Guinea Pigs: Friendly Pets That Love to ‘Speak’
Chirps, purrs, squeaks, and whistles are just some of the sounds Guinea Pigs make. Once they become familiar with their caretakers, these sociable animals may become quite excited and vocal when they see one of their favorite people or treats. Happy Guinea Pigs might also literally jump for joy – their satisfied sporadic hopping-in-place is called “popcorning.”
Uncle Bill’s has Guinea Pigs for sale, along with all the supplies you need to create a happy and healthy home for your pet. Our selection of adoptable pets may vary by location, so please call ahead to ask about Guinea Pigs for sale.
Guinea Pig Habitat
Guinea Pigs are social animals, so they appreciate living in same-sex pairs. Opposite-sex Guineas should not be housed together unless the male is neutered.
Guinea Pig cages must be roomy, with a solid floor (wire mesh floors are harmful for Guinea Pig feet and toes), a heavy chew-proof food dish that can’t be tipped over, and a water bottle that attaches to the cage. Many first-time Guinea Pig buyers find the SunSeed Guinea Pig Starter Kit (which includes a water bottle) is the easiest way to set up a home for their pet. If you’re looking to buy two or more Guinea Pigs, we may recommend a larger cage.
A cage should contain a generous layer of bedding (SunSeed™, Carefresh™, Oxbow™, or Kaytee™), along with a hide box for each Guinea Pig to sleep in. Once a week, place Guinea Pigs in a playpen, empty their cage, and clean it with hot soapy water. Thoroughly rinse and dry the cage before refilling with bedding.
Place the cage in a well-ventilated area, away from drafts or direct sunlight. Guinea Pigs tend to kick bedding and debris out of their cage, so place the cage somewhere that’s easy to clean, such as atop a table or cage stand in a room with hard flooring.
Guinea Pig Diet
Guinea Pigs prefer a diet of timothy hay, food pellets, garden vegetables, dehydrated carrots, and crispy corn crunchies. They also need vitamin C, which they can get from eating vitamin-enriched alfalfa pellets. Vitamin supplements are also a good source of vitamin C.
Guinea Pigs need plenty of safe chewable toys – their teeth are always growing, and chewing keeps teeth at a healthy length. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh hay.
Are Guinea Pigs for Me?
If you’ve never had a Guinea Pig as a pet, you may be surprised to learn these animals have distinct personalities. They may be shy, docile, sassy, or silly. Some Guineas love to be held, while others aren’t as cuddly. Guinea Pigs rarely bite, but they may do so if they’re ill, afraid, or if their caretaker’s hands smell like food.
These animals are able to make positive and negative associations, so caretakers should always speak to their pets in a kind and reassuring tone. When they have plenty of attention, a proper diet, a clean cage, and annual veterinary checkups, Guinea Pigs may live up to eight years.
Uncle Bill's Pet Centers carries a variety of Guinea Pig breeds, including Short Hair, Abyssinian, Teddy Bear, and Peruvian. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you choose your next pet, as well as all the supplies you need.