Stress in Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are naturally nervous animals, easily frightened and prone to stress. Stress may cause both physical and psychological signs and it is therefore important to not only be able to recognize the signs but know how to try and keep your guinea pigs as stress-free as possible.

Guinea pigs are prey species and form part of the food chain for many predator species. They have minimal defensive mechanisms to fight off predators, so are always on the lookout for potential dangers, to try and avoid them. This means that some stress is normal but added stress and having to compensate for this can lead to extra problems.

There are far too many to mention individually, and all guinea pigs will have natural levels of exposure to stress, some will cope better than others.

Stress triggers may include:

• Being on their own: guinea pigs are highly sociable animals and should always be kept with at least one other guinea pig. This helps them cope with stress, by not always having to be ‘on guard’ as the other guinea pig can be on the lookout for danger and offer company and support.
• Predators: cats, dogs, birds, foxes or other animals coming into the garden or around the guinea pig’s environment, even if they physically cannot gain access into their enclosure, just the sight, sound or scent of these animals is stressful.
• Bullying: it is not uncommon for guinea pigs to have disagreements, but if one guinea pig is being bullied by the other, or singled out in a group, their stress levels will increase.
• Housing: guinea pigs need to be able to run and hide from danger. They need areas that can be fully enclosed, so threats from above and the ground can be hidden away from. Guinea pigs should never be housed with rabbits; they are often bullied, chased, mounted, bitten and can be seriously injured or even killed. There are also health conditions that can be passed from rabbits to guinea pigs which can be fatal. Guinea pigs housed in inappropriate housing will be stressed.
• Handling: most guinea pigs do not like being captured and handled and will try and run away and hide. No matter how well your guinea pig knows you, it is a natural instinct to try and run away from something that is about to capture you.
• Diet: guinea pigs need a diet that is high in fiber and vitamin c. An incorrect diet that does not meet their nutritional needs will not only lower their immune system, causing them to become more prone to some health problems, but will cause gastrointestinal tract disease and have a knock on effect on their overall stress levels.
• Environmental temperature: excessive heat or cold is difficult for guinea pigs to cope with. They do not like temperatures below 15°C/59°F or above 27°C/80.6°F. Ideally aim to keep the temperature between 19-22°C/66.2-71.6°F to reduce stress.
• Indoor housing stresses: more and more guinea pigs are being kept inside our homes. There are lots of potential stresses inside our houses (noises, other animals, etc). One thing that often gets forgotten is cooking smells. The cooking of meat and some items may be stressful to some guinea pigs.

Signs of stress may include:

• Digestive problems: diarrhea may occur, or the guinea pig’s digestive system may slow down and stop (stasis). Both can be serious and potentially fatal, and you must take your guinea pig to your veterinary practice straight away.
• Bald patches/flaky skin: skin disease is common in guinea pigs and when they are stressed their immune system is compromised, leading to parasites and skin problems becoming more common.
• Excessive grooming: this may either be of themselves or a companion guinea pig. Barbering can occur in any location on the guinea pig and may be evident by fur chewing (especially around the ears and head).
• Aggression: most guinea pigs are never aggressive so aggression is unusual in guinea pigs but may be evident in stressed guinea pigs.
• Weight loss: constantly being stressed and on the lookout for danger means that guinea pigs may not eat enough or may spend so much time moving around and burning off extra calories, that they begin to lose weight.
• Withdrawal: guinea pigs that are stressed may distance themselves from a companion or attempt to hide away for a significant amount of their waking time.

Reducing stress is important. Always keep guinea pigs in pairs or compatible groups and lookout for any bullying. If a guinea pig is being bullied, they may need to be removed and housed with another guinea pig. Do not house rabbits and guinea pigs together or allow them to mix.

Make sure your guinea pigs enclosure allows them to have areas to hide in, places to rest, play, eat and toilet in. Ensure you keep the area clean and secure from all predators (from the ground and sky). If you know you get predators coming into your garden, consider keeping the guinea pigs in a secure shed overnight.

In summer make sure they have ample shade, and in winter either bring them inside or place them in an insulated shed or garage – this must have some natural daylight and must not contain a car, due to the exhaust fumes.

Keep handling to a minimum and only when necessary. Try not to chase your guinea pigs around when you want to pick them up or move them from one place to another. Train them to go inside a carrier and pick them up and move them this way.

Make sure your guinea pigs’ diet is healthy. 80-85% of it should be made up of hay and grass, with 5% guinea pig pellets and a selection of fruits and vegetables each day, which may include greens, kale, cucumber, celery, peppers, apple, carrot, pears, strawberries, herbs (parsley, coriander, mint and dill), spinach, cauliflower and broccoli. Try and feed guinea pigs in an enclosed area, so they do not feel exposed when eating, which may put them off eating.

The world is a scary place for guinea pigs, so attempting to reduce their stress levels at every opportunity will mean you have happier and healthier guinea pigs.