Top 12 Tips for New Guinea Pig Owners!

Guinea pigs make great pets! But they are a bit commitment and take a lot of work! So if you're thinking about becoming a guinea pig owner, this is the video for you. I'll cover my top 12 tips for all new owners - from knowing whether guinea pigs are right for you, to housing, diet, taming, health and more. I hope this video comes in useful for anyone researching getting piggies - if it did let me know in the comments!
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In case you want to skip around:
0:00 Introduction
0:36 1. Are they right for you?
1:45 2. Guinea pigs are SOCIAL!
2:33 3. Where should they come from?
3:07 4. Indoor Vs Outdoor
3:41 5. Cage size is very important
4:46 6. Why not try this?
5:27 7. Interior design... piggie style!
6:13 8. Become a guinea pig whisperer
7:05 9. Hay is everything!
8:07 10. Taming... have patience
9:04 11. Treats - the good, the bad and the ugly
10:30 12. Guinea pig vets - what you need to know
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[@jxliaalove]

I'm 13 years old and dealing with a lot of stress and fears. I was thinking for a few years to get a new pet. I already have a cat, but I need something I can personally care and bond for, I need pets that are my responsibility, as taking responsibility is something I enjoy doing, and I'm good at it. When it was Christmas, I told my mom I wouldn't be getting pigs yet, because it was too soon. Now for my birthday, after my vacation, I'll be adopting 2 new piggies! I'm very excited and I can't wait to let them live the best life! Thank you? I've been inhaling your channel these past days and it's really helping!

[@jxliaalove]

Update- I've got 2 baby girls and im doing the best I ever have! I have 2 little friends helping me from the side with my social lifem

[@skywxx4634]

@@jxliaaloveyours guinea pigs are soo cute 🥹🫶🏼

[@Rinusk69]

What kinda stress a 13 years old get? Damn

[@catfurchips]

@@Rinusk69Young people can get stress, even younger than 13!!

[@ashleygrooms3067]

Only Jesus can get rid of your fears forever. One day you'll understand

[@bucksguineapigtalks]

I would also add the advice that please don't rush into ownership of these fantastic animals. If you are getting them for your children it is YOU (the adult/s) that are ultimately responsible. Maybe you have friends who have Guinea Pigs, a great opportunity to 'take care of the Guinea Pigs' is when your friends are away for a few days - then you (and your children) will get to see some of what is involved. In my experience, a child who listens, is enthused, keen and thoughful/kind - this is a good starting point. Lovely video as always Sarah.

[@crystalgeanie1367]

Wow that is a good idea

[@philnellnatavio1429]

Exacrly what im thjngking right now. Im planning to buy for my kids. But im woorry bout the resposibilities. Maybe my kids need more time to be mature enough to have a pet like this.

[@Rudolph780]

I'm a new piggy mom and I am quickly realizing how much I DONT know about my new friends. I hope they don't think I'm being a bad human!!! I want to make their habitat perfect and so far I've done and bought all the wrong things! 😢 I hope they understand and forgive me as I improve their habitat and bond.

[@u_luvv_molly]

I’ve had piggies for 5 years now and I’m still watching it 😂

[@Too_introverted]

Hey more you know!

[@SweetGuineaPigs-yr9gm]

I just got guinea pigs, and it has been a challenge, but it is worth it.

[@PinkSky_Shark]

I have 4 piggies ( 2 female 1 year old both, 2 male, 1 year old and 6 months old ) 1 cat ( female 8 years old ) and 1 dog ( male 2 years old ) and they love each other they don't hurt them but to be sure when i let my piggies run in my room i close the door so the dog can't come in, andy cat sniffs and then goes away she doesn't to anything she doesn't care about them 😂❤

[@aneteaizsila7819]

Before buying guinea pigs, I did research for many months. I thought I knew everything, but when we actually got them, eventually I started to understand that I didn't know anything 🤣 we bought cage too small, didn't expect the amount of money we will spend for the start, kids actually can't help with the care they need. When upgrading the cage, we had to get rid of one of the sofas to make more space🤣 They require a lot more care than I thought, but I love them very much, and I love to make fleece items for them. I wish I had discovered you earlier and be much more prepared❤️

[@SamanthaYoung-vo8fj]

You took the words out of my mouth

[@MissHappyPigs]

So true about veggies, when surfing the internet it tells you to feed all these veggies. I've realized the past couple of years, grass/ hay are their staple diet. The veggies are a bonus, so only give a few bite size pieces morning and evening now. I'm lucky as they get fresh grass everyday from a farmers field, and I know that's got all the nutritional value they need ☺️. They always have full belly 😋😋

[@nataliepostlerova1722]

It is not 100 % true that one piggy is a bad option. I had my loved Frederick, who was with his brother Edward almost all his life. He had gone through lots of medical issues and when his brother Ed passed away suddenly, we got even more bonded also with all my family. When I picked another guinea pig Anthony (because naturally I thought it is always best to have at least two of them), Anthony sooo wanted to play with Frederick, but Fredy was already so peaceful after all he had been through and wanted his own space. It was so sad for me to watch little Anthony wanting to bond with Frederick, but he was just too old and too "experienced" to accept another piggy; they even fought, which was so heartbreaking, because I knew both of them, they just did not get what they needed. Frederick accepted only humans. I do not regret getting Anthony, of course, because he was actually the love of my life, but I found out that under some circumstances when you feel your piggy is very happy just with you AND you have enough time to be around him most of the day, you might just accept that. To close this story :) when Frederick passed, Anthony got his best friend Johann, who unfortunately died because of heart disease. They loved each other. BUT after years since Anthony was older then and probably needed more space (as Frederick in the past), he enjoyed his own cage and room so much, he popcorned as never. I wanted another guinea pig...but it would have been selfish, because I saw that Anthony is perfectly well, we cuddled every day, he was running as crazy every day...... So this is a story of 2 guinea pigs out of 4, who were actually very happy alone just among humans

[@makncheese9628]

Ya I had one her name was Toffee and she had lived her entire life with a rabbit but was aggressive with a lot of humans and a bunch of animals so she lived alone she was happy. She passed on memorial day last year

[@deneentorkelson5705]

Great advice in the video for beginners. It also put a smile on my face to see video of Willow, Lyra, and Pedro. I love Phoebe’s cinnamon color, Roxy’s cute face, and Callie is just plain adorable!

[@jumeauxelaine3960]

Great timing! Just adopted my two piggies, love your content (and your gorgeous piggies) ❤

[@crystalgeanie1367]

I JUST ADOPTED TWO PIGGIES TO 😂🤣

[@stari-jy5vs]

I just lost my emotional support animal to a respiratory infection... Im turning 18 this year and if I didn't have my emotional support animal Noodle (he was a lizard) I wouldn't have made it this far. After being without him for two weeks, I now have to start looking for a new emotional support animal. I can't wait to meet my new friend. I'll never forget noodle. I've decided completely, I want a guinea pig.

[@karenreddy795]

I'm adopting 2 boy guinea pigs from someone moving to California. This is all happening today. Thank you Sarah.

[@mnavygravy]

I have been doing a lot of research because I plan on getting some guinea pigs in about a month or two

[@kayleidanielle7499]

I haven’t had a piggie in 12 years and just got one the other day, I hope to add a friend for him soon. But I’ve been going thru all your videos and they are both entertaining and very informative! Thank you 😊

[@robyngoodwin-coote5009]

Im getting a guinea pig for my gcse present. Very excited 😊

[@kathyanderson8299]

Thanks again. Sharing. ☺️

[@rachelstam]

i have bean watching your videos since got my guinea pigs and you helped me give them the right care ty

[@jenniferhwaddington]

Brilliant list of tips for new owners! Great job.

[@flaviaboll9401]

Thank you so much for this advice!! :)

[@eternallyinsecure]

Your videos are so helpful! It took me some time to find someone who cares so much about their guinea pigs so they make a youtube channel about them! Enjoyable content! ❤

[@animaladdiction]

Great content very interesting and helpful x ❤❤❤❤

[@crystaldavis6494]

Love the group photo op at the beginning. The are so cute!❤️🥰

[@empressmonicaa]

💓thanks

[@garywateridge]

Excellent advice,brought mine inside to a c and c cage.lovely spending more time listening to them rummage and squeaking.also give them floor time as they love to runaround

[@breannamalanog9239]

Thanks for the tips, I'm getting two guinea pigs soon and I needed an in-depth tutorial I've been watching you since your 5th video! (on my parents account first)

[@robert2brown]

Your Amazing!! Please keep up the fun loving content, information & much enjoyed conversations

[@Shimmeringstars28]

I have three crazy little guinea pigs and they are so cute and lovely

[@AlittleHamsterKM]

So cute to see the, all together. ☺☺

[@BeatriseKrokforda]

As a fellow Latvian planning on getting piggies, these tips will help me in the future! Guinea pigs are the animals for me, but the money isnt 😂. I do miss little Pedro in theese videos, but seeing him in little clips of him with the girls warm my heart ❤️. Have an amazing day, ~Beatrise

[@kats.zwoman]

im latvian too!! it is a great idea to own guinea pig, and it is a bit hard to take care of it since its not like taking care of a dog or a cat)

[@hectorcarlasworld1307]

My kids and I love watching your videos. We have 3 girl guinea pigs and we love them so much.

[@ily279]

ahh the piggies make me smile always ❤❤

[@jellyonaplate9402]

amazing video!! ❤❤

[@hivemistressherguineapigfa8563]

Awwwwwww, those three cute faces at the start!😍😍😍

[@aylat4918]

I saw that u posted and screamed i love watching ur vidss

[@skippykachu1840]

❤❤ true as always

[@gailreda1224]

Another great video 🥰💖👍

[@TheWittyPiggies]

so good!

[@DawnMARKCUM-vn7gt]

I've seen every video out there to take care of guinea pigs cages and I've seen videos and what tape is to buy and what not too bad but I have noticed seen a video and how to interact or play with your guinea pig I would love to see a video on how to play with your guinea pig thank you so much and God bless you I really enjoy watching your videos

[@SqueakDreams]

Great request - thank you and I'll make one!

[@piggyproductions6214]

amazing video 💓

[@test-qf3iy]

I love the editing 😂😂

[@annikajohansen6985]

I just got a guinea pig today! I will get her a friend soon, when one is up for sale in my area😍

[@princesskristan]

I've only had dogs/cats growing up and I work from home, so I think I'll get some piggies. I heard they're also super helpful if you deal with depression/anxiety and you need serotonin

[@mamaastr0561]

💯💯

[@dienahfee777]

I loove the little comments of your piggie 🌸🤗🌸

[@kkayedit]

Soo cute!

[@susanaponte1579]

Sarah, I wanted to buy 2 more hammocks, I was wondering if you have any made, or are going to make some. My piggies, even though I was skeptical, they LOVE THAT HAMMOCK! I bought the curved wooden variation, with a purple and teal colored hammock pattern. 2 different ones, so I could swap them out when I'm washing one. They've gotten so used to their hammocks, and love them so much, I need more, lol!! This video was excellent, just such good information for new owners! Thank you!

[@d.miller6062]

I made that mistake with Guinea Pigs, thinking they were like hamsters. But we are learning slowly but surely.

[@josephglick1134]

Me and my wife adopted 2 sweet little piggies who were sisters from our local humane society for our daughter's (they absolutely love them) I felt it was a great 1st pet for them as my first pet growing up was a guinea pig. Me and my wife do all the general care for these little piggies from making sure they are clean, have fresh veggies, and all their necessities. I socialize with them while the kids are at school but when they come home then they get to continue creating that special bond. We also have a dog and cat who we don't let in the kids room while we are out just incase (we close their door and make sure it's closed, and our dog goes in his crate as he is a cord chewer which we tried to dissuade him). The piggies are only a year old but they get taken really good care of.

[@josephlau8476]

Guinea pig is so cute.

[@Guineapig7]

I love your videos! I have been watching you give your piggies pea flakes, so I’m gonna give a couple to my pigs to see how they react :)

[@user-sd4eb1mm1w]

I like ur vidios very much they teach me about guinea pig have a great day btw i like ur guinea pigs there so funny and cute bye

[@Jenthiqs.official_YouTube]

I have to question: Do you sell your products to other countries or only in the US and UK? For example I live in Romania and I'd LOVE to buy from your shop!♡

[@kats.zwoman]

EARLYYY 🎉😊😊. I watch ur vids and they really help me!! i own a guinea pig and i named him toffi bcs he looks like toffee :)

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy!

[@cathy4716]

@@SqueakDreams u best

[@kkayedit]

I used to have a guineapig named toffy! For the same reason. Lol

[@mollysequoia7127]

My herd i got when i was 15 (I’m now 22) was in my bedroom then in their own shed then finally with my last girlie remaining ,she’s inside, sadly in a small cage as she’s elderly and lives with my mum and dad at their house ! My dad built amazing outdoor ply areas for them over the yrs (I’m currently selling three layer large cage if anyone interested)

[@cindyterruso9698]

Great Guinea pig owner! Great educator and loving, kind and compassionate owner. They are lucky to have you. I do agree with you to be careful with buying certain treats. I think that’s what caused my Guinea pig to die from bloat even though I have been very careful on what to buy. TY Sarah.

[@ThePiggieForest]

Callie is sooo cute! She’s like a baby potato!💖

[@sarabogren5223]

I heard (on Swedish radio) there is a shortage, that's so bad it has led to ranssoning, of vegetables in Britain. I think of you and your lovely guinea-pigs. All the best! Hope & ♡♡♡!

[@SqueakDreams]

Yes we are missing our tomatoes and cucumber at the moment, hoomans will have to go hunting round the shops!

[@alextheunknown4586]

Hi! Just a question about the cage size! How big should itv be for one or two guinea pigs? My cage is around 60 x 30 would that be enough space for one or two?

[@SamanthaYoung-vo8fj]

The pet shop let me leave with one she was in the cage all by herself. She seems very happy. I’ve had her for about three weeks now, but I think I’m gonna get another one.

[@maebe1dae648]

Hi love! I've been watching so many of your videos and I was wondering how you feel about the arm and hammer cage liners? Could they be toxic to piggies?

[@Xiakenko]

So we already have guinea pigs and your videos still help a lot! we have them since January now and aren't the most experienced, so looking for videos online is our way to learn. also a question. we feed them a bit of vitamins every morning with their breakfast, i saw u didn't mention that in the video. is that necessary or do rhey get enough vitamins from the fresh food?

[@boeing_aviation433]

1:24 im bursting into laughter 😂

[@rosshartman6057]

I’m gonna use a cnc cage

[@auntiecharbo5877]

Is there a way to make up for making a lot of crucial errors when you first get them? We didn’t treat them correctly in the beginning. We scared them and didn’t handle them properly. Now that we’re learning and correcting I’m curious about whether they’ll ever be comfortable around us again

[@stellangios]

I can't get over gorgeous Callie is 🧡

[@ljandchezprincemusic]

can you leave a guinea pig outside like in a big cage? but obviously look after it well

[@ktm_washere]

Hi, Bandit and Splodge here! Our owner is a bit concerned because she doesn't see us drink very often. She worries we might be in danger of dehydration, because we always have lots of hay to eat, and it is dry. But we get quite a lot of water from our food, which is usually yummy romaine, kale, cucumber and well-washed, safe foraged grass and weeds. We also get some fresh carrot, apple and other fruit for treats every couple of days. This is OK, isn't it?

[@Yunii_Angel]

i have one guinea pig and it looks sad but little does he know that he'll be getting a big brother!!!!

[@justlivingintheminds]

These are really good tips! Thank you very very much! Now I’m going to ask my Parents about the ideas i have in my head could you also give me the links or websites to the accessories or pieces to the cage and wear you can get fleece? Thanks 😅🙏🏼

[@cathy4716]

They cute

[@peanut_almondandco]

Hi I’m getting Guinea pigs tomorrow and I just have a question. I’m picking them up from someone what do I put them in while in the car. Like a Guinea pig carrier probably not my lap idk. Please answer soon

[@TheSqueakLife]

Do you have a pattern for the fleece hides in this video? The big open ones please, if not where can I get them.... my piggies love your patterns ❤

[@phoebecaroline7025]

Please post a video about Skinny pigs!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@corinnasabin]

Is it okay if my 2 male Guinea pigs live outside in a hutch soon we can get them a run for inside and they can stay in it with extreme weather warnings and stuff.

[@JordynnsVersion]

Now thinking of getting 2 lil Piggy’s myself. I do have some questions, such as ‘should I go get a vet appointment after I adopt the lil Guinea pig’s after adopting them? Should I keep them in my bedroom? I have 2 cats, should I keep the Guinea Pigs away from the cats?’ If you can pls help me answer theses questions

[@Lunarxdshorts]

Hey y’all so I have a question bc I have measured this in my room and is 61.4 x 25.4 x 22.3 Inches enough room for one Guinea pig the only reason I said one is because I am starting with one getting used to a routine and then I am getting another one so is it enough for two is what I’m asking but another question is with Timothy hay do I use that and fruits and vegetables as their diet or should I add pellets to

[@flamehashira953]

What type of dust free hay do you use?

[@Jaelincrusan-by1oc]

I just got a Guinea pig and this s was supper he'll full

[@_Lifewithlia_.]

Hi is it a good idea to pair a female and a male?

[@cathy4716]

Hi love ur pigs i pigs

[@charliezaramacnaughton2718]

I bought a Guinea pig over the weekend, he only has one eye as he was attacked by another male and the cut got infected and they had to remove his eye. Because of this the pet shop said he needs to be kept alone. They also have a vet at the pet shop that check their animals regularly and he recommended this. But the more research I do the more I see that they absolutely shouldn’t be kept alone. I’m stuck on what to do and wether I should buy a younger male and try to bond them or if it is okay to keep him alone. Advice, please!!!

[@shrimpsimp]

I took in 2 brothers from a family friend. They are about 1 year. They aren’t socialized and I’ve tried floor time and hand feeding but they still are very jumpy and run away from me still. Is it just continuing these steps or is there better ways to do some socializing? The previous owners didn’t do much hand feeding or playing with them

[@purgatory6793]

How long did it take for ur Guinea pigs to get that comfortable? Others can answer as well. I got my two 3 weeks ago but they are still pretty skittish. I noticed that they are getting a little comfy. It doesn’t help my cats like them to, to eat them. I keep them away as much as possible. But i know they scare them too. And how many times to do spend time with them a day?

[@guinea_pig.for_life]

Your hair is pretty

[@Lamkins._.]

hello a video idea not sure if u done already is what do you do when one of your guinea pigs has just died and you had 2

[@Slurpmy_nut]

I've been a piggy owner for about 1-2 now and i'm a bit old on the teen spectrum and i used my guinea's for comfort for mh and they still don't seem too fond of me. I dont think i take em out as much as needed too but what else could help my piggy's bond/get used to me?

[@valentine_but_not]

I have a question- so, I was thinking about getting this older Guinea pig from my cousin who’s not responsible enough to take care of it, and I want to get him a cage mate, but I’ve heard that male Guinea pigs will fight each other, especially if one’s a baby and one’s an adult. I don’t want him to be lonely, but I don’t want a baby Guinea pig to get hurt in the process.

[@zandravlogsennj5086]

hello, I'm thinking of getting a guine pig but I want one. would it be okay if I got one first and then get another one in the future? thank you (I'm using my moms acc lol)

[@rachaelwoods4569]

Hi Sarah and her followers, can someone tell me if DANDELION ROOT is safe for piggies and how often they can have one? Many thanks Rachael, Bear and Tails

[@ItsUrFavKenz]

I share a room with my sister who is 18 soon and after she moves out I’ll have way more space in the room so I want to rearrange my room, get rid of bigger things I don’t need so I can get Guinea pigs I already have my room laid out in my head how I want it

[@mysterydragon4371]

I need help I have 3 female Guinea pigs and my younger/jasmine is getting bullied by my middle/ruby when I introduced them jasmine was eating a peace of hay and ruby ran over and bite her do you have any suggestions or something that can help because I had them in the playpen and I hosted off so it was more neutral?

[@joannejoyjoangalston4647]

I gust love you and your ginea pig s

[@joannejoyjoangalston4647]

❤😂❤❤❤❤

[@cathy4716]

U the best i have 7 piggies

[@denabarnes7225]

i got mine from someone who wanteed to get rid of them i got them when they were one they are now about one and a half have a big cage and are verry healthy

[@tulip_with_wings]

The place I’m getting my guinea pig from is a all rescue pet shop

[@haelenileda4068]

I might be getting a rescue guinea pig from my local rescue centre but I have a concern. They told me that he loves humans but just doesn't get along with other guinea pigs. He is 3 years old already so I'm not sure if he can be bonded with anyone at this point. I'm out of the house for about 6 to 7 hours every day and it concerns me that my piggy will be alone for that long. I would hate to stress out my new critter though by making him live with something he doesn't want to. Tips?

[@justinemurphy6799]

I just got my Guinea’s today any name suggestions 😂

[@LH-Oz]

Hey Sarah, I have a question. I bought two males back in early October last year. They are very spoilt, I give them loads of cuddles, veggies every day and lots of fresh hay. They are gaining weight consistently, I weigh them every fortnight. But they do not squeak. They make sounds, they make all the normal sounds I’ve heard in videos about piggies, but they don’t wheek at me. Is that normal? Or are my boys broken? I love them all the same! But when they were looked after over Christmas by a friend who owns piggies, she commented at how quiet my boys were. Just wondering if you have any suggestions as to why they might not wheek? Thanks!

[@SqueakDreams]

I do have a video on how to get them to squeak, but it's probably just a matter of time for you and your boys, keep to a good routine with veggies and eventually they will probably start. Some pigs just don't though, Pedro rarely did!

[@JustARandomGoose]

Can anyone answer this? I have three guinea pigs, 1 girl 2 boys, and sadly none of them can be in the same cage as each other since one of the boys attacked the other and drew blood. All three pigs can see each other but they can't touch the other pig. Is it okay for them to be separated into different cages since they are such social animals

[@bumer_bumerowy]

I'm going to "adopt" a territorial male guinea pig from my friend, he is about 2 years old and he's not neutered. I know that guinea pigs should live at least in pairs, but I'm scared that he won't like his new friend. Should I take the risk and try to get to know him to the other piggy or just let him live alone?