Hi, I am about to get three Guinea pigs and I was just wondering where to get their hutch and where is a good website to shop for pet supplies. Thank you so much,
ElizaCavies xx
Hi and welcome
Good that you are doing your research beforehand! There are quite a number of pitfalls that await the unwary new owner unfortunately.
Are your reserved piggies boys or girls? Please be aware that three baby boars rarely make it through to adulthood without a separation once they hit the teenage hormone spikes at around 4 months old. Sadly shops and breeders still happily sell boar trios to unsuspecting customers asking for three piggies. They also need a lot of space and the option to get away from each other. Boars are much better in pairs.
Trios in all variations are the constellation that is most prone to outsider problems.
Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?
Cage Size Guide
With a hutch you will also have to make dispositions for winter and summer care. Guinea pigs are not coping well with extremes of weather and huge fluctuations in temperature. During the frosty months, any hutch should ideally be under cover well out of the way of frosts, storms and wetness (but not sharing a garage with a car that is being used!) and in summer you need to find a space for the hutch that is in the shade and well away from the heat trap of a sunny patio to avoid turning them into death trap during a heat wave. Guinea pigs can die from heat stroke. You best treat them like you would tender plants.
Any outside location should also be safe from dogs, cats, foxes, rats, mice, aerial and human predators. Hutch theft (often with guinea pigs still inside) has become more common in recent years. We generally recommend to go for indoors guinea pigs as the safest option.
Cold Weather Care For Guinea Pigs
Hot Weather Management And Heat Strokes
Also be aware that unlike piggies from a good standard rescue, shop and for sale breeder piggies are usually not accustomed to human interaction. They are prey animals with prey animal instincts and are not instant cuddly pets.
Please make sure that you double check the gender upon arrival and that you see a vet promptly if your youngsters are developing bald patches, heavy breathing/crusty eyes etc. Respiratory infection (URI), ringworm or mange mites are the most common issues that shop or breeder piggies can come with. Mis-sexing is not at all uncommon.
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Sexing Guide
Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents
Recommended UK vets locator on the top bar.
More information for Wannabe and New Owners:
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides