Guinea pigs are rodents native to South America. They are closely related to chinchillas and porcupines. In South America, guinea pigs are often hunted or raised for meat. In the United States, guinea pigs are kept as pets and used in scientific research. Guinea pigs can be divided into three categories based on hair length: short hair, long hair and hairless

Characteristics of Guinea Pigs as Pets

Guinea pigs are smart, quiet animals that make great pets. They are not aggressive and would rather run away from danger than bite. They are sensitive animals and can be frightened by sudden and loud noises. Because guinea pigs are social animals, they are best kept in pairs or three. If kept alone, it may get close to its owner and bark in greeting

Guinea pigs can learn to get along with other household pets, such as cats, dogs, and rabbits, but should not be associated with those carrying Bordet's disease bacterium, which may cause serious illness in guinea pigs.

When raised in groups, a hierarchy is established, with the male usually taking the dominant position. Overcrowding may trigger aggressive behavior, and there may be aggression between uncastrated males in a group with females. Introducing a new guinea pig should be done in a neutral area and under the supervision of the owner at all times. When the animal density is too high or under stress, guinea pigs cannot adapt well to changes in food or environment, and may chew their hair. Guinea pigs are most active during the dawn and dusk periods and like to rest or sleep during the day

Physiological indicators

Life span 4–8 years (domesticated Average 5 years)

Adult body length 310mm

Adult weight

Male 900–1200g

Female 750–900g

Body temperature 37.2–39.5°C (rectal)

Respiration 42-104/min

Heart rate 230–380/min

Rearing environment Requirements

A guinea pig can be housed in a cage no smaller than 30 x 60cm, the bigger the better. The sides should be at least 30cm high

Because guinea pigs cannot jump or climb, they can be placed in an open-top cage

Guinea pigs like to exercise outside the fence, but need to be in Under owner supervision

Like all rodents, guinea pigs explore the world by nibbling on new things. Therefore, the play area should be checked for any potential hazards

The cage should be provided with some sunlight, with room temperature ranging from 13–21°C

Shades must be provided to prevent overheating, Heat stroke may occur at temperatures above 27–29°C

The interior of the cage should be well ventilated

The floor should preferably be solid and covered with plenty of dust-free bedding e.g. Shredded paper, composite recycled paper materials, hay or commercial granular litter

Guinea pigs will excrete more urine and feces. Their feces are relatively odorless and should be changed at least weekly Disposable bedding to control urine odor and prevent respiratory and skin diseases. Guinea pigs are sensitive to ammonia in urine

Environmental Enrichment

Enrichment items may include toilet paper rolls, untreated cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, hay, straw, paper bags and specially designed Toys designed for large birds and cats

Nibbling items should be provided, such as apple branches, etc.

Guinea pigs like a quiet environment, so provide a box or tunnel for them to hide and rest

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Appearance of a healthy guinea pig

Skin with no rashes, ulcers, bruises or hair loss

Clear eyes with no discharge

Clean, clean hair Knotted

Nose clean and dry

Teeth bite normal

Skin on feet soft and pink, no ulcers

Active and curious

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Dietary recommendations

Grass is the main component of the diet, combined with fresh dark green leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial granular grains and snacks

Snacks should be limited to No more than 1-2 small pieces in 24 hours

Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C on their own, so vitamin C must be provided daily. Commercial pelleted food specially manufactured for guinea pigs usually contains vitamin C, but its content may be affected by storage conditions or time

It is recommended to supplement 50 mg of stable vitamin C tablets daily to ensure Adequate vitamin C intake

The digestive tract of guinea pigs is very sensitive, and sudden changes in diet (even changes in the brand of pellet food) may cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort and anorexia.

Food bowls should be cleaned daily as guinea pigs may defecate in them

Guinea pigs usually eat and pass cecal feces in the morning and evening

Give via a drinker/bowl Guinea pigs should be provided with fresh, filtered drinking water

Drinkers/bowls should be checked frequently to ensure they always have clean drinking water

Drinkers/bowls need to be cleaned daily

Vitamin C added to drinking water may be inactivated by contact with air, light and metal materials. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement vitamin C to guinea pigs by direct oral administration

Common diseases

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include bone and tooth abnormalities, abnormal subcutaneous bruising or bleeding

Overgrown teeth/dental malocclusion

Diarrhea/enteritis

Anorexia/weight loss

Pneumonia

Pododermatitis

Miscarriage/pregnancy toxemia/dystocia

Pregnancy-related hair loss

Skin disease/ulcerative dermatitis

Arthritis/ Septicemia

Bite (if group housed)