Guinea Pig Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Why Guinea Pigs Make Wonderful Pets

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, have captured the hearts of pet lovers worldwide for centuries. These charming, vocal creatures originated in the Andes Mountains of South America and have been domesticated for over 3,000 years. Unlike many small pets, guinea pigs are diurnal (active during the day), making them perfect companions for families who want to interact with their pets during waking hours.

Their gentle temperament, expressive personalities, and relatively low-maintenance care requirements make them ideal for first-time pet owners, families with children, and anyone seeking a loving, interactive companion. But don't let their small size fool you—these intelligent animals have complex needs that require understanding and commitment.

Understanding Guinea Pig Behaviour and Personality

Before diving into care requirements, it's essential to understand what makes guinea pigs tick. These social creatures have distinct personalities and communicate through a fascinating range of vocalisations and body language.

Common Guinea Pig Sounds and What They Mean

• Wheek-wheek: The loud, excited squeal you'll hear when they anticipate food or see you approaching. This is their way of saying "I'm excited!"
• Purring: A deep, relaxed sound indicating contentment, often heard during petting sessions
• Rumbling: A deeper purr used during courtship or to establish dominance
• Chirping: A rare, bird-like sound whose meaning remains somewhat mysterious
• Teeth chattering: A warning sign of aggression or annoyance—give them space
• Whining: Indicates annoyance or discomfort

Body Language to Watch For

Guinea pigs express themselves through movement too. "Popcorning"—jumping straight up in the air—is a delightful sign of pure joy. Freezing in place often indicates fear or uncertainty, whilst nose-touching is their way of greeting and getting to know each other or you.

Choosing the Right Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs come in various breeds, each with unique characteristics. Short-haired breeds like the American guinea pig are low-maintenance and perfect for beginners. Long-haired breeds such as Peruvians and Silkies are stunning but require daily grooming. Abyssinians have distinctive rosettes in their fur, whilst Skinny Pigs are nearly hairless and need special temperature considerations.

When selecting guinea pigs, always adopt at least two. These highly social animals can become depressed and develop health issues when kept alone. Same-sex pairs (two females or two neutered males) work best, or you can keep neutered males with females.

Housing Requirements: Creating the Perfect Home

Proper housing is fundamental to guinea pig health and happiness. Many commercial cages marketed for guinea pigs are far too small for their needs.

Minimum Space Requirements

• One guinea pig: 7.5 square feet (but two are always better)
• Two guinea pigs: 10.5 square feet minimum
• Three guinea pigs: 13 square feet minimum
• Four guinea pigs: 16 square feet minimum

C&C (Cubes and Coroplast) cages are popular among guinea pig enthusiasts because they're spacious, customisable, and affordable. Alternatively, large indoor rabbit cages or purpose-built guinea pig enclosures work well.

Essential Housing Features

Solid flooring is non-negotiable. Wire floors can cause painful foot injuries called bumblefoot. Line the cage with safe bedding such as fleece liners (washable and eco-friendly), paper-based bedding like Carefresh, or aspen shavings. Never use cedar or pine shavings as they contain harmful oils that can damage respiratory systems.

Provide multiple hiding spots—guinea pigs are prey animals and need places to feel secure. Wooden houses, fabric tunnels, and cardboard boxes all work brilliantly. Include separate areas for different activities: a sleeping zone, feeding station, and toilet area (yes, guinea pigs can be partially litter trained!).

Location Matters

Place the cage in a quiet area away from direct sunlight, draughts, and temperature extremes. Guinea pigs are comfortable between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Avoid placing cages in kitchens (fumes from non-stick cookware are toxic) or near loud televisions or speakers.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Guinea Pig Health

Diet is where many well-meaning owners go wrong. Guinea pigs have specific nutritional needs that must be met daily to prevent serious health issues.

The 80-10-10 Rule

A healthy guinea pig diet consists of approximately 80% hay, 10% fresh vegetables, and 10% pellets. Let's break down each component.

Hay: The Most Important Food

Unlimited, fresh timothy hay should be available 24/7. Hay serves multiple crucial functions: it provides essential fibre for digestive health, helps wear down continuously growing teeth, and keeps guinea pigs mentally stimulated through foraging behaviour.

Timothy hay is ideal for adult guinea pigs. Young guinea pigs (under six months) can have alfalfa hay, which is higher in calcium and protein. Other suitable varieties include orchard grass, meadow hay, and oat hay for variety.

Fresh Vegetables: Daily Vitamin C

Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot produce their own vitamin C and must obtain it through diet. Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, a serious and painful condition.

Excellent daily vegetables include:

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, orange—highest in vitamin C)
• Romaine lettuce and other dark leafy greens
• Cucumber
• Courgette (zucchini)
• Tomatoes (fruit only, not leaves or stems)
• Coriander (cilantro) and parsley
• Kale and spring greens (in moderation due to calcium content)

Occasional treats (2-3 times per week):

• Carrots (high in sugar)
• Broccoli (can cause gas)
• Strawberries, blueberries, apple slices (small amounts)

Introduce new vegetables gradually, one at a time, to monitor for digestive upset. Aim for variety—offer 3-4 different vegetables daily, totalling about one cup per guinea pig.

Pellets: Choose Quality

Feed 1/8 cup (about one tablespoon) of high-quality, timothy-based pellets daily per guinea pig. Look for pellets specifically formulated for guinea pigs with added vitamin C. Avoid muesli-style mixes as guinea pigs will selectively eat their favourite bits, leading to nutritional imbalances.

Fresh Water Always

Provide unlimited fresh water in a bottle or heavy ceramic bowl. Change water daily and clean containers regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Some guinea pigs prefer bowls, whilst others like bottles—you may need to offer both initially.

Foods to Absolutely Avoid

Never feed guinea pigs: chocolate, dairy products, meat, iceberg lettuce (no nutritional value and can cause diarrhoea), avocado (toxic), rhubarb, potatoes, onions, garlic, or anything high in sugar or salt. Also avoid commercial treats marketed for guinea pigs—they're often unhealthy and unnecessary.

Health Care and Common Medical Issues

Preventative care and early detection are key to keeping guinea pigs healthy throughout their 5-7 year lifespan (some live even longer with excellent care).

Finding the Right Veterinarian

Before bringing guinea pigs home, locate an exotic pet veterinarian experienced with guinea pigs. Not all vets treat these animals, and guinea pig medicine requires specialised knowledge. Schedule annual wellness checks even if your guinea pigs seem healthy.

Daily Health Checks

Spend a few minutes each day observing your guinea pigs. Healthy guinea pigs are alert, active, eating regularly, and producing plenty of droppings. Watch for these warning signs:

• Reduced appetite or not eating (this is an emergency)
• Weight loss or gain
• Lethargy or hiding more than usual
• Discharge from eyes or nose
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or sneezing
• Diarrhoea or changes in droppings
• Hair loss or skin problems
• Overgrown teeth or drooling
• Limping or difficulty moving

Guinea pigs are prey animals and instinctively hide illness. By the time symptoms are obvious, the condition may be serious. When in doubt, consult your vet immediately.

Scurvy (Vitamin C Deficiency)

This preventable condition occurs when guinea pigs don't receive adequate vitamin C. Symptoms include lethargy, rough coat, reluctance to move, swollen joints, and bleeding gums. Prevention is simple: provide vitamin C-rich vegetables daily and ensure pellets are fresh (vitamin C degrades over time).

Upper Respiratory Infections

URIs are common in guinea pigs and can be serious. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Causes include bacterial infections, poor ventilation, dusty bedding, or stress. Treatment requires veterinary antibiotics—never attempt to treat at home.

Dental Problems

Guinea pig teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Without proper wear from hay consumption, teeth become overgrown, making eating painful or impossible. Signs include drooling, weight loss, dropping food, and pawing at the mouth. Regular hay consumption and annual dental checks prevent most problems.

Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis)

This painful foot condition results from pressure sores on the feet, often caused by wire flooring, obesity, or unsanitary conditions. Prevention includes solid flooring, regular cage cleaning, maintaining healthy weight, and providing soft bedding.

Urinary Problems

Guinea pigs can develop bladder stones and urinary tract infections. Symptoms include blood in urine, straining to urinate, or frequent small urinations. Proper hydration and balanced calcium intake help prevent these issues.

Grooming and Maintenance

Coat Care

Short-haired guinea pigs need brushing once or twice weekly to remove loose hair and check for skin issues. Long-haired breeds require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Use a soft brush and make grooming a positive bonding experience with treats and gentle handling.

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 4-6 weeks using small animal nail clippers. Overgrown nails can curl and cause pain or injury. If you're nervous about trimming, ask your vet to demonstrate the proper technique. The quick (blood vessel) is visible in light-coloured nails but harder to see in dark nails—trim conservatively.

Bathing

Guinea pigs rarely need baths as they groom themselves. However, long-haired breeds or guinea pigs with mobility issues may need occasional baths. Use lukewarm water and small animal shampoo, avoiding the face. Dry thoroughly with towels and keep them warm until completely dry.

Ear and Eye Care

Check ears weekly for wax buildup, discharge, or odour. Clean gently with a damp cotton pad if needed. Eyes should be bright and clear. Crusty discharge may indicate infection or dental problems.

Cage Cleaning Schedule

Daily: Remove soiled bedding, uneaten fresh food, and droppings from high-traffic areas. Refill hay and water.

Weekly: Complete cage clean—remove all bedding, wash fleece liners or replace disposable bedding, wipe down surfaces with pet-safe cleaner, wash food bowls and water bottles, and replace with fresh bedding.

Monthly: Deep clean including disinfecting the entire cage, replacing worn items, and checking for damage.

Social Needs and Bonding

Guinea pigs are among the most social small pets, and their wellbeing depends on appropriate companionship.

Guinea Pig Companionship

Keeping a single guinea pig is considered poor welfare in many countries. These animals need same-species companionship to thrive. The best combinations are:

• Two females (sows)—usually get along well
• Two neutered males (boars)—can work with proper introduction
• One neutered male with one or more females—often very harmonious

Avoid keeping unneutered males together unless they're bonded from a young age, as they may fight. Never keep guinea pigs with rabbits—rabbits can seriously injure guinea pigs and carry bacteria harmful to them.

Bonding with Your Guinea Pigs

Building trust takes time, especially with shy or rescue guinea pigs. Start by sitting near their cage, talking softly, and offering vegetables by hand. Once they're comfortable, begin short handling sessions, gradually increasing duration.

Support their entire body when holding—one hand under the chest behind the front legs, the other supporting the hindquarters. Never pick up guinea pigs by scruffing or grabbing. Some guinea pigs enjoy lap time with a cosy blanket, whilst others prefer floor interaction.

Exercise and Enrichment

Mental and physical stimulation prevents boredom and promotes health.

Floor Time

Provide at least one hour of supervised floor time daily in a guinea pig-proofed area. Remove electrical cords, toxic plants, and small objects they might chew. Use puppy pens or barriers to create a safe space. Floor time allows natural behaviours like running, exploring, and playing.

Enrichment Ideas

• Tunnels and hideaways for exploration
• Paper bags stuffed with hay for foraging
• Cardboard boxes with multiple entrances
• Willow balls and chew toys
• Rearrange cage layout periodically for novelty
• Hide vegetables in different locations
• Provide different textures—fleece, grass mats, wooden platforms

Training and Intelligence

Guinea pigs are smarter than many people realise. They can learn their names, come when called, and even perform simple tricks using positive reinforcement. Use small vegetable pieces as rewards and keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes). Popular tricks include standing on hind legs, circling, and navigating obstacle courses.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer Care

Guinea pigs are susceptible to heatstroke above 26°C (80°F). During hot weather, provide frozen water bottles wrapped in towels, ceramic tiles for lying on, ensure excellent ventilation, and never leave guinea pigs in cars or direct sunlight. Signs of heatstroke include panting, drooling, lethargy, and collapse—this is a life-threatening emergency.

Winter Care

Whilst guinea pigs tolerate cold better than heat, they still need protection from draughts and temperatures below 15°C (60°F). Provide extra bedding, hideys stuffed with hay, and consider moving cages away from windows. Never use heat lamps or heating pads as they can cause burns.

Special Considerations

Guinea Pigs and Children

Guinea pigs can be wonderful pets for families with children, but adult supervision is essential. Teach children proper handling techniques, gentle interaction, and respect for the guinea pigs' needs. Children under 8 should always be supervised during interactions.

Guinea Pigs and Other Pets

Dogs and cats are natural predators and may see guinea pigs as prey. Never leave guinea pigs unsupervised with other pets, even if they seem friendly. The stress of predator presence alone can harm guinea pigs. Always provide secure housing that other pets cannot access.

Travelling with Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are homebodies and travel is stressful. When necessary, use a secure carrier with ventilation, familiar bedding, and hay. For longer journeys, provide cucumber for hydration. Never leave guinea pigs in hot cars. For holidays, arrange for experienced pet sitters to care for them at home rather than boarding.

Adopting vs. Buying

Consider adopting from rescue centres before buying from breeders or pet shops. Many wonderful guinea pigs need homes, including bonded pairs. Rescue organisations often provide health checks, neutering, and ongoing support. If buying, choose reputable breeders who prioritise health and temperament over appearance, provide health guarantees, and allow you to see the parents and living conditions.

The Commitment: Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Before bringing guinea pigs home, honestly assess whether you can provide:

• Daily care including feeding, cleaning, and interaction
• Adequate space for proper housing
• Financial resources for food, bedding, and veterinary care (budget £500-1000 annually)
• Time for daily floor exercise and socialisation
• Long-term commitment (5-7+ years)
• Appropriate care during holidays

Guinea pigs aren't low-maintenance starter pets—they're intelligent, social animals deserving of proper care and attention.

Conclusion: The Joy of Guinea Pig Companionship

When provided with appropriate care, guinea pigs reward their owners with affection, entertainment, and companionship. Their cheerful wheeks, playful popcorning, and gentle personalities bring joy to households worldwide. By understanding and meeting their needs for proper housing, nutrition, healthcare, and social interaction, you'll ensure your guinea pigs live long, healthy, and happy lives.

Remember, every guinea pig is an individual with unique preferences and personality. Take time to learn what makes your guinea pigs happy, stay observant of their health, and enjoy the special bond that develops with these remarkable little creatures. Welcome to the wonderful world of guinea pig ownership!