Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Welfare: Associations Between Husbandry Practices, Human–Animal Interactions, and Animal Behaviour

Abstract

Research on the welfare of pet guinea pigs and connections between their behaviour and husbandry practices is scarce. Through an online survey among 1181 German-speaking guinea pig caretakers, we investigated husbandry practices (including social composition, housing type, free roaming, enrichment, and feeding), human–animal interactions, and guinea pig behaviour. Most participating caretakers seemed attentive to their animals’ needs and welfare, as shown by the prevalence of self-built enclosures (42.8%) and fenced floor areas (21.1%), with various enrichment and furnishings, and mostly balanced nutrition. Husbandry practices that can negatively impact welfare, such as individual housing and no constant access to hay, were observed for 7.5% and 0.4% of the animals, respectively. Eating and resting next to conspecifics and locomotor play occurred several times per day in 87.6%, 48.1%, and 19.9% of animals, respectively. Biting, running up and down and bar chewing were rare (several times per day in 0.4%, 2.9%, and 0.7% of animals, respectively). We found significant associations of guinea pig behaviour with human–animal interactions and housing conditions. For instance, affiliative behaviour and locomotor play and use of enrichment were more frequently reported in the case of more frequent positive human–animal interactions and food enrichment. Our results provide additional knowledge to support consultations on behaviour and husbandry practices.