Guinea pigs are popular pet rodents because of their tranquil nature, low cost, and ease of maintenance. They are more closely related to porcupines and chinchillas than to mice and rats. The average lifespan of a guinea pig is three to four years, but with good husbandry practices, they may live longer. A variety of hair coat lengths and colors are available. Guinea pigs may be easily frightened and often struggle at first to avoid being caught. However, they eventually respond pleasantly to regular handling. A pig may be lifted by holding its head with one hand and supporting its hindquarters with the other. Do not grasp the back too firmly or the lungs may be injured.

Since they do not climb, an open-top large aquarium with sides at least 10 inches high may be used for housing a guinea pig. The aquarium should provide at least 101 square inches of floor space. Solid floors with two inches of bedding may be difficult to clean, but are preferred. Pigs' houses on wire are more susceptible to severe skin infections on the feet and may catch their feet in the wire and break limbs. Wood shavings and shredded paper may be used for bedding and the cage should be cleaned weekly.

The guinea pig's enclosure should be 65-75 degrees F and between 45-55 percent humidity. They are sensitive to extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity and require good ventilation without excessive drafts.

Feed labeled for guinea pigs should be available at all times in a hanging feeder. Like people, and unlike other rodents, guinea pigs require vitamin C in their diet. Therefore, feed must be used no later than three months after the date of manufacture stamped on the bag. If there is any question about the freshness of the feed, vitamin C may be supplemented daily in the water. Fresh cabbage, kale and carrots are good sources of vitamin C, but if large amounts of fresh vegetables are offered, guinea pigs may refuse to eat their balanced pelleted diet. Large amounts of fresh lettuce should be avoided because it may cause diarrhea.

Water should be offered all the time in an inverted bottle suspended from the rim of the cage just above the bedding. Since guinea pigs may play with their water bottle and wet their bedding, a ball-bearing, rather than a valveless sipper tube, should be used. They may mix food and water in their mouths and pass some of the mixture back into the bottle, so the bottle and sipper tube should be cleaned and the water should be changed daily.

If food and water are offered to guinea pigs in bowls, they often become contaminated with urine and feces. So this practice is not recommended.

Since wild guinea pigs live in clans, domestic guinea pigs are generally happier living in pairs, especially if the people in the household are away for long periods of time. A single guinea pig will certainly do well and bond strongly to the owner given lots of attention and affection. If you do decide to get two guinea pigs, a pair of females is best since they are less likely to fight. Guinea pigs make great pets, but do not surprise loved ones with this or any other animal for the holidays. Like any other pet, guinea pigs require care some people will not be willing to give and because they may provoke allergic reactions, children with asthma or severe allergies should not keep them as pets. The writers are Dr. Steven B. Holzman, Dr. William R. Haagenson, Dr. Angela N. Martin and Dr. Loretta Dougherty. They are associated with the Nassau-Suffolk Veterinary Hospital of Farmingdale.