Did you know that the correct name for a Guinea Pig is a Cavy (pronounced kay-vee)?

Cavies are social animals and are best kept in pairs. Two sows (females) can be kept together, but boars (males) are more likely to fight if not raised together from a young age.

 

Cavy Care

Housing Tips:

  • If kept outside, place the hutch in a sheltered area to protect from rain and drafts. Ensure it's sturdy enough to keep out predators like cats and dogs.
  • For outdoor cavies, include a sleeping compartment for shelter. If kept in a shed or garage, a wooden hutch (about 120 cm x 60 cm) is sufficient for two cavies without a sleeping compartment.


Hygiene:

  • Cavies do not naturally smell, but keeping their hutch clean is essential. Clean the hutch at least once a week to avoid odour issues.
  • Line the hutch with paper, then add wood shavings or small animal paper pellet bedding. Provide fresh grass hay daily, as it’s essential for their health and adds warmth in winter.


Water and Diet:

  • Cavies drink water, so use a guinea pig water bottle rather than a bowl, which can be knocked over.
  • Cavies need Vitamin C daily. Provide fresh vegetables and greens such as grass, dandelions, carrots, kale, and fruits like apples.
  • A high-protein guinea pig pellet mix (minimum 16% protein) should be given daily. Make sure all food, including hay, is clean and mould-free.
  • Avoid feeding cavies potatoes, onions, rhubarb leaves, and other toxic plants. Be cautious of harmful leaves and weeds in the yard.


Handling:

  • Handle your cavy daily to help them become tame. They’ll soon recognize your voice and respond with a whistling sound.
  • Cavies rarely bite when handled correctly, but always supervise children during handling.


Lifespan:

  • Cavies are wonderful pets for both adults and children, teaching responsibility and providing years of enjoyment. With proper care, cavies can live 5 to 7 years.

Nail Trimming & Mite treatment

The CCV offers nail trimming and mite treatment for $10 a cavy. This is done by an experienced club member.

How many cavies should I have?

Cavies are social animals and do well in pairs or groups, very rarely are they fine solitary. Females can live in herds together. Females may still hump each other when coming into season or sorting out hierarchies in herds. Older sows when being bonded together may fight and be aggressive so ensuring plenty of cage space is important when initially bonding. Desexed boars in a herd of females can be a good social mediator to stopping sows squabbling when in season (sows come into season every 2-3 weeks).


Boars are best kept in pairs and once bonded get along very well. It is not recommended adding an additional boar or boars to a bonded pair as it may cause them to fight and the original may lose its bond permanently. Boars can be bonded together at various ages, two younger boars can be bonded together easily along with a baby boar and mature boar. Extra care must be taken to ensure matching of personality when bonding boars of similar ages. Bonding younger boars to adult boars can generally be easier for all parties involved. When bonding boars or for a very dominant boar, ensuring 2 water bottles and food bowls stops resource guarding and creates a happier pair!

If choosing to keep multiple cavies ensure bonded boars are kept separate from sows as the boars will be able to smell when the sows come into seasons and could trigger fights. Bonded pairs of boys can be kept next to each other however a gap to stop fence fighting is recommended.

Housing Ideas 

What to feed your cavies!

A balanced and nutritious diet is vital for the health and well-being of your guinea pig. These small herbivores have specific dietary needs that must be met to keep them happy, healthy, and active.


Hay: The Foundation of Their Diet

High-quality grass hay, such as oaten, rye, clover or meadow hay, should make up the majority of your guinea pig's diet. Hay is essential for:

  • Maintaining healthy digestion.
  • Preventing dental problems by wearing down continuously growing teeth.
    Always ensure a fresh and unlimited supply of hay is available.


Pellets:

Choose high-quality guinea pig pellets that are fortified with vitamin C. Avoid those with added seeds, nuts, or coloured bits, which can lead to selective feeding and obesity. Pellets should be given in limited quantities to prevent overeating.


Fresh Vegetables:

Guinea pigs need a variety of fresh vegetables daily for vitamins and hydration. Focus on leafy greens and vitamin C-rich options, such as:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
  • Kale or spinach (in moderation)
  • Cilantro or parsley


Vitamin C: A Daily Necessity

Unlike most animals, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, making it a crucial part of their diet. Pellets containing Vitamin C should be an essential part of their diet. Fresh vegetables high in Vitamin C should also be offered frequently to maintain adequate levels. Young and older cavies need higher levels of Vitamin C to maintain health so this should be taken into consideration. 


Fresh Water: Always Accessible

Ensure your guinea pig has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Use a water bottle or a sturdy bowl, and clean it daily to prevent contamination.

Grass

Cavies love grass and it can be a great substitute for vegetables! When harvesting grass for your cavies never use lawn mower clippings as it can cause bloat and release toxins from the blades. Simply pick grass by hand or with scissors. If you are going to feed grass instead of vegetables you want to give at least a heaped mound. Grass does contain Vitamin C!

 

Cavies and Heat

Cavies are not fans of the heat and are not a fan of Australian heat waves. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your cavies cool on hot days.


•    Freeze hard plastic ice bricks or frozen water bottles, Wrap in a cloth and place in the cage

•    Place smooth ceramic tiles or bricks in the cage, They naturally repel heat and your cavy can lay on them. You can put these in the fridge prior to placing in the cage to make them even cooler.

•    Soak hessian or old sheets in water and hang over the front of the cage with a fan blowing on it.

•    If your cavies are under a pergola or roofed area run a soaker hose on the roof as it will drop the temperature underneath.

•    Bring your cavies inside in airconditioned or cooled conditions in extreme heat – if it’s too hot for you outside then it’s definitely too hot for them!

•    NEVER leave your cage in direct sun.

•    Cavies won’t drink hot water, so refill water bottles regularly during hot weather – you can partially freeze large water bottles giving longer lasting cool water.

•    Juicy, cooled fruit and vegetables throughout the day will be enjoyed by your cavy.

•    The use of motor vehicle reflective sunshades on the top of your cage can assist in repelling sunlight and heat during the day.

•    If your cavy shows signs of heat stress (collapsed, salivating, limp body etc) bring them inside and place them in tepid (lukewarm) water – NEVER cold water. Administer electrolytes (Hydralyte, Lectade or similar) as often as possible.