General Guinea Pig Information

Typically guinea pigs live for 5-6 years, but some may live longer. Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day, and only sleep for short periods. Guinea pigs are highly social and should always have a buddy or 2 to keep them company

Housing

There are several types of cages on the market for guinea pigs. Many are, in my opinion, not a feasible living situation for them. Some of they cages we use or have used here at Cherokee Flats are:

C&C Cage

C&C Cages* are a great option if you have plenty of room to have one. Made from cubes and coroplast, these are a versatile way to house your piggies. You can make them any size, any number of levels, any color and can decorate them anyway you want. These cages allows you to design it to your needs and the needs of your pet.

*You can find C&C Cages HERE

Food & Water

Providing your guinea pig with a well balanced diet is key to having a healthy pet. They also required added Vitamin C to their diet to prevent scurvy. Here, we provide them with a quality pellet*, fresh hay, fresh fruits and veggies and of course, fresh water.

 

Some of the fresh fruits and veggies your piggies can eat are:

Strawberries

Oranges (Vitamin C)

Bananas

Cucumbers

Watermelon

Cranberries

Grapes

Dark Leafy Greens (Romaine Lettuce, Collard Greens, Cilantro)

Carrots

Dandelion Greens

Lawn Grass that has NOT been treated with chemicals

 

*Kalmbach Guinea Pig Select

Q: What breeds of Guinea Pigs do we raise here at Cherokee Flats?

A: We currently raise Hairless and Teddy

Hairless Guinea Pigs

Hairless guinea pigs (cavies) have been around since 1978, when an unexpected genetic mutation occurred in a lab in Canada. Since then, Hairless Guinea Pigs have become extremely popular in the pet trade. 

Types of Hairless Guinea Pigs

There are 2 types of Hairless Guinea Pigs

 

1. Skinny Pig

A skinny pig is a hairless guinea pig that is born hairless. These little ones usually have a small floof of fur on their noses. 

 

2. Baldwin Pig

A baldwin guinea pig is a hairless guinea pig that is born with fur but over time loses it. These little ones are completely void of any fur on their body by the time they are adults

Hairless Guinea Pig Care

While food, treats, and housing are the same as their furred counterparts, hairless guinea pigs need a little extra care to ensure their skin is soft and healthy. 

Cuts, Scratches, & Abrasions 

One of the main issues hairless guinea pigs can have is scratches and cuts on their skin. Because they are void of fur, it's easy to get an injury even if fighting isn't occurring. 

 

To help with this, make sure to check your piggies daily for any injuries that might require veterinarian intervention. While most scratches are superficial, cleaning them out helps prevent infection.

Dry Skin

Like humans, hairless guinea pigs can get dry skin. This can lead to cracking, bleeding and infection if not properly cared for. One of the ways we care for their skin is:

Coconut Oil

Every couple of days we apply a nice coat of coconut oil on each hairless piggies skin. Coconut oil provides their skin with moisture and helps keep it soft and supple.

Eye Issues

Hairless guinea pigs can have issues with their eyes. Pellet dust, scratches, abrasions, and more can cause an irritation and/or infection if not taken care of immediately. Using a soft damp washcloth or unscented baby wipe, you can gently wipe the piggies eyes if you notice an issue. 

 

If you notice your hairless guinea pig has a cloudy eye, an exotic veterinarian will have to evaluate them and prescribe antibiotics.

 

*We use LA 200 for all our piggies as it is one of if not the safest antibiotic to give a guinea pig.

Teddy Guinea Pigs