Guinea pigs do make good family pets as they are friendly and intelligent little animals. They live for between 4 and 8 years, so looking after them is a long term commitment. They also need to live in pairs – usually same sex pairs.

You need to make sure that you have a supply of good quality hay available and this should make up the majority of your pet’s diet. You can supplement the hay, with a small amount of dried guinea pig food which should be served in a small earthenware bowl which can’t be easily tipped. It is important that you don’t give dried rabbit food to your guinea pig as the two animals have differing nutritional requirements. It is essential that your guinea pig has a supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially ones which are high in vitamin C. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage and broccoli and fruits, including oranges and melon, are a good source of vitamin C. Lettuce should not be given as it can give your pet diarrhoea .

Fresh water should be supplied with a water bottle which is attached to the bars or mesh of the hutch. Guinea pigs can become fat if they are over-fed so make sure that give the correct amount of food to your pet.