Do you want to buy a guinea pig? Excellent idea! Guinea pigs are social animals that require relatively little care and with their funny popcorn jumps are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. But what do you have to take into account if you want to take in a guinea pig?

1. Practical aspects

The average life expectancy of a guinea pig is five to eight years. So they can become quite a bit older than a hamster or a mouse. Buying a guinea pig costs about 10 to 25 euros, supplemented with about 125 euros for the cage and the equipment and about 30 euros per month for care (food, hay, bedding).

2. Two guinea pigs are better than one

Guinea pigs live in groups. It is therefore better to have at least two guinea pigs. Did you know that in Switzerland it is even forbidden to have only one guinea pig at home? Keep in mind that these animals can reproduce at the young age of three to five weeks. So take the necessary precautions if you want to avoid any surprises.

3. What kind of cage?

Especially when they are young, guinea pigs like to jump around - this behaviour is appropriately called 'popcorning'. Make sure you have a sufficiently large cage (at least 120 x 60 cm) and change the bedding every week.

4. Where in the house?

Carefully consider where you want to put the cage. Draught is disastrous for guinea pigs! Choose an airy, cool spot (18 to 23 °C) that you can protect from direct sunlight. Garages are out of the question; their little lungs cannot handle the exhaust fumes and vapours.

5. Provide customised food

Like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves. They have to acquire it from their food. Special guinea pig feed contains sufficient vitamin C to meet the animal's needs. Complete his diet with fresh vegetables. Chicory, peppers or carrots (foliage) are good choices. Ideally, guinea pigs have continuous access to fresh smelling hay and fresh water.