ell balanced diet as outlined above.
Guinea pigs may be kept indoors or outdoors depending on which you prefer. In both situations, the guinea pigs should have a hutch/cage where they can be kept safe.
Outdoor hutches should have 2 sections - an outdoor run and an enclosed sleeping area or retreat. The general rule of thumb regarding size is 2 square feet per guinea pig as a minimum.
Runs are often made from wire which can be devastating to guinea pigs' feet over time. They need to be protected from this by lining the run with cardboard and then covering this with bedding.
The guinea pigs' food and water should be kept in the run.
The enclosed area or retreat is the place where the guinea pigs can hide if they feel threatened and is most likely the place that they will sleep. This area should be filled with some form of bedding.
Outdoor hutches should be kept in a sheltered area of the garden and need to be strong enough to protect from predators.
There are a wide range of indoor hutches available at pet shops these days. The same rule of thumb regarding size applies. These hutches tend not to be divided therefore it is important to place a small box or a large piece of piping inside the hutch so that the guinea pigs can hide away if frightened.
Hutches should be lined with cardboard, hay or soft bedding.
There are a number of different options with respect to bedding.
* Straw is fine although not very absorbent so we recommend that paper or cardboard is placed underneath.
* Hay is great and often guinea pigs will nibble on it and hide under it.
* Wood shavings are controversial as many are made from treated wood and release volatile compounds which can be toxic to the guinea pigs.
* Recycled newspaper pellets such as cat litter pellets are great as they are highly absorbent and help to reduce odours. They are completely safe.
Regardless of whether your guinea pigs are kept indoors or outdoors, they should always be offered free exercise time in the garden outside. This free time must be supervised to protect the guinea pigs from predators and from getting up to mischief. Guinea pigs love to explore their surroundings. If you are worried that they will run and hide from you, a play pen with bars less than 2cm wide can be used.
Exercise balls and wheels are not recommended for guinea pigs as they can damage their spines and legs.
Guinea pigs get enrichment from their diet and exercise time. They tend not to play with toys but do enjoy a varied and interesting diet. They also love new and different things to hide in such as upside down boxes, PVC pipes, cardboard rolls... It is very important to handle guinea pigs as much as possible. They can be nervous creatures but with lots of handling and love and care they can become very tame little beasts.
Guinea pigs are hardy, stocky creatures however if handled incorrectly or dropped they can break their bones.
The best way to pick up a guinea pig is to scoop it under the chest with one hand and then place your other hand under its bottom and lift it from the floor. Young children should be encouraged to sit with the guinea pig on their lap.
Guinea pigs are very vocal especially when cornered and lifted however tame guinea pigs will quieten quickly once picked up.
If you are unsure how to handle your guinea pig safely, please contact the clinic.
As previously mentioned guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at a very young age. 3-4 weeks for a male and 4-5 weeks for a female. Litters of guinea pigs therefore need to be separated quite early to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Females that are to be bred, must be bred and have their first litter BEFORE they are 8 months of age. After this time, the pubic symphysis stiffens (fuses) and therefore cannot separate properly during labour leading to an obstruction. These guinea pigs need an emergency caesarean which is a dangerous procedure for both mum and the piglets.
NB: The pubic symphysis is a fibrocartilage joint that holds their pubic bones together.
Dental disease -
Just like rabbits, guinea pigs can suffer from dental disease if they 