There are a variety of options when it comes to choosing a classroom pet, and guinea pigs are a popular choice of teachers who participate in the Pets in the Classroom grant program! Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and are hardy little animals. They have a gentle temperament and are very social. Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking of adding one to your classroom:

• Guinea pigs can sometimes live up to 8+ years with appropriate care!
• Guinea pigs do best with another cagemate.  Caretakers should be prepared for the added responsibility (and habitat size/cleaning requirements) of multiple guinea pigs for optimal health and socialization.
• Guinea pigs have more demanding dietary needs than other rodents, requiring unlimited fresh timothy hay, fresh guinea pig-friendly greens, pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs, and, of course, fresh water.
• Guinea pigs require supplemental oral vitamin C. They do not produce their own and must get it from their diet.
• They also need a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding as a “home-base” for them when there is no direct supervision. Consider adding a guinea pig playpen as it provides your classroom pet with a protective and fun area to romp around in.
• They can also be more vocal than other rodents.
• Guinea Pigs are generally friendly, social, and active during the daytime when comfortable with their environment.  However, they are still prey species, so care should be taken to provide a quiet, calm environment as well as hiding spaces to escape stimuli that incites fear or stress.  Effort should be made to acclimatize the guinea pig safely and slowly to a new environment through purposeful “socialization” sessions.

For detailed information on how to care for guinea pigs, see our Guinea Pig Care Sheet. If, after doing your research, you decide to add a guinea pig to your classroom, be sure to apply for a Pets in the Classroom grant!