Guinea Pig Cafe

Care

1. How much food should you give your Piggy?

   1-2 slices of fruit, plus plenty of green veggies, EVERY DAY, per piggy. Don't forget to give your piggy vitamin C through oranges, kale, or even special vitamin C drops that go in their food. Just make sure that its not Vitamin C that goes in their water. NEVER get those. It changes the taste of their water and they may not like it and not drink it.

2. Why does my Guinea Pig clean herself?

   Guinea Pigs groom themselves several times a day because they take hygiene seriously. And while your Piggy is grooming themselves, please don't disturb them! However, long-haired Guinea Pigs need extra help grooming themselves. Try using a spare toothbrush as a brush for grooming your piggy. It's relaxing to them and you can bond with your pet.

3. How can I tell if two Guinea Pigs are threatening eachother?

   Angry, aggressive Piggys ruffle up the hair on their backs, cheeks, and flanks at the same time to make themselves look bigger. While they are doing this, you will notice they are chattering with their teeth also, warning the other pig. When Guinea Pigs do this, usually males, separate them immediately so no fighting occurs. Males usually fight only when a female Piggy is involved.

4. How long do Guinea Pigs generally live?

   The lifespan for guinea pigs is between five and eight years, depending on breed, how well it is look after, exercise etc.

5. How often do my Guinea Pig's nails need to be clipped?

   Clip their claws as often as necessary. The more frequently a guinea pig can be on a hard surface, the less frequently they will need clipping, as they will wear down themselves. A guinea pig that spends a lot of time on grass or in its hutch will need its claws clipping more often.

6. How do I prevent my Guinea Pig from boredom?

   One way to prevent boredom is to move the cage time to time, as this has a tremendous effect on Guinea Pigs. The Piggies get to see the room from a different perspective, but have a sense of safeness and security in their familiar cage. If you move them to a new room, even the smells will then be different. Guinea Pigs that break from there daily routine are much more inquisitive! 

Social

1. What other animals can Guinea Pigs get along with?

   Guinea pigs are peaceful species and they usually get along well with rabbits if they are introduced to each other when they are small but you have to watch them carefully so that the rabbit doesn't hurt your guinea pig.Guinea pigs do not get along with mice, rats or hamsters. On the other hand dogs, cats and other bigger pets are dangerous for them.

2. Can Guinea Pigs get along/be caged with Rabbit?

   Some Guinea Pig owners say yes, and some say no. If you ask me, I would say no because a Rabbits legs are much much stronger than a Guinea Pigs. If the Rabbit kicks its legs when hopping around it may hit the Guinea Pig, accident or not. They will both get along, and you can even put them together in a playpen as long as you are watching them completely. In general, Guinea Pigs should not be caged with Rabbits.

3. How many Guinea Pigs should I get?

   I would at least have 2 or 3 Guinea Pigs, due to their crucial social life. Guinea Pigs need others of their own kind. What if you were put in a cage alone? Wouldn't you want someone else your own kind? So do Guinea Pigs.

4. Is it ok to put two guinea pigs together whose ages are different by a couple of years?

   Yes. If for example you were to get a guinea pig that was about 2 years old and you had one that was only about 5 months old, it would be ok to put them together, providing that they are of the same gender. I actually did this for all four of my Guinea Pigs!

Outside Guinea Pigs

1. What is a good temperature for my Guinea Pig(s) to be in?

   A good temperature for guinea pigs is 64° F to 72° F. A little cooler and a little warmer won't kill them, though! They just prefer and are more comfortable at that temperature range.

2. Is OK for my Guinea Pig to live outside?

   Yes, but they can only live outside on certain conditions. They cannot live outside unless they live in a firm hutch that no predators like cats or birds could get into to eat the guinea pigs. It shouldn't be too cold or too hot outside, either. A good temperature range for guinea pigs would be 64° F to 72° F. The winter and the summer are probably not good times to keep your guinea pigs outside. Late spring and early fall are probably the best times. Most of the time, it is better and safer to keep your guinea pigs inside. There is less risk of disease, sickness, and likelihood of getting eaten or killed.

   
   

3. What are some poisons my Guinea Pig can eat outside?

   Potatoes, raw beans, flowers, and leaves. Leaves are poisonous to guinea pigs, but surprisingly, dirt is ok for them to eat!

4. My piggies live outside/ I'm thinking of keeping my Piggies outside. How do I protect my Guinea Pigs cage from intruders?

   Well here are some unwelcome visitors you might some in contact with:

    

   • Skunks
   • Raccoons
   • Opossums
   • Rats
   • Foxes
   • Cats(Who prey on Guinea Pigs!)

   So how do I how would I protect my Piggies from all these harmful animals? Well, lay down stone slabs or fine wire mesh on the ground inside the enclosure and cover this with a thick layer of soil. To protect the top of the enclosure, take some wire mesh stretched over wooden frames.
   

    

If you are thinking about getting a Guinea Pig

1. Where should I get a Guinea Pig?

   I cannot stress how much you should adopt a Guinea Pig from a shelter. These homes are filled with Guinea Pigs who need a new start. You can help! Please look for local shelters in your area. If there are no shelters near you, Guinea Pigs can be found at local retail pet stores including Petsmart or Pets at Home.

2. Where can I find good quality Guinea Pig information?

   BESs

   Right here at Guinea Pig Cafe of course! Some other good sites are located on the Links page. A very very good site I really recommend visiting would be Cavy Cages.

3. What kind of cage should I get my new pet?

   Definitely build your own! You can do this by creating a C&C cage. Their very easy, I have one myself for my 4 Guinea Pigs. Go to the Cage page for more information to build your own. Please do NOT buy a store cage. These cages are MUCH too small for even one Guinea Pig. 

4. More Information?

   For more information on owning your own Guinea Pig can be found all around the site, from the Cage Page, to the Food Page.