Small Pets Guinea Pigs

13 Things to Know Before Getting a Guinea Pig

Everything you need to know about guinea pigs

Guinea pig with brown and white hair sitting outside on wooden floor

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Guinea pigs can be lovely pets, but you should know a few things before making that big commitment. From the expected lifespan to the social nature of guinea pigs, here are some things to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet.

  • 01 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are a Long-Term Commitment

    Guinea pig with brown and white hair resting on owner's shoulder

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    While a guinea pig doesn't live nearly as long as a cat or dog, they're still a large time commitment. Guinea pigs live on average around five to seven years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide care over the long term.

  • 02 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Social

    Three guinea pigs with brown and white hair, all white hair and a mix of brown, black and white hair

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Keep a same-sex pair to ensure you don't have any unwanted litters. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues.

    You can also choose from many guinea pig breeds, such as the Texel guinea pig, teddy guinea pig, Peruvian guinea pig, Abyssinian guinea pig, Himalayan guinea pig, American guinea pig, and skinny pig.

    Be aware that sometimes personality differences in the animals will mean certain guinea pigs won't get along. Introducing them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be introduced with care.

  • 03 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage

    Guinea pigs sitting in a large cage with indoor and outdoor space

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair. Making a homemade cage is very easy, though, and since guinea pigs are a good size and not escape artists, a homemade cage is a great option.

    To keep your guinea pig healthy, you’ll need to clean their cage at least weekly. Make sure they have clean food and water bowls, remove waste daily, and ensure their bedding is always clean. 

  • 04 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Quiet, Sometimes

    Guinea pig with brown and white hair poking its head out of wooden tunnel

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    Guinea pigs have 11 individual sounds. For example, they make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention. If your guinea pig is purring, it means they are happy! Good job, pet parent! On the other hand, if they’re feeling aggressive, annoyed, or upset, guinea pigs will hiss, whine, or exhibit teeth chattering. And if they’re scared, they’ll shriek.

    Though generally not loud enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking guinea pig can be surprisingly loud. If you're looking for an animal whose vocals will never interrupt a dinner party or afternoon nap, a guinea pig might not be for you.

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  • 05 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Generally Easy to Tame

    Brown and white guinea pig held in owner's arms while tame

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily. Careful handling is a must, and children should be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed.

  • 06 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Require Vitamin C

    Close-Up Of Cute Guinea Pig Indoors

    Ganina Ekaterina/Getty Images

    Guinea pigs are one of the few animals (humans are another) that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet. Choosing a good quality diet and providing a variety of fresh foods and roughage is important, but most owners choose to also give their animals a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C tablets are considered a better way to supplement than adding vitamin C to your pet's water.

  • 07 of 13

    Guinea Pigs are Often Available at Shelters

    Close-Up Of Guinea Pigs In Cage

    Priyanshu Trivedi/Getty Images

    Before heading out to buy a guinea pig, check with your local shelters or rescues for guinea pigs in need of a new home. Many guinea pigs end up at shelters and are in need of a second chance at a forever home. Shelter guinea pigs are generally social and easy-going. It should be easy to bond with an older guinea pig.

  • 08 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Very Active

    Guinea Pigs - Winky, Bear, and Lemmi
    Guinea Pigs - Winky, Bear, and Lemmi Genevieve

    Guinea pigs are active for most of the day—about 20 hours. So, it’s important to give them plenty of space to play, run around, and socialize with each other. They don’t run on wheels like hamsters, and they like to be outside to stretch their legs and explore, so supervised time outside of their cage is also necessary.

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  • 09 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Hiders

    baby guinea pigs
    Baby guinea pigs

    Suzanne Mitchell

    Guinea pigs like to hide a lot, and they don’t climb. Therefore, it’s important to give them a lot of safe and secure places where they can hide whenever they want. Hideouts and tunnels can be purchased at pet supply stores and placed throughout your guinea pig’s cage.

  • 10 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Explorers

    Teddy D. Roosevelt - Guinea Pig Photo
    Teddy D. Roosevelt - Guinea Pig Brookie Ashley

    These little animals have great hearing and smelling capabilities. They can also see above and behind their body due to the shape of their head. Provide them with time outside of their cage, as well as products for enrichment inside their cage, so they can explore their surroundings and take in all of the sights, sounds, and smells.

  • 11 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Very Intelligent

    Guinea pig with strawberries
    Strawberries are a popular treat for guinea pigs.

    Getty Images/GrashAlex

    Because they’re so intelligent, guinea pigs need mental stimulation. Otherwise, they will get bored. Giving your pet a variety of toys will keep things interesting for them. In addition to tunnels and ramps, you can provide foraging toys that hide treats for extra fun.

  • 12 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Require Grooming

    White and red guinea pig on white background
    Female guinea pigs have ovaries that can develop cysts.

    Getty Images/Gary Ombler 

    These little guys don't need to be bathed too often because they generally groom themselves. If there's a need to bathe yours, do it in a warm room, with guinea pig shampoo, in a basin in your kitchen sink or bathtub. Wet your guinea pig, gently shampoo, and rinse in warm water. Towel dry and keep your pet away from drafts until they’re fully dry. Also, brush your guinea pig’s fur weekly to prevent mats. By taking good care of your pet’s grooming and hygiene, you can help prevent health issues.

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  • 13 of 13

    Guinea Pigs Are Prone to Health Issues

    Guinea Pig on a leash
    Guinea pig on a leash Getty Images/D. Sharon Pruitt Pink Sherbet Photography

    Guinea pigs can develop various health problems, such as dental disease, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), abscesses, tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases like bumblefoot, respiratory infections, inner ear infections, and urinary problems. Be sure to feed your pet an appropriate diet that’s high in fiber, in addition to keeping their environment safe and clean.

FAQ
  • How big does a guinea pig get?

    Guinea pigs grow to be from 1 to 3 pounds at maturity. They're about 5 inches tall.

  • Do guinea pigs cuddle?

    Yes, if your guinea pig is handled gently and is comfortable with you, they will enjoy being petted and cuddled. But this could take some time if they aren’t used to it. Watch your pet’s body language and listen to their vocalizations to be sure they aren’t stressed or scared.   

  • How much do guinea pigs cost?

    On average, guinea pigs cost up to $50. However, certain breeds are more expensive than others and might cost over $100.