To measure and monitor guinea pigs’ growth and weight in relation to age, students can set up weight/age and size/age charts for a number of animals and operate them over a period of 10 weeks. Use a pre-weighed container of appropriate size and appropriate scales and measuring tapes to determine overall length, girth and size of skull.

Prior training and experience in capture, restraint and handling is required. Guinea pigs should be restrained for the shortest possible period to reduce stress to the animals. To maintain identification of individual animals, use color-dye marking. Care must be taken when picking up pregnant sows. The appropriate holding technique must be used.