Filson Pro

Inter

Segoe UI

10 Important Facts to Know About Guinea Pigs Before Taking Them On as Pets

Editing Team

/

3 March, 2023

Views

Table of Contents

If you’ve never had a pet before and want to start taking care of one now, you might want to try on the Guinea pig first. Guinea pigs are excellent pets for beginners, although not necessarily for young kids because they require a bit of maintenance for good health and hygiene. 

However, if you are up to the task, you’ll enjoy having them as your first pets. Just know these ten essential facts about them before you start. 

They are not pigs

Guinea pigs are not pigs, so don’t treat them like one. They are rodents. Their misleading name might have come from the fact that during the 16th century, they were sold in England for a guinea (currency) each, and people often refer to them as “little pigs” because of the tiny squeaks they make. 

Courtesy of Pixabay

They need other Guinea pigs for companionship

Guinea pigs are very social creatures. They live in groups of several members in the wild, so they are not used to solitary living. If you want to care for Guinea pigs, consider getting a pair at least. It doesn’t matter if they are both males, females, or a mix. The important thing is that they have company. 

You can also befriend them to make them more relaxed around you or other humans. This might help, but you must substitute for another Guinea pig. 

They leave plenty of scent marks

Guinea pigs like marking stuff. They leave plenty of scent marks by rubbing their chin or cheeks across things. They do this for their surroundings to smell and feel more familiar and reassuring. 

This is a crucial detail to remember because when you clean their cages and replace their bedding, you shouldn’t throw everything away. You need to return some of the old bedding to the cage to keep your Guinea pigs relaxed.

They are awake most of the time 

Unlike dogs or cats who like taking plenty of naps, Guinea pigs are almost always active. They spend nearly 20 hours (out of the 24 in a day) moving about.

 Because of this, you must provide adequate food, water, toys, and several hiding places to keep them engaged. Otherwise, they could wind up getting bored and then start picking on each other. 

Courtesy of vantagepointfl

They need regular mental stimulation 

With 20 hours of waking time, Guinea pigs constantly need mental stimulation. So, before you get one, consider the different materials and activities you can include in your pet’s cage—wheels, tunnels, balls, and other toys. 

You may also want to gently but regularly engage your pet by touching it (though you have to be careful and patient). This can be part of your pet’s daily routine so they get used to being around humans. 

They can jump

If you plan on keeping the walls of their cages low or you’re planning on putting up a platform in their cage, then think again. Guinea pigs look cute and docile but don’t underestimate these little critters. 

When they get excited, these fuzzy furballs can jump up and even turn 90 degrees in mid-air in a move people call “pop-corning”. With a platform to jump from, they might just end up somersaulting their way to freedom.  

They require vitamin supplements 

Just like us, Guinea pigs are not able to synthesize or store Vitamin C very well. This is why you should always be conscious of what you feed them. If they don’t get regular vitamins in their diet, you have to ensure they get vitamin supplements instead. 

Without vitamin C, they become weak and lethargic, lose weight, get a bad coat, or even have internal bleeding. 

Courtesy of mits hak

They need plenty of feeding hay

You should always include a lot of good-quality feeding hay in your Guinea pig’s diet. Hay not only provides them with excellent materials to keep their guts healthy, but it also helps keep their constantly-growing teeth at just the right size. 

If you can’t get the hay in your area, then you can consider buying gnaw sticks for your little furry little gnashers. 

They can live long lives 

If you get Guinea pigs, you’re dedicating around 7-10 years of care for them because they live long lives. If kept in ideal conditions—with the proper nutrition, suitable accommodation, company, and receiving regular attention and stimulation, these cute rodents often live for 7 to 10 years. 

One specific Guinea pig, Snowball, holds the record for the oldest Guinea pig in the world. He almost made it to 15 years. 

They don’t get along with rabbits 

Guinea pigs are sociable creatures, but for some reason, they don’t get along well with rabbits. These little rodents get bullied or picked on when put together with rabbits. 

They also die much younger, proving they are happiest when the rabbits are around. So, if you’re getting Guinea pigs, say goodbye to owning rabbits or putting them in the same area. 

For Your Child’s Guinea Pig Fascination

Thinking of getting a guinea pig for your children? Being a pet owner is a huge responsibility, so we’ve curated a list of items you can purchase from Petco in preparation: 

Frequently Asked Questions about Guinea Pigs

Do Guinea pigs like to be cuddled?

If you’re expecting the kind that dogs and cats give you, then no. They won’t run up to you for a cuddle, at least not initially. Guinea pigs have serious trust issues, after all. This is because they are prey materials to most bigger animals. 

However, when encouraged the right way, and given enough time, they will eventually come to you for a scratch or a gentle massage. On some occasions, they might even sleep on your lap. 

Are Guinea pigs smart?

Yes, they are. Guinea pigs learn to respond to names, can do tricks, and even display a certain level of problem-solving skills and empathy. They learn stuff and can be taught to do certain things, although training takes time. 

Do Guinea pigs bite?

Being docile creatures, they usually don’t. However, when they are near you and they are trying to get your attention, they can “mouth” you, which is like a gentle bite. It doesn’t hurt, but it may surprise you if you are unaware they can. These are not aggression bites. 

They can, however, show aggressiveness toward other Guinea pigs and may even fight. During these confrontations, they bite forcefully and aggressively, often resulting in bloody conclusions. 

Share The Article Now:

Get our weekly

NEWSLETTER

Get updates when we release new content on our platform for your kids to enjoy.

Subscribe now!

You may also like

There are many ways that we can beat the heat. Ice cream and drinking cold drinks may do, but nothing can bring out the fun the summer puns give! Kids will not even mind the hot weather once they laugh at these funny summer puns. These summer puns are worth sharing, especially when you’re off to a vacation. Listening to these hilarious summer puns will entertain your whole family throughout the ride. Kids will also know more about summer, which might be their favorite part of their summer days. These puns are also great to make at home, so get…

Editing Team

11 March, 2023

/

views

Kids are naturally curious about almost everything. There can be a stage when their favorite word is either “why?” or “how?” This is a good thing, though. It proves their willingness to learn. Use this curiosity to improve their comprehension through poems! Poems can be a little more exciting for kids than short stories with explicit plots and lessons. There can be messages hidden behind the lines and a moral at the end of the entire verse! Looking forward to immersing your little one in the colorful world of poetry? Here’s a list of the best short poems for kids…

Editing Team

2 March, 2023

/

views

Fish are some of the most fascinating creatures out there. These animals come in many colors and sizes, making the seas, lakes, rivers, and even indoor aquariums full of life! Because of this, many children love watching and learning about fish. Fish also dominate children’s stories, movies, and books. Have you watched Finding Nemo or Finding Dory recently? How about The Little Mermaid or SpongeBob Squarepants? Have you also read the adorable story of The Rainbow Fish? Kids love these! Children also love humor—there’s nothing like a good laugh with the ones you love most. If you’re planning to dive…

Editing Team

4 March, 2023

/

views

© 2022 All Rights Reserved, Imaginary Ones Pte Ltd