Guinea Pigs are a BIG commitment for a small animal!
They can live 5-7 years. Think about how old you'll be in 5 years' time, will you still want to spend time with your Guinea Pigs or will you be busier with friends/studying?
They need taking care of every single day...even Christmas Day and your birthday.
If you like to go on holiday, you'll need to find someone to help look after them.
Have you had a long think and a chat with your parents? Are they on board? Have you done lots of research?
Housing
Guinea Pigs need a LOT more room than you might think, most of the cages you see in pet shops will be too small. They need enough room to have a good run around.
You should never have a Guinea Pig live alone, they need friends!
You will need to keep the cage clean by removing wet bedding daily, and doing a full clean every week.
Feeding
Guinea Pigs eat lots and lots of hay, they should have a huge pile every day. They love to play and sleep in it too!
Just like us, Guinea Pigs need to eat their veggies! A handful a day of lots of different vegetables will keep them healthy.
They'll also need a couple of tablespoons of Guinea Pig nuggets each day.
They must also have fresh water every day.
Making friends
Your new Guinea Pigs may be a bit shy or scared at first - this doesn't mean they don't like you!
You should spend time just quietly sitting near them while they get used to you. You can try and get them to take some food from your hand. You'll really want to cuddle them - but just be patient! Soon they will learn you are not scary, and that you bring tasty food.
Handling
Always have an adult with you when you are handling your Guinea Pigs. They can be tricky to catch, so try not to scare them. If you have tried for a few minutes and had no luck - let them have a rest and try again later.
You can gently encourage them into a tunnel or house to make it easier. You should always cuddle your Guinea Pigs sitting down. Always hold them with two hands and keep them close to your body. Never let their body dangle. They enjoy being stroked on the head, but not usually on the bottom. Make sure you stroke in the same direction as their hair.
Keeping healthy
You should regularly check your Guinea Pigs all over. If something doesn't seem right, you should tell an adult right away. You should also tell an adult if you notice your Guinea Pigs are acting differently, for example, if they stop eating. They can become poorly very quickly so it's a good idea to take them to the vet quickly with any concerns.
Weighing your Guinea Pig every week can also be a good way to spot if they are becoming poorly.
They will also need their nails trimming, you can help remind your adults when it needs doing.
Choosing your Guinea Pigs
It's a great idea to visit a rescue when you are looking to adopt some Guinea Pigs.
Rescues take in and look after Guinea Pigs that other people could no longer care for, and find them new homes.
The rescue staff will be able to give you lots of help and advice, and you will also be helping Guinea Pigs that really need a new home.
Most rescues will have mostly adult Guinea Pigs. Whilst babies are very cute, they can be fast and wriggly! Choosing adult Guinea Pigs is a good idea if it's your first time owning them.
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