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The Guide recommends a dry bulb
temperature range under laboratory
conditions of 64.4-78.8 F (18-26 C), which
falls within the USDA regulation of 60-85 F.
An optimal ambient temperature of 70 F (21
C) has been suggested
The recommended range for relative humidity
is 40-70%.
Light cycle 12:12
Air changes 10 – 15 per hour
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Guinea pigs are
disturbed easily by
sudden noises and
movements and may
rush around the cage or
pen ("stampede") if
startled. This may cause
trampling of the young
or abortions in pregnant
females. There is also
potential for broken or
bruised legs (as seen in
this image), especially if
wire-floored cages are
used.
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Strict herbivores
Hind gut fermenters – cecum
Lactobacilli sp.
primary fatty acid – propionic acid
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require vitamin C
have higher folic acid requirement
sensitive to excess Ca, Vit. A, Vit. D
leads to metastatic calcification
mineralization of soft tissues
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Guinea pigs, like primates and man, must
have a dietary source of vitamin C. On a
weight to weight basis, the guinea pig's
requirement for vitamin C is about ten times
that of man. Furthermore, the guinea pig
cannot store vitamin C to any significant
extent.
The daily dietary requirement of vitamin C for
the guinea pig is approximately 10 mg/kg
body weight for maintenance and 30 mg/kg
body weight during pregnancy.
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Under some circumstances
vitamin C may need to be
supplemented. Water can be
supplemented with ascorbic
acid at 200 mg ascorbic acid
to 1 liter of drinking water.
Vitamin C is unstable in
water and needs to be
prepared daily.
In pet guinea pigs, when it is
impossible to provide the
vitamin C by the methods
indicated above, fresh
cleaned vegetables such as
cabbage, kale or green
pepper may be used to
supplement the diet.
Don’t forget the orange!
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Guinea pigs are herbivorous
and, in the wild, live on a
variety of green foods, seeds,
and roots. In the laboratory,
they are usually fed a
commercially prepared, pelleted
diet
The guinea pig eats an average
of 6 grams of food per 100
grams of body weight every day
Commercially prepared guinea
pig diets contain an average of
18-20% protein, 4% fat and 16%
fiber, along with recommended
levels of vitamins and minerals.
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Additional Requirements
18-20 % protein
10-16 % crude fiber
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Use guinea pig feed!!!
NOT RABBIT FEED
no vit. C and high in vit. D
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Because guinea
pigs tend to be
sloppy eaters,
wastage is common
- especially in wirefloored cages
Wastage can be
minimized by use
of J-feeders.
Don not use bowls
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Glass/clear bottles preferred
Like to play with waterers
will empty water bottle and/or
stop up the opening
check frequently
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Change & Clean water bottle
daily
Automatic waterers
check daily; acidify water at
source
reduces pseudomonas
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The average daily water consumption for the
guinea pig is 10 ml per 100 grams of body
weight. Considerably more water should be
provided to pregnant and lactating sows, and
to compensate for wastage. Tap water is
usually adequate for the guinea pig, but, in
disease-free colonies, chlorination,
acidification, filtration, or autoclaving may be
necessary
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Polycarbonate caging
A variety of caging is
available for housing the
guinea pig. Caging is
commonly constructed of
solid plastic
(polycarbonate, as shown
in this image, or
polypropylene).
Stainless steel caging is
also commonly available.
Wood should be avoided
because it is difficult to
clean, and galvanized
metals tend to rust and
corrode
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Space requirements for guinea pigs are based
on body weight. According to USDA
regulations and the Guide, minimum space
requirements for each animal are:

sq. in, sq. cm.
< 350 grams
60 387
> 350 grams
101 652
Nursing females
with litters101 652
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Bedding
hardwood chips, fine aspen
shavings, coarse aspen
shavings, sawdust or corn cob.
wood shavings – not cedar, pine
not dusty
clean weekly
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Fine or dusty
bedding is
associated with
scrotal plugs and
preputial
accumulation, and
with aspiration,
which may cause or
predispose to
pneumonia.