How To Care for a Happy and Healthy Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are very popular as family pets, primarily because they are easy to keep, well-tempered and active during the day. If kept with care and respect, they can reach an average age of five to eight years. There are a few things to keep in mind, though, to ensure happy and healthy guinea pigs.

First, guinea pigs are very social and are best kept as a pair, or even better in a group. Single guinea pigs tend to be apathetic and withdrawn. Guinea pigs kept in groups are more active, more curious, in better health and generally more interesting.

Second, guinea pigs are plant eaters, and they prefer fresh, clean food several times a day. In fact, guinea pigs are big and loud eaters. Guinea pigs have a significant need for Vitamin C in their feed, which is easiest to address by ensuring fresh, quality food rather than just dry feed. In fact, dry food should be the exception rather than the norm.

Third, guinea pigs are very active and like to roam. While they are very social, they also need the ability to distance themselves from the rest of the group at times. They should not be kept in small cages, but rather in large, comfortable cages that offer a variety of options for activity, movement and sleeping arrangements. Since guinea pigs are not known as good climbers, a cage does not have to be completely enclosed, as long as the outside walls are high enough to prevent guinea pigs from toppling down. In recent years, a new kind of cage has become popular that consists of several levels with a variety of tunnels and bridges connected them. These cages are little architectural masterpieces that allow for more room within the cage without increasing its footprint.

Above all, guinea pigs are very social and like to bond with their humans. Do not keep them in a little used room where they have very little contact with the rest of the family. Keep them somewhere where they enjoy your company frequently, and where you can enjoy them.

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