If you are getting a guinea pig, you will want to make sure that you are prepared! Keep in mind that it is best to get two guinea pigs, as they are social animals.
These are the basics you will need to get started and to be prepared when you bring home your guinea pigs.
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Cage
Cage size is important, and it is good to make sure that your guinea pigs have adequate room. A Midwest Cage is a good place to start for two guinea pigs.
Bedding or liners
There are several options when it comes to what to use in the cage. Reusable guinea pig cage liners can be washed and reused, but take work to wash and dry. Check out my Tips for Using Guinea Pig Cage Liners.
If you go with bedding, use paper bedding or aspen bedding. Cedar contains oils that are harmful to guinea pigs respiratory systems.
Water bottle
A good water bottle is important. We have multiple guinea pigs, so we set up multiple water bottles so that the guinea pigs don’t run out.
Pellets
Pellets are the basic staple of a guinea pigs diet. Make sure to find a quality formula, such as young or adult guinea pig pellets – we like Oxbow guinea pig pellets.
Hay
Hay is an important part of a guinea pig’s diet. Timothy hay is best, or you can find a blend suitable for daily feeding.
Hideys
Guinea pigs are prey animals, and hideouts make them feel safe. You can make some hideouts with cardboard boxes, or buy guinea pig igloos or other hideys.
Veggies
Guinea pigs should have some fresh veggies every day. Be sure to keep some on hand!
Check out my other guinea pig blog posts:
Gift Ideas for Your Guinea Pig
Fun Guinea Pig Toys for All Ages
Tips for Using Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs
Pros and Cons of Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liners
Guinea Pig Food: What We Feed Our Piggies
Basic Supplies for Guinea Pigs
How to Grow Grass for Guinea Pigs Using Seed Sprouting Trays
Why Guinea Pigs Make Great Pets for Kids
Tips for Using Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs.
I really want to get a couple of guinea pigs. I think they are so adorable. My daughters really want them as well.
I had a guinea pig as a kid. They are such fun animals to have.
The fleece bedding is a lot cheaper in the long run but does take more maintenance it feels like. Also getting a 50lb bale of timothy hay at a local feed store will be worlds more affordable for your piggy needs vs smaller amounts for 4x the price- plus they go through hay so quickly especially when you have more guineas!
Guinea Pigs are so cute! Thanks for sharing all this information.
Thank you for sharing this information. My friend has a few guinea pigs and I will pass it on to her.
My granddaughter is on her head about getting a Guinea Pig, but her mom is not going for it yet…LOL. They are really cute though and look like they don’t require a lot of care.
The little piggies are so cute! My daughter has been looking to get a few! I’ll have to show her this post.
They are so darned cute. My very first pet was a guinea pig and it was a calico color ~ so beautiful and loved hanging with her! Makes me want another!
This was the pet I always wanted but never got when I was a kid. I’m not sure why my mom didn’t want to invest in a guinea pig, but I still think they’re adorable.
When I first got my guinea pigs, I had no idea cedar bedding was harmful to their respiratory systems. It’s details like this that are crucial for first-time owners to know to ensure the well-being of their pets.
My kids helped out a friend by taking care of his guinea pig sometime ago and absolutely loved it
Aw! They’re so cute and make such good pets. They seem simple enough to take care of.
I’ve never owned a guinea pig before. I had no clue that you must have a spot for them to hide out at. I can see the importance of you want your piggy to be happy.