Guinea Pig Care Guide

Guinea pigs (cavies) are gentle, social rodents that make excellent pets for families and first-time small animal owners. They’re known for their adorable “wheeking” sounds and friendly personalities.

Related Guides: Learn about choosing your first pet and explore small pet housing essentials for setup guidance.

About Guinea Pigs

Originally from South America, guinea pigs have been domesticated for thousands of years. They’re larger than hamsters or gerbils and have longer lifespans, making them excellent companion animals.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 8-10 inches long, 1.5-3 pounds
• Lifespan: 4-8 years on average (see our senior pet care guide)
• Social: Extremely social, need companionship (learn about multi-pet households)
• Sounds: Communicate through various vocalizations
• Activity: Active during day and night

Housing Requirements

For comprehensive housing setup information, see our small pet housing essentials guide and cleaning and maintenance guide.

Cage Specifications

• Minimum size: 7.5 sq ft for one, 10.5 sq ft for two
• Height: At least 12 inches
• Flooring: Solid bottom (no wire floors)
• Ventilation: Good airflow without drafts

Essential Accessories

• Water bottle: Heavy ceramic bowl works too
• Food dish: Heavy, tip-resistant
• Hidey house: One per guinea pig
• Bedding: Absorbent, safe material

Diet & Nutrition

Guinea pigs have specific dietary needs. For detailed nutritional guidance, see our pet nutrition fundamentals and guinea pig diet basics guides.

Daily Requirements

1. Hay: Unlimited timothy hay
2. Pellets: 1/8 cup per pound of body weight
3. Vitamin C: 30mg daily (60mg for pregnant females)
4. Vegetables: 1 cup per pound of body weight
5. Water: Fresh, unlimited access

Vitamin C Rich Foods

• Bell peppers (all colors)
• Leafy greens (kale, romaine)
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Oranges (small amounts)

Safe Daily Vegetables

• Romaine lettuce
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Carrot tops
• Cucumber

Health & Care

Regular Maintenance

• Nail trimming: Every 3-4 weeks
• Weight monitoring: Weekly weigh-ins
• Cage cleaning: Daily spot cleaning, weekly deep clean
• Health checks: Daily observation for changes

Common Health Issues

• Scurvy: From vitamin C deficiency
• URI: Upper respiratory infections
• Bloat: From improper diet
• Mites: External parasites

Warning Signs

• Not eating or drinking
• Labored breathing
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Lethargy or hiding
• Diarrhea or no droppings

Social Needs

Guinea pigs are herd animals and thrive with companions:

Pairing Guidelines

• Same sex pairs: Often work well
• Spayed/neutered: Prevents unwanted breeding
• Introduction: Gradual, supervised meetings
• Space: Enough room to avoid conflicts

Signs of Good Bonding

• Sleeping together
• Grooming each other
• Playing together
• Sharing food peacefully

Enrichment Activities

Keep your guinea pigs mentally stimulated. Learn more in our enrichment activities guide:

• Tunnels: Cardboard or commercial tubes
• Chew toys: Wooden blocks, apple sticks
• Foraging: Hide treats in hay
• Exercise: Floor time in safe, enclosed area
• Variety: Rotate toys and rearrange cage layout

Related Pet Guides

If you’re considering guinea pigs, you might also be interested in these similar companion animals:

• Rabbits: Larger herbivores with similar social needs
• Chinchillas: Soft, active pets requiring specialized care
• Rats: Highly intelligent, social rodents

Additional Resources:

• Choosing Your First Pet Guide
• Cost and Budgeting for Pet Care
• Grooming and Hygiene Guide