DESCRIPTION

Guinea Pigs are playful and acrobatic animals that make great pets. Pet owners love them because they bounce, twirl, twist and flip in a happy dance called "popcorning." Learn more about these fascinating creatures, their behaviors, and how to care for them in the sections below.

Experience Level: Beginner

Expected Size: Guinea pigs grow up to 12 inches (30 cm).

Lifespan: On average, Guinea pigs live for 5 to 8 years.

Behavior: Guinea pigs are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.

Social: Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive when raised in pairs, but only house same-gender pairs together.

Vet Assured: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.

The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.

Safety tips for you and your pet:
1. ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases contagious to humans. 2. Thoroughly wash your hands with
warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat. 3. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet or its enclosure. 4. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.

Feeding Instructions:

• 80% Hay: Timothy Hay or oat grass is your Guinea Pig's everyday main course and always needs to be available.
• 10% Pellets: Refresh daily and always keep the bowl 3/4 full.
• 5% vegetables: Bell peppers and green or red leaf lettuce, served every day. Note: be sure to remove vegetables after a few hours.
• 5% Fruit and Treats: offer treats and fruits like oranges and blueberries twice a week. Note: Be sure to remove fruit after a few hours.
• Water: A water bottle or bowl of fresh, clean water every day.Housing:
  Recommended pieces include:
• Habitat/pen sized 24 x 36 x 24 inches or larger
• Food bowl
• Hay feeder
• Hide hut
• Chew stick
• Small pet bedding
• Water bottleHabitat Set-Up:
• Choose a habitat at least 24 x 36 x 24 inches or larger and add a hide.
• Place the habitat in a low humidity area that's cool - between 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C) - and out of direct sunlight.
• Line the habitat with an appropriate amount of clean bedding. The bedding should be spot-cleaned as needed and changed as directed by product packaging.
• Try litter training your Guinea pig by placing a litter pan in the corner of their home.
• Add a hay feeder and chew sticks to keep their teeth healthy.