Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig in March

Here we are in March, and it is officially Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month.  While you are looking to adopt (not buy) your cuddly guinea pig, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• As with all pets, an adult should be the primary caretaker.
• Guinea pigs need ample room; their living quarters should be at least 18 inches wide, 25 inches deep and 14 inches high.  The larger their living space, the more active they will be.
• Aquariums do not provide adequate ventilation for guinea pigs.
• Guinea pigs chew to wear down their growing teeth so everything in the cage must be non-toxic.
• Use plenty of lining for the cage.
• Plenty of high quality hay provides nesting and snacking opportunities for your guinea pig.
• Your guinea pig will also need a gnawing log, platforms for climbing and tunnels for crawling, a food bowl and a water bottle with a sipper tube.
• Handle your guinea pig carefully as they are disposed towards stress.
• Introduce deep leafy green vegetables one day at a time, such as romaine lettuce, kale and collards.  Watch for any stomach upset.
• Guinea pigs like fruit such as melon slices and apples. Be sure to remove the toxic apple seeds.
• Because their cages double as bedding and litter box, the cages need daily cleaning.
• Guinea pigs are social animals, so you will want at least two.  However, make sure they are compatible as well as being of the same sex.

Check with your local Humane Society to adopt your guinea pigs.  The Guinea Pig Handbook by Sharon L. Vanderlip, D.V.M. is an excellent resource on care of your new guinea pig.

Harmony,

Janet Roper

Back to the Blog