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Scientific Name: Cavia porcellus
Life Span: 3-7 years
Temperature range: 65-75 F

Guinea pigs are rodents that are related to chinchillas and porcupines. They originated from the Andes Mountains of South America. The Indians of Peru were the first to domesticate guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are popular pets that usually do not to bite or scratch when handled, and are relatively easly to keep clean. In their natural habitat, guinea pigs live in open grassy areas retreating into abandoned burrows when threatened.
Handling:
Guinea pigs should be picked up by supporting the chest with one hand and the rear quarter with the other hand. Grabbing a guinea pig over its back may restrict it's breathing.
Housing:
Proper housing is very important for the long time care of healthy guinea pigs. The enclosure should have a solid floor, cages that have wire mesh bottoms can lead to injuries to your pet’s feet or legs. You should choose the largest cage you can afford however the minimum size should be about 28” long x 14” wide x 14” tall. You can use wood shavings, shredded paper or processed corn cob as bedding materials. Sawdust should not be used because it tends to collect within the external genitalia of males, causing an impaction of this area. Do not use cedar shavings as bedding because the aromatic oils in cedar can be toxic to your pet. Clean the wet bedding out daily. Clean the wet bedding out daily. Change out all the bedding, clean and disinfect the enclosure in a well ventilated area or outside weekly, with a dilute bleach solution. Clean the enclosure more often if needed. Provide your guinea pig a hiding place where they can retreat when frightened.
Food:
Commercially available pelleted foods for guinea pigs will provide all of the essential nutrients to your pet, as long as the pellets are fresh. Do not feed rabbit pellets to your pet guinea pig, they do not provide the vitamin C needed by guinea pigs. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and must, receive it from their food. You should also feed your pet alfalfa or timothy hay daily. You may include small amounts of fruit and fresh greens in their diet for variety and added nutrition. Use a food bowl that your pet cannot easily tip over, and that is tall enough to prevent bedding and fecal pellets out of the food. You may also raise the bowl above the bedding to keep foreign material out. Clean the food bowls often.
Water:
Use a large water bottle with a sipper tube to provide fresh clean water. Water containers should be cleaned often. You can add vitamins to the water however the water must be changed daily to avoid bacteria growth.

Note: If your guinea pig becomes ill or injured consult a Veterinarian immediately.
Note: All animals including pet guinea pigs can carry germs that may infect humans. Here are some simple precautions that can reduce the risk from getting sick from your pet.
Always wash hands after handling your pet or after cleaning up after your pet rodent
Keep your pets cage clean and free of soiled bedding
Clean cages in well ventilated areas or outside, use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect cage, and all nonporous items kept in the cage
Do not kiss pet rodents or hold them close to your face
Do not allow pet rodents around food preparation areas
Do not allow pet rodents to come in contact with wild rodents, their droppings or nests.
Pregnant women or persons with weakened immune systems should consider not owning a pet rodent. If they do have a pet rodent, the pet should be kept in a seperate room and cared for by other people.
Note: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.