Guinea Pig Care Guide

Guinea pigs need more space than most people think. A single pig needs at least 7.5 square feet of cage space, and a pair needs 10.5 square feet or more. C&C (cubes and coroplast) cages are the gold standard because they're affordable, customizable, and easy to clean.

Avoid wire-bottom cages, which can hurt their feet. Use fleece liners or paper-based bedding (never cedar or pine shavings, which can cause respiratory issues). Place the cage in a quiet area away from direct sunlight and drafts, at a temperature between 65-75°F.

The foundation of a guinea pig's diet is unlimited timothy hay, which should make up about 80% of what they eat. Hay keeps their digestive system moving and their constantly-growing teeth filed down.

Supplement with a small amount of plain, timothy-based pellets daily (about 1/8 cup per pig). Fresh vegetables are essential too: bell peppers, romaine lettuce, cucumber, and leafy greens are great staples. Guinea pigs cannot produce their own Vitamin C, so bell peppers and other Vitamin C-rich veggies are especially important.

Avoid iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, and anything high in sugar or calcium. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Find a vet who specializes in exotic animals or small mammals before you need one. Guinea pigs are prey animals, which means they hide illness well. By the time symptoms are obvious, the problem may be serious.

Watch for signs like reduced appetite, lethargy, crusty eyes, labored breathing, hair loss, limping, or changes in droppings. Weigh your pigs weekly. A sudden weight loss (more than 2 oz in a week) is worth a vet visit.

Common health issues include upper respiratory infections, urinary problems, mites, and dental disease. Most are treatable when caught early.

Guinea pigs are social animals and should ideally live in pairs or small groups. A single pig, even with lots of human attention, can become lonely and depressed.

Same-sex pairs (especially females) tend to do well together. Males can also live together if introduced properly and given enough space. Spayed/neutered mixed pairs are another option.

Handle your guinea pigs gently and regularly. Floor time in a safe, enclosed space lets them explore and exercise. Talk to them often. They'll learn your voice and start wheek-ing when they hear you coming (usually because they associate you with food).

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Long nails can curl and cause pain or infection. If you're nervous about it, your vet can show you how.

Long-haired breeds need regular brushing and occasional trimming. Short-haired pigs are lower maintenance but still benefit from gentle brushing to check for skin issues.

Clean the cage thoroughly once a week and spot-clean daily. Wash fleece liners on a regular cycle with unscented detergent.