can develop quickly.

Changes can have several causes. Drooling, selective eating or weight loss may indicate dental disease; noisy breathing or discharge needs veterinary attention; itching and hair loss can have different skin causes. These are prompts to seek an examination, not conditions to treat with leftover medication. Only give medicines recommended for guinea pigs by your vet.