Q&A for How to Potty Train a Guinea Pig

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My guinea pig doesn't like his litter. He will sit in it and then use his bed. What am I doing wrong?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It sounds as if the guinea pig doesn't realize what the litter pan is for. If he is patterned on toileting in a particular location (his bed) try moving the litter tray there. Alternatively, put some of the soiled bedding in the litter box to give him the idea this is a toilet area after all.

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Question

How often should I clean my guinea pig's cage?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's essential that bedding is dry under foot at all times. Spot-clean daily, scooping out soiled bedding and replenishing with dry, fresh material. Do the same for the litter box. In addition, clean the entire hutch once a week, removing everything, wiping down and disinfecting the surfaces and replenishing the bedding with fresh.

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Question

Should I remove clean bedding from the cage while litter training a guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No. Leave the rest of the cage as it is normally. Most guinea pigs chose a toilet corner, so you can encourage use of the tray by siting it there. If, despite attracting her to that spot by seeding it with pee and poop, training isn't going well, then consider using a litter substrate that is different from their regular bedding so that they understand this spot is 'different.'

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Question

Can you only train female guinea pigs?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, both males and females are equally responsive to training. The article uses the word "She" in a general sense, and "he" could just as easily be substituted.

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