Your guinea pig will be happy in his own cage, but should be taken out for exercise regularly. Guinea pigs are sensitive to draft and damp, so be selective about where you place the cage. Your pet's home should be at least 2'x3'x1.5', and have a solid floor. Cover the floor of the cage with shavings as bedding. A metal cage with a slide-out tray is easiest to clean.
Guinea pigs are vegetarians. Laboratory chow or a mixture of four parts crushed oats to one part bran is an excellent staple food. The cavy is the only mammal besides man who cannot produce his own vitamin C, so feed him fresh greens daily. Avoid lettuce, though; it can cause kidney problems. Put a salt spool in his cage for him to gnaw at will. Hardwood blocks are good for his teeth. As a treat, occasionally give him brewer's yeast, bread and or milk.
Like all animals, guinea pigs should always have fresh water available. A gravity-fed water tube is best, but check it daily to make sure your pet has not plugged it up with food or bedding.
Be gentle when lifting your guinea pig. Grasp him firmly - do no squeeze! - around his body just behind the forelegs, slip your other hand under his hindquarters for support and lift. Talk to him softly while doing this. If you find your pet is nervous, train him to come to your hand with a bit of apple or carrot. He will soon learn to associate you with good things!
Guinea pigs are usually healthy and hardy, but if they do get sick, it is serious. A mild case of diarrhea can be corrected by removing greens from your pet's cage. For slight constipation, feed him more greens. If symptoms are more serious, or if they persist, take your guinea pig to the veterinarian.
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