Tips for caring for your guinea pig

For several reasons, a guinea pig is a good choice for children to have as pets these days. Their submissive nature along with the ease with which even a child can take care of them makes it a popular choice. Not forgetting the fact that it doesn’t cost much either to take care of them as well.

However, if one as recently bought (or would like to buy) a guinea pig, here are some tips that can help you take care of your pet:
Tip #1: Since these rodents are normally kept in cages, it wouldn’t hurt to buy a roomier cage which will help them move around a lot more rather than work as a restriction. It’s even better when you house two guinea pigs together as they are social animals.
Tip #2: Avoid areas of your house that are humid, hot or windy. Find a location that is around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This will most likely be the ideal spot for its cage to be placed.
Tip #3: Remember to clean its cage and keep a bedding of 2-3 inches thick on a weekly basis.
Tip #4: Vegetables, hay (specifically the unlimited Timothy hay), fresh fruit and water are options that you can use to feed your pet, and please don’t feed the little animal the same thing, day in and out or decayed food. As humans, we wouldn’t like it either. Other options are commercially available food pellets.
Tip #5: Keep its nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks to prevent infections and pain.
Tip #6: Very importantly, keep the guinea pig away from larger animals (read: predators).