Getting your first furry friend can be an exciting time. There's a lot to think about and prepare. Do you want male or female guinea pigs? Long or short-haired guinea pigs? A young one or are you rehoming an older cavy? Where will your guinea pigs live? And most importantly - what do guinea pigs need?

Whatever type of guinea pigs you are welcoming into your home, it is a very good idea to do some research in advance. No one wants to stock up on the best iceberg lettuce and then be left with a hutch covered in little puddles of diarrhoea. (Other types of lettuce are fine!) And unless you want the guinea pig version of the Von Trapp family, it might be better to avoid a male and female pair.

Getting two guinea pigs is a great option as they are social animals, but make sure you have a neutered male if you also have one or more females.

Want some more information on guinea pigs? Well, they are a long-term commitment! Read on for all you need to know for first-time guinea pig owners and why they make great pets.

Pet Guinea Pig Life span

The lifespan of guinea pigs ranges on average from 4-8 years for a healthy guinea pig. Most are likely to live up to 7 years, as long as they remain relatively healthy. Genetics, diet and environment all play a part in affecting how long a lifespan your cavy has.

We can't do much about genetics, but as a guinea pig parent, you should be aware of everything you can do to maintain your guinea pig's health for as long as possible. For example, they need a very healthy diet, little to no sugar, plenty of vitamin C and the opportunity to exercise. They also need to live with other guinea pigs to stay happy and mentally healthy. Much like us, if these factors are combined, they have a great chance of living a full and long life.

Appearance

· Round and plump

· Mixture of black, grey, brown, yellow and white hairs

· Long-haired

· Dark or red eyes.

· Large incisor teeth (constantly growing)

· 14 toes

· No tail

· Males are bigger than females

Best Diet for Guinea Pigs

Food - Guinea pigs are herbivores. They like to eat fresh grass every day. Good quality hay should be the main part of their diet as it helps their constantly growing teeth wear down. If they consume the wrong things, your guinea pigs could develop serious dental disease at any early age.

It's important that they get enough Vitamin C, so they should have fresh leafy greens daily, such as kale or broccoli. Fruit and root vegetables like carrots and apples can be given as an occasional treat. Citrus fruits are not good for guinea pigs and beware of certain plants which could be poisonous to them.

Water - Make sure your cavy has access to fresh drinking water and change it regularly. Guinea pigs need fresh water at all times. Without it, they will quickly become ill.

Things to remember –

· Don't change their diet suddenly - Make sure you introduce any new foods slowly to avoid digestive problems.

· Be careful of overfeeding – The amount of food you give your guinea pigs should depend on their age, health and type of lifestyle. They can become overweight quickly if they're eating more than they need. A staple of guinea pig pellets will help to keep a stable diet.

· Keep an eye on their droppings – Any changes can tell you if your cavy is ill or stressed.

Behaviour

Guinea pigs aren't as easy to understand as other pets. A tail wag doesn't tell you how your cavy is feeling. (Mainly because they don't have one!) But your squeaky pal will be able to communicate with you in more subtle ways.

· Squeaks and whistles - They are very vocal and you will be able to learn what their various noises mean. A high-pitched squeal or whistle is a clear sign your cavy is excited, possibly about food or playtime.

· Purring – It may seem strange to have guinea pigs purring like a cat but if you hear this noise from your cavy, it is trying to tell you something. A relaxed deep purr will let you know they are chilled out. Higher pitched could mean something has annoyed them.

· Hissing – A pretty obvious one, if your guinea pigs hiss (also sounding like chattering) - they're showing aggression.

· Hopping up and down (also known as popcorning!) – This is a common sign of friendly, happy guinea pigs. If you have a pair of guinea pigs, they may also rub noses or lick each other to show they are friends.

· Teeth baring or listlessness – Stressed guinea pigs will show signs of aggression and irritability. If depressed, they will appear very listless and uninterested in playing or eating.

Handling Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are fragile animals with soft bones, so you need to be very careful how you handle them. But they are also very affectionate pets who love to cuddle and have contact with humans. So don't be put off by how delicate they are when you first meet your guinea pigs.

Taking the time to learn how to handle them will help you keep them safe and create a lovely bond between you. Your cavy will begin to trust you if you hold them correctly.

Right way

- Start by giving it your hand so it can learn your smell.

- Approach from the front and be at their level.

- Stroke it gently at the back – this will help your cavy trust you.

- Use a soft voice and be calm.

- Put your hands in their cage and let them investigate you.

- To hold them, slide your hand underneath them, lift them up and use your finger to support their back legs.

- Hold its back with your other hand to help it feel secure.

Wrong way

- Don't touch guinea pigs from the top as you will scare them – this is because their eyes are at the side so they won't see you coming.

- Don't start by just lifting your cavy out of the cage.

- Holding them in a noisy room is not advisable as loud noises make them uncomfortable.

- Don't chase them if they run away – let them go wherever they feel safe.

- Never approach them from behind.

guinea pigs indoors — Cute baby guinea pigs

Some handling tips:

· When you first bring your pet guinea pigs home, leave them to settle in their cage for a few days – this will help them feel secure in their new environment.

· Always hold them lightly so they are able to jump free if they want.

· Give them a carrot when holding them – this will help them associate handling with getting treats.

· Never handle a pregnant guinea pig as the stress can cause damage to the mother and babies.

Regular Grooming

Don't worry about learning professional grooming skills with your guinea pig. Their hair typically needs very little grooming, although long-haired cavies are likely to need slightly more attention to avoid the crazy bedhead look!

Nail Trimming Drama

The main element of guinea pig grooming is nail trimming. It's important to make sure their nails get clipped at least once a month. Nails can curl if they grow too much, causing pain and discomfort for your furry companion.

You can use human nail clippers or those designed for cats to trim your guinea pig's nails. Don't try with a dog's nail clippers as they are too big.

Brushing Your Piggy

When brushing your guinea pig, use a small stiff brush or comb. Make sure you brush in the direction the hair is going. Check each time for skin problems or lice to ensure their hair stays healthy.

You only need to brush your short-haired guinea pig once a week. Your long-haired cavy may be shedding and get easily tangled, so brushing every other day is a good habit to get into.

guinea pig pellets — Guinea pig with delicious baby carrots

How to Bathe Your Guinea Pig

If you are slightly worried about the logistics of bathing a reluctant guinea pig, don't worry! There are only a few rare reasons why you would ever need to. Bathing is a stressful experience for a guinea pig so unless it catches lice or gets faeces or urine on itself…you can breathe a sigh of relief.

But if you do find yourself needing to wash your guinea pig, make sure you use a specially designed cavy shampoo. And be thorough with drying so your little friend doesn't catch a chill.

Vet Care for Your Guinea Pig

When guinea pigs become ill, they can go downhill fast. So it's important to make sure your guinea pig is registered with a veterinary practice from the day you bring it home. Make sure you have a pet carrier to take it to the vet when needed. A small cat carrier would be perfect.

Choose a vet that has experience in handling guinea pigs. Don't be afraid to research vets in your area and call them to ask how familiar they are with smaller pets.

Take your guinea pig for a check-up at least once a year and ask your vet for advice on parasite treatment.

Cost of a Guinea Pig

When it comes to costs, a guinea pig is a relatively cheap pet. You can expect to pay between £10 - £45 for one from a breeder, pet stores or charity. Depending on the breed, however, you could pay more, especially if you want a Skinny Pig (almost hairless guinea pigs) which can cost up to £150.

Costs can mount up though, once you get everything you need for your new pet. You are likely to pay up to £80 for a cage and up to £300 for a hutch. If you want a run for your guinea pig, it can set you back between £50 - £100. Then add in bedding, food, hay and chewable toys. And don't forget to factor in the vet costs as you will have to pay for parasite treatment, check-ups and any other health problems your guinea pigs develop.

caring for guinea pigs — Guinea pig doing his homework

It is also a good idea to invest in pet insurance for your guinea pigs, to give you peace of mind if illness or an accident happens.

So it's important, before you get your guinea pigs, to make sure you can afford to care for them. And if you want your cavy to have a companion, then don't forget to double your costs.

Final thought

If you now feel ready for your new pet, remember these three things:

1. Gentle and calm are the watchwords with guinea pigs

2. Prepare for a pet with lots of personality

3. Enjoy your new cute friend!

All You Need to Know About Your First Guinea Pig