Keep your guinea pig away from other pets, small children, and loud noises. A quiet space will help to prevent the guinea pig from becoming startled or scared. If possible, place your guinea pig’s cage in a room that can be completely shut off. This way you can occasionally open the cage and let your guinea pig have playtime. Give your guinea pig some time to adjust to its new home. Avoid handling it for up to 3 days after you bring it home to help it settle in.
The base of the cage should be a solid surface. Guinea pigs may get their paws stuck and injure themselves if the floor of the cage is made of wire or mesh. A solid plastic floor is safer and will be easy to clean. That said, no matter what type of cage you get, you will need a thick layer of bedding to protect your guinea pig’s feet. Look for cages that are easy to clean and maintain. You should be able to easily reach all areas of the cage. You should also look for cages made from easily cleanable materials, such as plastic. Metal cages are also acceptable, but be aware that they may rust and need to be replaced.
Never add damp or wet bedding as it can grow mold. Avoid using sawdust or straw as bedding as they can also mold easily. Cedar and pine shavings can be toxic to guinea pigs, so look carefully at the type of wood shavings you are using as bedding.
Consider adding toys, such as balls, ramps, or cardboard tubes to provide entertainment for your guinea pig.
A consistent schedule will mean that your guinea pig begins to associate you with food; this is key to forming a bond with your guinea pig. Remember that whoever feeds the guinea pig will likely be the person they bond with first. If multiple people are going to oversee feeding, give them an assigned time. You can feed them in the morning, and your daughter in the evening. Or feed the guinea pig together so it gets used to both of you.
At first, just place the treats in the cage. Then after a few days, hold it in your hand and see if the guinea pig will come closer to you. If they won’t come all the way, toss the food gently in their direction. Have the guinea come closer each time you offer snacks. Eventually, it will begin to take it out of your hand and will begin to feel less nervous around you. Make sure you are talking in a calm yet happy voice as you feed them.
Pet stores also sell treats marketed for guinea pigs and other small animals. Make sure you read the labels first; some have a lot of high fructose corn syrup and are full of empty calories. Give all treats in moderation. Too much sugar, empty calories, or just overfeeding can cause your guinea pig to become obese. This can have serious health complications for your pet and may shorten its lifespan.
For the few days, you should try to avoid touching the guinea pig at all. After that, try to start petting the guinea pig for increasingly longer periods. Be patient and don’t handle your guinea pig until they seem comfortable with you. If they still don’t let you pet them, then they are not ready to be picked up. It could take several weeks or months to make the guinea pig comfortable enough to be handled so try not to rush it.
Talking in a soothing voice will help the guinea pig to recognize your presence. Try not to approach the guinea pig from behind. Let them see you, and approach slowly. Quick movements will scare them.
When you first start picking up your guinea pig, hold them from a seating position. Being carried while walking may make the guinea pig nervous as they fear the height. Carefully monitor children as they handle the guinea pig. Show them the correct hold and make sure they are gentle and don’t get overly excited. Consider using a blanket to carry your guinea pig. Wrapping your guinea pig in a blanket makes them feel more secure as they are carried.
