Guinea pigs need a diet consisting of high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets, with added vitamin C supplements. Their diet is crucial to their health, so it’s important to feed them the right balance of food.

Guinea pigs require spacious housing to move around freely. The bigger the cage, the better, especially if you have more than one guinea pig.

Cages should be spot-cleaned daily, with a full cleaning once a week. This helps prevent odors and keeps your guinea pigs in a hygienic environment.

Yes, guinea pigs are social animals that thrive in the company of others. It's recommended to keep them in pairs or small groups for their well-being.

If your guinea pig shows signs of lethargy, changes in eating habits, or strange noises, these could be indicators of illness. Keep an eye on their behavior for any sudden changes.

Absolutely! Supervised floor time outside the cage is important for their exercise and mental stimulation.

Specialized forages can support their digestion, reduce stress, and promote overall health. Offering a variety of forages keeps them engaged and nourished.

Guinea pigs thrive on bedding that is safe, absorbent, and easy to clean. Popular options include fleece bedding, wood shavings (dust-extracted), paper-based bedding, and hay.

Fleece bedding is soft and reusable, making it a popular choice. It's absorbent when used with an absorbent layer underneath and gentle on guinea pigs' feet. However, it requires regular cleaning and washing to prevent odors and bacteria buildup.

Dust-extracted wood shavings can be safe for guinea pigs, but not all wood types are suitable. Aspen is recommended as it's dust-free and non-toxic, while softwoods like pine or cedar should be avoided unless kiln-dried, as they can cause respiratory issues.

Bedding should be spot-cleaned daily to remove soiled areas, and a full clean should be done at least once a week, depending on the number of guinea pigs and the type of bedding used. Fleece bedding usually requires more frequent cleaning.

Yes, some guinea pig owners mix bedding types, such as using fleece in one area of the cage and wood shavings or paper-based bedding in another, to balance absorbency, softness, and ease of cleaning.

Rumble strutting, or vibrating, is a normal behavior that guinea pigs use to communicate. It’s usually related to establishing dominance, showing off, or even light-hearted flirting. It doesn’t necessarily indicate aggression or dislike; rather, it’s how guinea pigs express themselves within the herd. Think of it like humans expressing frustration or moodiness—some do it more than others! It’s a healthy sign that your guinea pigs are communicating their needs.

Every guinea pig is different, and introductions can vary from a few days to several weeks. It’s normal for them to work out their hierarchy through behaviors like rumble strutting, teeth chattering, and gentle nudging. As long as there’s no serious fighting, it’s usually best to let them sort things out on their own. Offering treats and specialised forages during introduction times can help create positive associations.

Teeth chattering and chasing are common behaviors during the bonding process, often as part of establishing dominance. It’s usually nothing to worry about unless it escalates to physical aggression like biting or severe lunging. Provide plenty of hiding spots and keep a close watch. Our bespoke specialised forages can help by distracting them and encouraging more peaceful interactions through shared feeding experiences.

Guinea pigs are naturally cautious and may take time to trust you. Focus on creating positive associations by offering treats from your hand and spending time near them without forcing interaction. Our forages at www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk are great for this; they’re designed to help build trust through gentle feeding interactions. Use code FREESHIP at checkout for free delivery.

Encouraging bonding can be as simple as providing them with shared experiences. Scatter our bespoke forages around their space to create a foraging game that allows them to explore and interact naturally. Enrichment activities like this not only keep them occupied but also help reduce tension by promoting healthy, positive engagement.

Changes in herd dynamics can sometimes cause stress, leading to temporary appetite loss. Monitor your guinea pig closely, and ensure there’s no bullying preventing access to food. Offering appealing, safe forages can help stimulate their appetite and encourage them to eat. Our specialised forages are crafted to entice even the pickiest eaters, helping them feel more relaxed during stressful times.

Signs of a happy herd include popcorning, gentle cooing noises, shared grooming, and eating together peacefully. If you see these behaviors, it’s a good sign that they’re comfortable with each other. Providing regular enrichment through varied forages can keep their bond strong by encouraging them to forage and play together.

If your guinea pig has diarrhea, it's crucial to act quickly. Remove any uneaten food, bedding, or pee pads from their cage, and offer them hay and water immediately. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so keep an eye on their water intake. You should also contact a vet as soon as possible, as diarrhea can be a sign of a serious health issue.

Shaking, paired with a lack of appetite and diarrhea, can indicate your guinea pig is in shock or pain. These are serious symptoms that require urgent veterinary care. In the meantime, keeping your guinea pig warm and offering Critical Care or syringe feeding can help provide nutrients.

No, it's best to avoid vegetables when your guinea pig has diarrhea. Instead, focus on providing hay and water. Veggies can sometimes contribute to digestive upset, so it’s better to simplify their diet until they’re feeling better.

Critical Care is a high-fiber recovery food designed for herbivores like guinea pigs when they aren’t eating on their own. If your guinea pig has diarrhea or isn’t eating, Critical Care can help provide essential nutrients. You can feed it using a syringe if your guinea pig won’t eat on their own.

Yes, if a guinea pig eats non-food items like bedding or pee pads, it could lead to digestive blockages or other health issues, potentially causing diarrhea or even more serious problems. Always monitor your guinea pig’s environment to prevent them from eating anything they shouldn’t.

To prevent diarrhoea, feed your guinea pig a balanced diet of primarily hay, with fresh vegetables in moderation. Avoid overfeeding watery vegetables like lettuce or giving foods high in oxalates like spinach. Keeping their environment clean and avoiding any non-food materials like bedding or pee pads can also help.