Burgess Pet Care

If you are considering owning a Cavy, otherwise known as a Guinea Pig, then housing is something that certainly needs your consideration.

Cavies may be kept both as indoor or outdoor pets (although through the bitterly cold winter months we would always advocate bringing them indoors) and you will find numerous different types of housing available. For an outdoor hutch you should go for wood, whereas an indoor cavy can be housed in a plastic cage with a metal mesh canopy. Whatever the material used, bear in mind that in terms of size bigger is better. For a single cavy the hutch should be at least 145 x 45cm. The more cavies you own, the bigger the hutch should be and there should always be separate areas for sleeping, toilet etc.

To avoid breeding you should make sure you only pair single sex cavies. They should live happily together (but fights can occur).

If your cavy lives outside make sure the hutch is not positioned in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. It should also be raised of the ground in order to deter predators. You should use wood or sawdust shavings on the floor of the hutch or cage and cover this with a layer of straw.

As with rabbits, cavies need exercise. Invest in a run and allow them to have some outside play time.

Cavies make great pets and with the right care, love and attention will live longer than their rodent relatives, up to around five years of age.

For more information on Guinea Pig Care please visit our Pet Care section.

The guinea pig is one of the most popular pets in the UK, but did you know these cute little furries actually got their name from a more sinister past…?

The little rodents were first domesticated over one thousand years ago by the South American Incas and they were bred by families who used them for meat. In the 16^th century the Spanish Conquistadors invaded and were immediately taken with these small, unfamiliar creatures. They called them “Cochinillo das Indas”, which literally translates as “little Indian pigs”. They began exporting them to Europe and after the Spanish dominion of Spanish Guiana the name “Guiana Pig” was born, changing later to Guinea Pigs.

Guinea Pigs became popular in the UK in the 19^th Century (and thankfully not longer for their meat) and were highly prized as show animals. They quickly became as popular as show rabbits. Unlike rabbits, Guinea Pigs do not vary much in size and on average will grow to about 20cm in length, weighing between 900 and 1,200 grams.

Guinea Pigs remain popular today as both a pet and an exhibition animal. They are very vocal creatures, emitting high pitched squeaks, especially at feeding time. They are social animals, so it is best to keep them in (neutered) pairs. They are great fun, making them an endearing family pet. Today, a guinea pig is also commonly known as a “Cavy” and their scientific name is “Cavia porcellus”.