Bringing home new guinea pigs is so exciting — but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. This is the exact checklist I would personally use if I were adopting new piggie family members, whether they’re coming from a rescue, breeder, or even a pet store.
Let’s walk through it step by step so you feel confident and prepared before your new cavies ever come home.
Most Important Tip (Please Read This First!)
Before buying supplies, before setting up a cage — do this first.
Go to the adoption agency, breeder, or pet store and ask to hold a guinea pig (or two) for at least 10–15 minutes. While you’re holding them, pay attention to any signs of allergic reactions such as itching, redness, watery eyes, or sneezing.
I also strongly recommend gently rubbing a bit of their hay on your arm to check for a hay allergy as well. Allergies to guinea pigs themselves or their hay are some of the most common reasons people end up having to surrender their pigs, and it’s heartbreaking when it could have been avoided.
This one simple step can save you — and the guinea pigs — a lot of stress later on.
Step one; Choosing the Right Cage Setup
Once allergies are ruled out, the next big step is deciding on your guinea pigs’ main living area.
I’m a huge fan of C&C cages because they’re customizable, easy to expand, and can fit almost any space. No matter what type of enclosure you choose, the most important thing is that you meet the minimum space requirements for the number of guinea pigs you’re bringing home.
That said… bigger is always better. More space means happier, healthier pigs with room to run, popcorn, and explore. I also included a graphic for C&C cages to help you with sizing.
Step two, Picking Your Bedding
Next, you’ll want to decide what type of bedding works best for your lifestyle.
Some common options include:
- Washable fleece
- Disposable paper or wood-based bedding
- A combination of both
Personally, I’m team combination. I like using washable fleece throughout most of the cage and adding “litter box” areas with disposable bedding. This setup helps keep things cleaner and allows me to stretch out deep-clean days without sacrificing hygiene.
Step three,Time to Go Shopping!
Below is the shopping list I’d use if I were getting guinea pigs for the very first time:
- Cage (proper size for the number of pigs)
- Bedding (fleece, disposable, or both)
- A secure carrier for vet visits and transport
- Unlimited hay (timothy or appropriate type for their age)
- Plain pellets (no colorful mixes)
- Vitamin C supplement (guinea pigs can’t make their own!)
- Water bottles (at least one per pig, plus an extra)
- Hideys (at least one per pig — more is even better)
- Forage material for enrichment
- Treats (pea flakes or biscuit-style treats for bonding)
- Chews (one per pig plus one extra)
- Fresh veggies for daily meals
Step four, set up everything so you’re ready to bring them home!
Once everything is set up, you’ll be fully prepared to welcome your new guinea pig family members home. A properly prepared environment helps reduce stress, encourages natural behaviors, and allows your pigs to settle in more quickly.
Remember — you don’t have to get everything perfect on day one. Guinea pig care is a learning process, and the most important thing you can offer is patience, consistency, and love.
Your cavies are lucky to have you 💕
