The guinea pig is a popular pet for many reasons. They are an ideal first pet for older children and are easy to care for and handle as they rarely bite. Guinea pigs are docile and friendly, and once tamed, seem to enjoy the attentions of their owner. They don't require a lot of space, making them excellent pets for those living in apartments or where a dog or cat would be unsuitable. Compared to other popular rodents (i.e. hamsters, gerbils, and mice) they have a longer lifespan, from 3 to 5 years or more. Given its relative low maintenance and typically sweet personality, the guinea pig makes an excellent pet.

The guinea pig is actually called a cavy from its scientific name, Cavia Porcellus. It is a rodent from South America, initially tamed and used for food by the Incas of Peru. The most common types now bred are the English short-haired, the Peruvian long-haired, and the Abyssinian rough-haired. There are also other newer strains of long-haired pigs such as Silkies, and a rough-haired strain called a Wooly. Of course, you can also find the "mixed breed" guinea pig as well. There are endless fur colors and color combinations which means there is a style of guinea pig to suit anyone's taste.

These baby guinea pigs are just 3 hours old! Notice how they are born fully developed and furred. Within several days they are already eating on their own and require very little nursing care from the mother pig. Guinea pigs also become sexually mature at an early age and it is suggested that males and females be separated or neutered by the time they are 12 weeks old in order to prevent reproduction.

Guinea pigs have some unique characteristics. One of the most unique is the long gestational period of pregnancy. It lasts 60 - 70 days, similar to dogs and cats. Most small pet rodents and rabbits will have a 3 - 4 week gestation. The length of pregnancy produces well developed offspring that have full coats when born, and besides nursing, are able to eat solid food within a day or two of birth. It is ideal to breed the female guinea pig before the age of 6 months. After that time pelvic structures fuse and giving birth may be more difficult.  Any guinea pig pregnancy warrants a visit to your veterinarian for an exam and discussion on birthing.. .

Another unique characteristic is that guinea pigs do not produce vitamin C in their bodies. They are similar only to humans and primates in that respect. In order to ensure good health, the diet should be comprised of fortified guinea pig pellets(we recommend Cavy Cuisine by Oxbow Pet Products), a 500mg vitamin C tablet added daily to 16 oz. fresh water, and an assortment of vitamin C rich foods. A good variety is desired. Popular, easy to obtain fruits and vegetables include kale, spinach, dark leaf lettuce, celery greens, carrots and apples. Guinea pigs also enjoy timothy hay or alfalfa. Uneaten food should be removed to avoid spoiling in the cage. Plenty of fresh water with vitamin C must be provided on a daily basis.

The fiber guinea pigs need for nutrition, proper digestion and to aid in normal dental wear comes from feeding grass hays. Variety is the spice of life and that includes the hay you feed your guinea pig. Oxbow Pet Products offers a variety of hays and Pet Care Veterinary Hospital recommends the timothy, orchard grass, oat or botanical hays for the adult guinea pig. Botanical hay, Oxbow's newest variety, is a timothy hay with added dried herbs for flavor.

Vegetables with a high vitamin C content can also be offered; these include turnip, mustard, dandelion, and collard greens as well as kale. Your guinea pig can be offered up to 1 cup of these vegetables daily after items have been gradually introduced and the amounts slowly increased.

Adequate housing consists of a solid bottom cage made of metal or plastic. Avoid wire bottoms as they can be rough on the feet and can potentially catch small feet and toenails. The plastic or metal bottom is easy to clean. One way to keep the cage clean and make cleaning easier is to line the bottom with newspaper, then cover with the desired bedding. Most owners find that pine or aspen shavings are ideal. We recommend these over cedar due to the fact that cedar can have strong odors and extra dust that can potentially cause respiratory problems. The cage should be cleaned frequently, as guinea pigs do tend to be messy and cannot be housebroken. Try putting a cardboard box into the cage. This gives the guinea pig the opportunity to explore, chew, and find seclusion to rest or sleep. Make sure you place your guinea pig's cage in a location that is free from drafts. They are prone to upper respiratory problems, including pneumonia. Avoid placing the cage in a garage, as fumes from the exhaust could prove lethal for your guinea pig.

Guinea pigs enjoy running around outside of the cage. Placing them on a vinyl floor gives the guinea pig a chance to get some exercise. They also enjoy being outside on the grass, but this should only be done with supervision.

Guinea pigs can have health problems, such as pneumonia, vitamin C deficiency, fleas (not too common), lice, skin mites, overgrown molars, intestinal upsets and ovarian cysts, bladder stones, and abscesses. In most cases, it is best to consult a veterinarian on how to remedy these ailments. Guinea pigs need to be handled with a certain amount of care, and expert advice will help ensure your pet's return to health. Toenails do grow, so occasional trimming should be done. Most guinea pigs will tolerate an occasional bath. This is best done in shallow, warm water with a mild cleansing (not flea) pet shampoo. Just be sure to dry him/her well and keep him/her draft free until completely dry.

This guinea pig was presented for excessive itchiness and hair loss as a result of chewing and scratching. A skin scraping by the Drs. at Pet Care Veterinary Hospital showed evidence of a skin parasite known as a sarcoptic species mite. With appropriate treatment this pig was healed and itch-free within a month.

If you are considering a guinea pig for a pet, or even if you already own one, this information should give you a good start. Finding a good reference book in a pet shop or bookstore will give you even more detailed information on keeping your guinea pig happy and healthy. With the right care, you will have an excellent, easy to care for pet, that should give you several years of enjoyment.