Guinea Pig Essentials Checklist: What You Need Before Bringing Cavies Home

Preparing your home before your guinea pigs arrive prevents last-minute stress and ensures your new pets feel secure from minute one.

1. Enclosure & Bedding Essentials

• [ ] Spacious Enclosure: C&C cage (2x4 grids minimum for 2 cavies).
• [ ] Safe Bedding: Fleece liners with absorbent puppy pads underneath OR aspen/paper bedding (avoid pine and cedar!).
• [ ] 2+ Wooden or Fleece Hideouts: At least one per guinea pig.

2. Dietary & Feeding Supplies

• [ ] Unlimited Timothy Hay: High-quality 1st or 2nd cut grass hay.
• [ ] Hay Rack / Hay Bin: Keeps hay clean and off soiled bedding.
• [ ] Drip-Free Water Bottles: Glass or heavy BPA-free bottles.
• [ ] Heavy Ceramic Dishes: Prevents tipped pellets and veggies.
• [ ] Plain Timothy Pellets: Fortified with stabilized Vitamin C.

3. Health & Care Gear

• [ ] Digital Kitchen Scale (Gram Precision): Essential for weekly weight checks.
• [ ] Small Animal Nail Clippers & Styptic Powder.
• [ ] Emergency Medical Kit: Critical Care recovery food and 10ml oral feeding syringes.

Quick Takeaway

Gather your cage, fleece, Timothy hay, and kitchen scale before bringing your cavies home. Early preparation guarantees immediate safety and comfort.