Guinea Pig: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet

by Audrey Pavia

This is our sixth set of Happy, Healthy Pet titles. Like the others, they are books pet owners can turn to for the essential information they need to raise a healthy pet. All books contain information

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Audrey is a former magazine editor and author of 23 books about animals. She currently lives in Norco, Calif., with two cats, two dogs, two horses and three chickens.

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1990s, I was a slave to many guinea pigs. I can't have any now, because of the dogs. I used to have a first edition of this book. I might have a second edition hiding somewhere. This review originally appeared on Amazon.com back on January 12, 1998:

Guinea Pigs Everywhere Breathe a Sigh of Relief

FINALLY!!! A book devoted to the joys of pet guinea pigs -- not breeding fuzz factories, not commercial commodities, but COMPANIONS! Proves guinea pigs are playful and fun -- they don't just sit there. A joy to read -- especially for those of us who remember Audrey when she was the editor of Horse Illustrated. Engaging, informative, helpful text written by a true lover of animals. The illustrations are also lavish, helpful, at times hysterical and heavy on cute. Also has a big listing of books, clubs and a tiny website listing -- still, very accurate. The only quibbles are that housing piggies outdoors is information grudgingly given as Audrey advocates keeping them indoors. No information about pregnancy and raising young is to be found, as she advocates letting breeders do that. However, so many people find that their new piggies just happens to be pregnant, not due to any planned breeding, that this information is needed for those caring piggy slaves who have no idea what to expect. Still, quibbles aside, a must have book for those who love guinea pigs.

EDIT: Looking back on this in 2024, I have no idea what I meant by the keeping piggies outdoors comment.

[Xyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting reading. I enjoyed it and learned a lot.

Since the book was released a few things mentioned as okay have been proven to be bad for guinea pigs (fragrant wood chips, etc.) However, at least 90% if not more of the information was very useful. The back of the book included additional resources: books, websites, groups.

A good book for those new to guinea pigs. Just know it offers some dated material and consult a more current publication.

[Amanda Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated ... could be more inclusive on foods and illnesses but a quick read to gain some basic understanding, tips & tricks.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. So I just got guinea pigs! And I am reading this book. It is teaching me alot... alot about them!
Sydney
P.S Im not even done with it!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are trying to decide if a guinea pig is the right pet for my daughter, this book had a lot of information and helpful hints in it that are going to be very helpful in making this decision.

[Brittany Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete book for a beginner I really enjoyed it. I did find its lists of vocalizations a bit short.

[Amber Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was very informative about the treatment of guinea pigs.