The ideal weight of a guinea pig should be around 1 kg for males and a 100 gm less for females. The average life of a guinea pig is 6 years.

Guinea pigs are veggies and are usually fed on a special guinea pig pelleted diet that is rich in protein. Apart from this, you can give hay. The main source of ascorbic acid for guinea pigs is cabbages and oranges. Since the pelleted food can cause some serious kidney problems for the animals, it is advisable that the amount of hay be increased in the diet.

The guinea pigs also have a tendency to suffer from vitamin C deficiency. So it is necessary to give vitamin C supplements to the pet from time to time.The water should be changed regularly. There are some fruits and vegetables which are perennial favorites for guinea pigs such as apples, broccoli, carrots,cauliflower, lettuce, oranges etc. However, these should be free from any sort of pesticides. Actually, the diet of the pet should be more food rather than just pellets. Powdered foods are a strict no-no as they can cause breathing problems to the guinea pigs. And, of course, fresh water should be available round the clock.

Feeders and water bottles should be provided and they should be fixed to the cage to avoid spilling. Water bottles with metal spouts are a safe bet as the plastic ones might get chewed up. A common disturbing feature of the guinea pigs is that they eat their own excreta. They actually digest it fully to get the necessary nutrients and vitamins. This behavior is absolutely normal and nothing to be worried about. However, this does not mean that you don’t need to clean the cages. You have to clan them regularly as a clean home is even appreciated by your guinea pig.