Guinea Pig Care
The 5 Freedoms were recommended to D.E.F.R.A. by the R.S.P.C.A as part of the Animal Welfare Act. These are the minimum recommendations that are referred to in a court of law.
- A proper diet, including fresh water. Fresh food at least twice daily, unlimited good hay, with hay making up the main part of the overall diet.
- Somewhere suitable to live. 4 foot by 2 foot/120cm by 60cm accomodation for two guinea pigs.
- For any need to be housed with or apart from, other animals. Guinea pigs are sociable and must be housed with other compatible guinea pigs (not rabbits).
- The ability to express normal behaviour. To be able to burrow in hay, run and have shelter to ‘hide’ in if desired. To have a friend(s) in the correct living sized accomodation.
- Protection from and treatment of, illness and injury. Access to a guinea pig competent vet, find one before you need one!
Guinea Pig Welfare support the 5 freedoms as outlined by the RSPCA. They should be viewed as the minimum acceptable level of care for guinea pigs. See the document below for more information from the RSPCA:
PDF Document on Guinea Pig Care
Behaviour: Information about guinea pig behaviour and their needs in order to display natural behaviour.
Diet: For more detailed information on the dietry needs of guinea pigs.
Health: Information about the health of your guinea pigs.
Companionship: Information about companionship for your guinea pig.
Questions for your vet: A list of questions to ask your vet.
