Guinea pig heat cycles and everyday handling

1. A normal part of their biology — sows come into heat roughly every 14–17 days for a day or two, often swaying the hips, rumbling and mounting cage mates; mature boars chase and scent-mark. All of this is normal social and hormonal behaviour.

2. Always house males and females apart — guinea pigs breed very readily, so unneutered males and females should never share a cage or free-roam time.

3. Keep the environment calm — they are more excitable during heat, so keep the enclosure 18–26°C, airy, with plenty of hideouts, and handle them less.

4. Friction between same-sex pairs — if mounting or hair-nibbling becomes frequent, increase floor space and add two or more food bowls and hideouts to spread out tension.

5. Maintain normal appetite and digestion — watch food and water intake, keep unlimited timothy hay available, and offer one sachet of high-fibre grass powder daily to support natural digestion and promote bowel regularity.

6. If you notice marked lethargy, a clear drop in appetite, or unusual bleeding, consult an exotic-pet veterinarian without delay.