Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes — the community weighs in on names, nicknames, and the occasional big decision. The best way to participate is to subscribe to the newsletter and watch the live streams, where most of those conversations happen.

At least two. Guinea pigs are herd animals and a single pig, even with lots of human attention, will get lonely. Same-sex pairs are the easiest starting point — two females tend to get along well, and two males can also work if given enough space. Bonded pairs from a rescue are a great option since the introductions are already done.

More than the pet store cage suggests. A single pig needs a minimum of 7.5 square feet of floor space. A pair needs 10.5 square feet or more. The C&C cage (cubes and coroplast) is the gold standard — affordable, customizable, and easy to clean. Most store-bought cages labeled 'guinea pig cage' are undersized.

With the right setup and adult supervision, yes. Guinea pigs are gentle and rarely bite. They do require consistent daily care — fresh hay, fresh water, vegetables, and at least weekly cage cleaning — which is a real commitment. Young children should always be supervised during handling, as guinea pigs can be injured by a drop or squeeze.

Unlimited timothy hay (about 80% of their diet), a small amount of plain timothy-based pellets (roughly 1/8 cup per pig), and fresh vegetables daily. Bell pepper is the most important vegetable — guinea pigs can't produce their own Vitamin C and bell pepper provides it reliably. Rotate in romaine, cucumber, cilantro, and leafy greens throughout the week.

Yes, in small amounts and not daily. Fruit is high in sugar, which can cause digestive upset and weight gain if given too often. A small piece of strawberry, apple (no seeds), or blueberry once or twice a week is plenty. Think of it as a treat, not a staple.

Avoid: avocado, onions, garlic, leeks, chives (all alliums), rhubarb, potato and potato leaves, raw beans, iceberg lettuce (no nutrition, can cause diarrhea), and anything processed or high in sugar. When in doubt, look it up before feeding. A quick search for '[food] safe for guinea pigs' is always worth the 30 seconds.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and hide illness well. Watch for: reduced appetite or refusing food entirely, weight loss (weigh them weekly), lethargy or not moving much, labored or noisy breathing, crusty eyes or discharge, hair loss or scratching, and changes in droppings. Any of these warrant a vet visit. Find an exotic vet before you need one — not all vets treat guinea pigs.

Annual wellness exams are a good baseline for healthy guinea pigs. Senior pigs (4+) benefit from every 6 months. Beyond that, any time something seems off. The key is having a relationship with an exotic vet before there's an emergency — same-day availability matters when a guinea pig is sick.