Guinea pigs are social animals and love companionship, but this works best when the guinea pigs have grown up together so it can really understand you. If you have more than one, keep them in same sex groups to avoid breeding, and make sure there is a hiding place for each so they can have solitude when they choose; otherwise they may try to fight each other to assert dominance (male-male), or reproduce (male-female). [2] X Research source Good features to look for in a guinea pig cage include:[3] X Research source [4] X Research source Large size (a minimum of eight square feet of floor space)[5] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Wooden construction with solid flooring (no wire bottoms or any other strings like hair seeing as this could be very hurtful and cause a problem with the pads of their sensitive feet and cause something very nasty called bumble foot. ) Separate running and sleeping areas in case they do not want to huddle Protection from the weather (if outdoors) Bedding: straw or hay is best, and fluffy materials should be avoided for safety reasons, as guinea pigs may eat their bedding. Earthenware or stainless steel bowls that clip to the cage or hutch (for food and water). A door that can be opened so that the guinea pig can enter the run area without being picked up (optional)[6] X Research source
You can also cover your guinea pig’s cage or hutch with a light cloth for the first few days. [9] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source This may help it feel more secure and peaceful.
If you have young children, make sure they understand that the guinea pig needs some alone time at first.
Hay Guinea pig mix Fruits and vegetables (for vitamin C): melons, oranges, spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage and lettuce(not iceberg).
Some guinea pigs might not eat or drink much or at all during the first day or two in a new home. If it has been several days and you are sure that yours is not eating, however, contact your veterinarian.
Be patient if your guinea pig won’t sniff your hand yet. It can take some time to build trust.
If your guinea pig seems calm, you can sit with it in a chair and pet it. If it is not calm, put it back in its cage and try again later. You can also try wrapping your guinea pig in a towel as you pick it up. Hold it to your chest area, as this seems to make some feel safer. Try picking your guinea pig up on a daily basis for the first few weeks. Even if yours seems a little nervous or frightened, you will eventually become friends if you are consistently calm and patient with it. If your guinea pig starts to make a purring sound (a low purring), this is actually a good sign and means they are relaxed. [16] X Research source Guinea pigs are generally gentle, but can bite or scratch if they are frightened. [17] X Research source
Leafy green vegetables Bits of food that are rich in vitamin C, like melon and broccoli Guinea pig pellets
Indoor playpens with tubes, ladders, boxes, and other devices to amuse guinea pigs are another option. [22] X Research source You can build one of these on your own, but supplies for them can also be found at pet stores. You can try to teach your guinea pig tricks, such as jumping on a box or running through a tube to get a treat from your hand.
