Husbandry of guinea pigs in the UK.

       

     Did you know guinea pigs can be one of the most rewarding pets to keep? They can be very affectionate and loyal. Following, you will find a detailed report on guinea pig husbandry, including information on their history, diet, housing, behavior, health and handling.

 

                                                       History 

    Guinea pigs are mammals as they give birth to live young and are also classified as rodents. Guinea pigs originated from South America. There are still some living wild there to this day. Another name for guinea pigs is cavies, though this name is mostly used for the ones in the wild. Around five hundred years ago people began bringing them (on boats) to Europe for food and to be pets. We are not exactly sure why they are called guinea pigs but it could be because sailors who brought them to England generally would stop by Guinea (which is on the west coast of  Africa) as it was a classic stopping point on route. This could have misled people into thinking they originated from there. Another theory is that guinea pigs were sold for a guinea (an old english coin roughly equivalent to an English pound), though there is no actual evidence to prove they were named after this. Later on, settlers took them to America and Australia.

 

                                                          Diet 

 Guinea pigs are basically herbivores, so they just eat hay, fruit and veg. Hay is one of the main components in their diet. It fills them up easily and keeps their teeth the right length. Then the fruit and veg gives them vitamin C and other nutrients. Did you know that guinea pigs are some of the only animals that can't produce their own vitamin C, just like humans? You will want to give them a few different types of fruit and veg each day so that they get a varied diet. Guinea pigs also eat dry food (pellets) from the pet store. Experts disagree on how often to feed them food. Some say once or twice a day of dry food. Others say to keep the dry food bowl topped up. You can try both and see which works best for your pets.

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                                                    Housing 

    In the wild guinea pigs would live in tunnels underground, so their cage should be fairly dry, out of the direct sunlight but still warm. In the summer if it's hot you will need to move them into deep shade. A shed, porch or inside your house is a good idea for the wettest and coldest part of the year. Make sure not to keep them in a garage with exhaust fumes, these could kill them! If you decide you want your pets outside you will need a hutch that is raised off the ground, mesh covered and waterproof. Try 

     to replace their bedding and hay everyday. Also scrub out their water bottle and spout to then fill with fresh water. This will keep them healthy.

 

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                                                 Behaviour 

When you and your guinea pig get to know each other well, you will notice how your pet likes to be stroked. Some love their belly rubbed or being stroked under the chin. They may also want to nuzzle into your neck. Your guinea pigs will also try to communicate with purrs, whistles and coos. Try to understand and listen to your pets. For example, your guinea pig will tell you if they have had enough time with you by showing signs of restlessness. When you put them back into their cage either put them rump first or cup your hand over their face. This will stop them jumping out of your hands and hurting themselves.  

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                                                    Health

Generally, guinea pigs are quite healthy animals but still make sure to check your pet’s coat and skin every day as well as a general look at them. If they don't seem as active, friendly or noisey as usual, they need a closer look so maybe consider taking them to the vet. Also even if there is nothing obviously wrong but your pet is very clearly unhappy, you should talk to the vet.       

 

                                                 Handling 

When handling your guinea pigs, you need to remember that they are small animals and are fragile. Though they can also be wriggly, you definitely don't want to drop them so when you hold them you want to use one hand to support their chest and the other hand under their hind legs. Then hold them close to your chest to prevent them from jumping. Also it comforts them to hear your heartbeat.  

 

  

                                             Pair bonding 

If you are thinking your guinea pig needs another friend but not sure how to introduce them to each other, then you are in the right place… 

When you have chosen a possible friend for your guinea pig, start to swap their items (like bedding) so they can get used to each other's scent before they meet each other. This is called scent swapping. It's important to watch your guinea pig for any adverse reactions they might have to their potential partner's scent. If scent swapping seems to go well, you can also start swapping their hutches and/or exercise runs so they can spend time in a space occupied by the other guinea pig. If you can, it is good to start housing them together with mesh separating them so they can see and communicate with each other. If they start showing these behaviors; sudden jumps (called popcorning); sniffing and spending time at the shared barrier then you can remove the barrier. Behaviours that you should look out for are teeth chattering constantly, biting directed towards one another and choosing not to spend any time at the shared barrier.

 

                                                Conclusion  

Overall guinea pigs are wonderful animals, who can make great companions for all families: they are gentle, loving and have amazing personalities. I hope this information helps you to have happy and healthy guinea pigs. 

 

                                              Bibliography 

[1] Binns,T. (2006). Keeping pets guinea pigs. Oxford: Harcourt Education Ltd, p.4, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 39. 

[2] Bluecross.org.uk. How to introduce guinea pigs. Retrieved from URL Bluecross.org.uk (Accessed 14/5/25).