{"id":3380,"date":"2020-11-05T13:22:56","date_gmt":"2020-11-05T18:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/?p=3380"},"modified":"2020-11-05T13:22:56","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T18:22:56","slug":"cuteness-overload-guinea-pig-care-and-keeping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dupontvet.com\/blog\/cuteness-overload-guinea-pig-care-and-keeping\/","title":{"rendered":"Cuteness Overload: Guinea Pig Care and Keeping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ever so adorable and endearing, guinea pigs have long-enjoyed their status as popular family pets, particularly for those looking to adopt a fur-friend that is both inexpensive and non-destructive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are also a slew of popular misconceptions about guinea pigs. These misnomers include the belief that they are low-maintenance pets who do not require much space, social interaction, or veterinary care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are considering adopting a guinea pig, or already have, it\u2019s important to educate yourself on guinea pig care and what these adorable creatures need to not only survive, but thrive as a member of your furry family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Home Sweet Guinea Pig Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While guinea pigs do not require as much room to roam as, say, a cat or dog, they do require considerably more space to thrive than most people think. Not only do they require a roomy cage, but they also require additional space outside their cage to romp around in daily<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically a guinea pig requires a cage or hutch ranging from a minimum of 10.5 square-feet for two guinea pigs, including additional space for fun, frolic, and proper exercise. Cages should be at least 18 inches tall, to avoid the need for a lid. This space is not only needed for proper hygiene, but also to limit behavioral issues and support their overall mental health and physical wellness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your guinea pig\u2019s cage should reside indoors, in a high-traffic area (again, guinea pigs are social creatures), that receives adequate (but not direct) sunlight and that remains a consistent temperature of 65-75\u2019 fahrenheit. Likewise, you will want to avoid cages with wire flooring, as your guinea pig\u2019s feet can get caught in the in-between spaces, resulting in stress and injury. Guinea pigs are also sensitive to noise, so you\u2019ll want to take care to avoid locations that are close to the TV, stereo, or other noisy locations in the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the weather is right, your guinea pig\u2019s exercise area can be located outdoors (with your supervision, of course) in a grassy or garden-like area. Otherwise, you\u2019ll need to create a safe place for your cutie to play indoors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside your guinea pig\u2019s cage, you\u2019ll want to provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n