Guinea pigs (also called cavies) are wonderful, social pets that can live 5-8 years with proper care. These charming rodents require specific housing, diet, and care to thrive. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about guinea pig care, from setting up their habitat to maintaining their health and happiness.
For more information on guinea pig nutrition specifically, check out our small pet nutrition guide which includes detailed dietary information for guinea pigs and other small pets.
Table of Contents
Guinea Pig Housing Requirements
Proper housing is essential for guinea pig health and wellbeing. According to the Guinea Pig Awareness Week organization, adequate space is one of the most important factors in guinea pig care.
Cage Size and Setup
Minimum Cage Size
For 1-2 guinea pigs: Minimum 7.5 square feet (0.7 sq meters). For 3-4 guinea pigs: Minimum 10.5 square feet (1 sq meter). Bigger is always better!
Recommended Sizes:
- 2 guinea pigs: 30" x 50"
- 3 guinea pigs: 30" x 76"
- 4 guinea pigs: 30" x 100"
Cage Types
C&C (Cubes and Coroplast) cages are highly recommended. Avoid wire-bottom cages that can injure feet. Multi-level cages should have gentle ramps.
Best Options:
- C&C cages
- Large plastic-bottom cages
- Custom-built enclosures
- Large indoor pens
Bedding Requirements
Use absorbent, dust-free bedding. Avoid cedar and pine shavings (toxic). Paper-based or aspen bedding are good options. Change bedding weekly.
Safe Bedding:
- Fleece liners (washable)
- Paper-based bedding
- Aspen shavings
- Hemp bedding
Essential Cage Items
Every cage needs: Hideys (multiple), hay rack, water bottle/bowl, food dish, and chew toys. Provide separate sleeping and eating areas.
Must-Haves:
- 2+ hideouts per pig
- Large hay rack
- Heavy ceramic food bowl
- Water bottle + backup bowl
Pro Tip
Guinea pigs need room to run and "popcorn" (jump for joy). If your cage seems too small, consider adding a connected playpen area. For cage setup ideas and products, check our guinea pig habitat collection.
Proper Guinea Pig Diet
Guinea pigs have unique dietary requirements, most notably their need for Vitamin C. According to the RSPCA, proper nutrition prevents many common health issues in guinea pigs.
Daily Dietary Requirements
| Food Type | Percentage | Daily Amount | Key Nutrients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy Hay | 70-80% | Unlimited | Fiber, Dental Health |
| Fresh Vegetables | 15-20% | 1 cup per pig daily | Vitamin C, Hydration |
| Guinea Pig Pellets | 5-10% | 1/8 cup per pig daily | Fortified Nutrients |
| Fresh Water | Essential | Unlimited | Hydration |
Best Vitamin C Sources:
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green (remove seeds)
- Kale: High in Vitamin C but also calcium - feed in moderation
- Broccoli: Includes leaves and stalks
- Parsley: Excellent source but high in calcium
- Strawberries: Occasional treat due to sugar content
Important Warning
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own Vitamin C. Deficiency leads to scurvy, which can be fatal. Always provide fresh Vitamin C sources daily. Guinea pig pellets lose Vitamin C potency after 90 days - buy small quantities and store properly.
Guinea Pig Health and Wellness
Regular health monitoring is crucial for guinea pigs, as they hide illness well. According to exotic veterinarians, preventive care can extend your guinea pig's lifespan significantly.
Regular Health Checks
Weight Monitoring
Weigh weekly using a kitchen scale. Adult guinea pigs typically weigh 700-1200g. Sudden weight loss is often the first sign of illness.
Dental Health
Guinea pig teeth grow continuously. Provide unlimited hay to wear them down. Overgrown teeth require veterinary attention.
Nail Care
Trim nails every 4-6 weeks. Use guinea pig-specific clippers. Be careful of the quick (blood vessel).
Veterinary Visits
Annual checkups with an exotic vet. Seek immediate care for: not eating, lethargy, breathing issues, or diarrhea.
Grooming and Hygiene
Grooming needs vary by guinea pig breed. According to grooming experts, regular maintenance prevents mats and skin issues.
Breed-Specific Grooming
- Short-haired (American): Weekly brushing with soft brush
- Abyssinian (rosettes): Daily brushing to prevent mats
- Peruvian (long-haired): Daily brushing, occasional trims
- Skinny pigs (hairless): Weekly baths with guinea pig shampoo
- Teddies/texels (curly): Daily brushing to prevent tangles
Bathing Guidelines
- Only bathe when necessary (dirty or medical reasons)
- Use lukewarm water and guinea pig-specific shampoo
- Dry thoroughly with towel and low-heat hair dryer
- Never submerge head or ears
- Complete bath should take less than 5 minutes
Understanding Guinea Pig Behavior
Guinea pigs are highly social and communicative animals. Understanding their behavior helps you meet their needs and strengthen your bond.
Common Vocalizations
Wheeking
High-pitched squeal expressing excitement, usually for food. Most common when they hear refrigerator or plastic bag sounds.
Purring
Deep, vibrating sound. Can indicate contentment (soft purr while being petted) or annoyance (louder purr when bothered).
Chutting
Rapid series of short sounds made while exploring happily. Indicates curiosity and contentment with environment.
Rumbling
Deep, vibrating sound often made during mating behavior or dominance displays. Accompanied by swaying walk.
Body Language
- Popcorning: Jumping straight up with all four feet off ground - extreme happiness
- Freezing: Sudden stillness - fear or uncertainty
- Nose touching: Guinea pig greeting ritual
- Chin rubbing: Marking territory with scent glands
- Strutting/swaying: Dominance display, often with rumbling
Social Needs
Guinea pigs are herd animals and should never be kept alone. According to animal welfare organizations, solitary guinea pigs often develop depression and behavioral issues.
- Pairs/Groups: Keep at least two guinea pigs together
- Bonding: Same-sex pairs work best (female-female or male-male if neutered)
- Introductions: Introduce on neutral territory with plenty of space
- Human Interaction: Daily handling and lap time builds trust
Enrichment and Play
Mental stimulation prevents boredom and promotes natural behaviors. According to behavioral experts, enriched guinea pigs are healthier and happier.
Enrichment Ideas
Tunnels and Hideouts
Guinea pigs love running through tunnels and hiding. Provide multiple options made of safe materials (fleece, cardboard, PVC).
Foraging Activities
Hide treats in paper bags, toilet paper rolls, or commercial foraging toys. Scatter feed instead of using only bowls.
Daily Floor Time
1-2 hours daily in a guinea pig-proofed area. Supervised exploration time provides exercise and mental stimulation.
Safe Toys
Willow balls, untreated wood chews, cardboard castles, and paper bags. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest.
Common Health Issues
Early detection of health issues saves lives. According to veterinary statistics, these are the most common guinea pig health problems.
| Health Issue | Symptoms | Prevention | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency) | Lethargy, poor appetite, swollen joints, bleeding gums | Daily Vitamin C sources | Emergency |
| Respiratory Infections | Sneezing, nasal/eye discharge, labored breathing | Clean cage, no drafts | Emergency |
| Dental Problems | Drooling, weight loss, difficulty eating | Unlimited hay, regular checks | Urgent |
| Urinary Issues | Blood in urine, straining, vocalizing while urinating | Limit calcium foods, fresh water | Emergency |
| Mites/Lice | Excessive scratching, hair loss, scabs | Regular checks, clean habitat | Urgent |
Final Thoughts
Guinea pigs are wonderful, social pets that reward proper care with years of companionship. Remember that they're prey animals by nature, so patience and gentle handling are key to building trust. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, adequate space, and social companionship are the pillars of guinea pig wellbeing. For high-quality guinea pig care products, explore our guinea pig collection or consult our pet care experts for personalized advice.
