Guinea pigs are gentle, social, and great for first-time pet owners — but they’re also misunderstood. They need more than just a cage and carrots.
Here are 5 things every guinea pig owner should have — and what to avoid if you want to keep your piggies healthy and happy.
1. A Proper-Sized Cage (Not the Tiny Ones From the Pet Store)
Those little “starter cages” are way too small. Guinea pigs need room to run and space to separate their toilet, food, and sleeping areas.
Recommended:
Midwest Guinea Habitat Plus — spacious, easy to clean, and expandable if you add more piggies later.
2. Soft, Safe Bedding That Doesn’t Smell in 3 Days
Skip wood shavings and newspaper. You’ll end up changing it constantly and dealing with odors.
Try this instead:
Kaytee Clean & Cozy Bedding — absorbent, dust-free, and soft on their little feet.
3. A Heavy Ceramic Food Bowl (They Can’t Flip It)
Plastic bowls = flipped food. Lightweight bowls = tipped water. Go for ceramic — always.
Solid option:
Living World Ergonomic Ceramic Dish — built to stay upright.
4. A Good Hay Rack (Hay Should Be 80% of Their Diet)
Guinea pigs eat hay all day — but if it’s on the floor, it gets peed on and wasted. A rack keeps it fresh and accessible.
Affordable pick:
Kaytee Hay & Food Bin Feeder — helps reduce mess and hay waste.
5. Vitamin C Drops or Pellets (Because They Can’t Make Their Own)
Guinea pigs need vitamin C daily or they’ll get scurvy. Their bodies can’t produce it like other animals.
Supplement options:
Oxbow Essentials Cavy Cuisine Pellets — high-quality and vet-approved.
Liquid Vitamin C Drops — an easy alternative for picky eaters.
What to Avoid When Buying Guinea Pig Supplies
- Leaky water bottles — They’ll soak your bedding daily. Spend the extra few bucks on a proven no-drip one.
- Cheap pellets with colored bits — They look fun but are mostly junk. Stick with vet-recommended brands with real nutrition.
Quick Tip
Guinea pigs don’t like being alone — they’re herd animals. If you can, adopt a pair (same sex), and watch how much more active and relaxed they become.