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Guinea pig not eating – first checks, what to do & next steps
Have you noticed your guinea pig eating less or leaving hay untouched? It's wise to immediately check what might be wrong: is your guinea pig getting enough hay and water, has anything changed in their food or environment, and what does their droppings look like? This page provides a clear overview and helpful links to the right products. DRD Rodent Shop® has been a specialist since 2011 and is happy to help you with clear selection guidance.
1) First checks (5 minutes)
- Does your guinea pig still eat hay? (Hay is often the best indicator.)
- Drinking place: Is the drinking bottle (ball) working or is the water bowl clean and filled?
- Feces: Do you see normal droppings and does the backside remain clean?
- Leftover food: are there a lot of uneaten chunks/pellets?
- Behavior: Does your guinea pig react normally and move as you would expect?
2) Hay & Water: Restoring the Basics
When in doubt, make it as easy as possible:
- Place fresh hay in several places (not just in one corner).
- Use a hay rack or a hay rack + hay area (many guinea pigs prefer to eat "fresh" from the rack).
- If necessary, place two drinking stations (for example, a bottle and a bowl) to make drinking more accessible.
Shopping links: guinea pig hay , hay racks and drinking bottles & water bowls .
3) Food/environment changed? (common)
Guinea pigs like routine. Sometimes "eating less" can simply be explained by a change, such as:
- New hay, new food, or different snacks/herbs than usual.
- Moving accommodation (different place in the house, different sound, different temperature).
- A new buddy(ies) or a different group dynamic.
Want to keep your food stable? Check out guinea pig food and nutrition and guinea pig pellets .
4) What you can usefully note down
- What does your guinea pig eat/not eat (hay, pellets, greens)?
- Is he visibly drinking and is the drinking station working properly?
- Stool: normal, less, softer, sticky?
- Have there been any changes in accommodation, food or group?
5) Next step: when to seek help
If your guinea pig is noticeably eating less, not taking any hay, or you notice a rapid change in behavior/defecation, it's wise to seek professional advice. A good transport box is helpful for transportation: guinea pig transport box . For general support and products related to condition and care, you can also visit: guinea pig health .
- Offer fresh hay in several places + check the hay rack.
- Check drinking area (bottle/bowl clean and working).
- Check feces and hindquarters.
- Rest and routine: no large feed changes at once.
- If there is persistent or significant deterioration: seek professional advice.
- Do not give any medicines or “remedies” without professional advice.
- Keep the enclosure comfortable: dry, clean and with plenty of hiding places.
- Always change feed step by step.
My guinea pig eats vegetables, but not as much hay. Is that a problem?
Hay is important as a daily staple. Try fresh hay, multiple hay patches, and a different hay texture (softer/firmer) to encourage intake.
Could another drinking spot help?
Sometimes, yes. Many guinea pigs enjoy drinking from a water bowl; you can also offer both a bottle and a bowl temporarily.
What is a quick first step?
Provide fresh hay in several places, check the drinking area, and maintain a calm, routine.
Read more: Guinea pig information . Background information: LICG .
Questions about feed, hay, or your situation? Then check out our service page .
