There are three breeds which are the most common: the Abyssinian (hair is fluffy all over), the Smooth-Coated (short, glossy coat), and the Peruvian (silky, long hair).

Guinea pigs...

• generally live five to seven years
• rarely bite
• are smaller than rabbits
• are bigger than hamsters
• are great starter pets for older kids who have properly learned how to handle them
• are known to squeak as a display of delight when their favorite person enters the room
• love to hide when playing
• need a hiding place (such as a cave) for resting and sleeping
• have teeth that grow continuously
• are gentle members of the rodent family
• are neophobic
• are dependent on what is fed to them in the first several weeks of their lives
• are not pigs
• are not from New Guinea

Handling

• It is extremely important for your pet to get used to you and to being handled.
• You can begin to win them over by feeding them small treats while being held.
• When holding, have one hand support the bottom while the other one is covering the back.

Feeding

• Feed your pet twice a day (morning and evening).
• Pellets will probably make up most of your guinea pig's diet. A healthy diet would consist of pellets made from veggies, plants, and seeds. Fresh fruit and vegetables are great to give your pet daily, including peas, pears, carrots, cucumbers, and corn.

Care

• Nails should be clipped regularly.
• In the initial few days of their life, feed them a wide variety of food, including vegetables, fruit (fresh), grass hay, and pellets. However, don't overdo it on the pellets, as they need a balanced diet!
• Fresh water should be available at all times.
• Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C. To help him get enough of this nutrient, give a quarter of an orange, or strawberries.
• Have your guinea pig get regular check-ups at the vet. By doing this, you will have a better chance of catching any potential illness.
• Things to watch out for include: Diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, lethargy.
• Brush your guinea pig on a regular routine basis, and long-haired guinea pigs should be brushed DAILY.
• Give a twig or small branch to gnaw on. If giving wood, make sure it hasn't been chemically treated.

Exercise

• Before letting your guinea pig roam inside a room, check the room thoroughly for any crevices or openings which may used for escape.
• You wouldn't want him to get hurt or lost!
• Supervise them closely when they are on the roam because they like to chew and may try to chew on an electrical wire!

Housing

• Have a roomy cage, with at least four square feet for each guinea pig.
• The cage must have a solid bottom (NOT WIRE).
• Do not use a glass aquarium (poor ventilation).
• Keep away from extreme temperatures.
• Keep away from drafts.
• The preferred environment for guinea pigs is between 60 and 80 degrees F.
• Have rocks or bricks for climbing.
• Have cardboard tubes or plastic pipes for play toys.
• DO NOT USE CEDAR OR PINE CHIPS (dangerous to your pet because of the oils they have in them).

Bedding

• For a cozy sleeping area, try a medium-sized flower pot.
• Use hardwood or Aspen shavings, and grass hay to line the bottom of the cage.
• Each day remove droppings, stale food, and soiled bedding.
• Make sure the interior is dry before putting in fresh bedding.
• Once a week (at a minimum), clean the cage thoroughly. Use warm water when scrubbing the bottom.