Guinea pigs are herbivores and require fresh, clean vegetables and grasses daily. All guinea pig, particularly pregnant sows, require high levels of vitamin C which is best obtained from clean grasses or lucerne chaff. This should make up the bulk of their daily diet, supplemented by those parts of vegetables which we humans are inclined not to eat, such as carrot tops and peelings, corn husks, broccoli stalks and celery tops. Specialised guinea pig pellets are available from Pet City stores – beetroot and rhubarb leaves, potato and its peelings should not be fed to guinea pigs as these vegetables are toxic for them.

Guinea pigs are susceptible to extremes of heat and cold, they should be sheltered from temperatures above 30°C, sudden cold snaps. Toxaemia during pregnancy may occur if females overheat so it is important to keep them cool. If housed outside, guinea pigs may also suffer occasional hair loss. Seek veterinary advice for conditions such as this, check the coat regularly, especially around the eyes as grass seeds trapped in the hair can cause irritation. Brushing you guinea pigs hair is recommended daily for longhair varieties.

Hair Types

Shorthair – Covering a range of colours, markings and crests.
Coarse – The coat stands away from the body.
Longhair – A long coat which can grow about one inch per month.
Satin – The coat has a shiny appearance due to hollow hair follicles.