Frequently asked questions

 

Is at okay to put a guinea pig with a rabbit?
No, for several reasons. Firstly, any rabbit can kill a guinea pig with one kick, even if it is playing. Guinea pigs also have different dietary needs to rabbits, who can synthesise their own vitamin C and do not need their diet supplemented to provide this.

My guinea pig uses his food bowl as a toilet, what can I do?
Give him his feed one or two smaller bowls.You may like to use this opportunity to introduce him to a litter tray. Use some soiled bedding in the litter tray to encourage him to use it.

Why is my guinea pig scratching?
It could be an allergy to wood shavings, which we recommend that you do not use. It could also be an allergy to the hay you are using, if so, try changing hay type or using soft chopped straw. He could be overheated, guinea pigs are not good at regulating their body temperature and do not react well to extreme changes in temperature. In hot weather give him air, shade or you can drape cold, wet towels over his hutch.
He could have mites in which case use mite spray and/or anti-parasite shampoo (if over 12 weeks old) or it may be the burrowing mite (mange) in which case a course of medication is essential. This condition can be fatal if left untreated or if left too late.

My guinea pig has developed bald patches, what can I do?
This could be due to a lack of vitamin C. This condition is known as scurvy. Some people are led to believe that if the hard feed they buy contains vitamin C that is okay. Experience has shown us that this is not always the case. A good diet of mixed vegetables is essential to a guinea pigs well being.

How should I hold my guinea pig?
Guinea pigs are naturally quite docile but will take time to get used to you. Spend time talking to and hand-feeding your piggy so that he gets to know you. When you pick him up, hold him with one hand under his belly, your thumb and forefinger behind his shoulders whilst supporting him under his bottom with the other. If you find this method unsuitable you could wrap him in a towel to be carried. If you have males and females living separately always handle the males first so they cannot smell the females on you.

My guinea pig has sticky eyes, a runny nose and/or laboured breathing. What should I do?
Seek medical advice immediately. If your guinea pig's eyes appear to be cloudy looking he probably has an ear of corn in his eye. Eventually you may see the end protruding from the eye. If you are able, a clean pair of tweezers will remove it. You must keep your guinea pig still while you are using the tweezers. If this is not possible, beware, as you may cause further damage with the tweezers. Following removal of a foreign object in the eye, we usually follow up with eye drops.

My guinea pig is off his food, what can I do?
His teeth need to be checked (including the back ones). If he has been slobbering when eating, this is a sure sign that there is a dental problem. Seek medical advice if diarrhoea develops.

My guinea pig eats newspaper, is this a problem?
No, the ink is not toxic. It may look messy but is harmless!

My guinea pig has dry flaky skin/dandruff, what should I do?
Ensure that you do not use wood shavings or sawdust as bedding, as this can be irritating to the skin.If the problem persists, it could be a fungal infection or parasites. In this instance use a dermatological shampoo like Seleen (available online). The key is to leave the shampoo on for 20 minutes with your guinea pig wrapped in a towel on your lap. Following a thorough rinsing and another towel wrap, let his coat dry naturally. Do this on a warm day and let his coat dry off in his hutch or keep him in overnight.

My guinean pig's companion has died, should I get him another one?
Click here for the companions page.