10 Things to Do the Day You Bring Your Guinea Pig Home

Set up the cage in advance. Bedding, hideouts, water bottle, and hay should all be ready before your guinea pig arrives.
Keep the first day quiet. Loud noises and a lot of handling can be overwhelming right away.
Offer hay immediately. Fresh hay should be available and easy to find from the start.
Add at least one hideout. Guinea pigs feel safest with somewhere to duck out of sight.
Let them explore the cage at their own pace. Resist the urge to pick them up right away.
Introduce veggies slowly. Add one new vegetable at a time over the first week or two.
Talk softly nearby. Getting used to your voice helps guinea pigs feel safe faster than handling does.
Watch eating and drinking. Confirm they're eating hay and drinking water in the first 24 hours.
Plan for a cage mate if solo. Guinea pigs are highly social — a bonded pair is often happier than one alone.
Book a first check-up. An exotics vet visit early on helps catch anything that needs attention.

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