Guinea Pig Care Basics: A Simple Guide for New Owners

Guinea pigs need five things every day: unlimited hay, a daily source of vitamin C, a portion of fresh vegetables, fresh water, and the company of another guinea pig. They also need a roomy cage with hiding places, regular cleaning, and an exotic-animal vet who knows small mammals. Get those basics right and guinea pigs are gentle, chatty companions that commonly live five to eight years.

Diet

• Hay (about 80% of the diet): unlimited fresh grass hay, such as timothy, orchard or meadow hay, available all day. It keeps their constantly growing teeth worn down and their gut moving. Alfalfa hay is richer and generally meant for young, pregnant or nursing guinea pigs.
• Vitamin C, every day: like people, guinea pigs can't make their own vitamin C, and a lack causes scurvy. Feed vitamin C-rich vegetables daily (bell pepper is a favorite) and plain guinea pig pellets with added vitamin C. Water-bowl drops lose strength quickly, so most vets recommend food sources instead.
• Fresh vegetables: roughly a cup a day per guinea pig, mostly leafy greens (romaine, cilantro, parsley) plus bell pepper. Introduce new foods slowly.
• Pellets: a small daily portion of plain, unflavored guinea pig pellets. Skip mixes with seeds, nuts or colored pieces.
• Treats: small pieces of fruit, occasionally. Fruit is sugary.
• Water: fresh every day, in a bottle or heavy bowl, cleaned regularly.

Never feed: chocolate, onion, garlic, avocado, potatoes, iceberg lettuce as a staple, or foods meant for rabbits or hamsters.

Housing

• Space: bigger is better. The Humane Society of the United States recommends at least 7.5 square feet for one or two guinea pigs, and more for a larger group. Many owners use C&C (cube and coroplast) cages to get the floor space affordably.
• Floor: solid, not wire, with soft bedding such as paper bedding or fleece liners. Avoid cedar and pine shavings, whose oils can irritate their lungs.
• Hideys: at least one hiding place per guinea pig. They're prey animals and feel safest with somewhere to retreat.
• Location: indoors, away from drafts, direct sun and loud noise. They're comfortable at normal room temperatures and can overheat easily in hot weather.
• No wheels or exercise balls: these can injure a guinea pig's back and feet. Floor time in a safe, guinea pig-proofed area is the best exercise.

Companionship

Guinea pigs are herd animals, and most do best with at least one guinea pig friend. Same-sex pairs (two females, or two neutered or bonded males) or a neutered male with females are common pairings. Introduce new guinea pigs gradually on neutral ground. A rescue can help you find a bonded pair.

Cleaning

• Daily: remove wet bedding and droppings, refresh hay, wash bowls and refill water.
• Weekly: a full cage clean with fresh bedding or washed fleece.
• Monthly or as needed: check and trim nails. Your vet can show you how.

Health checks

Weigh your guinea pigs weekly on a kitchen scale. A steady weight loss is often the first sign something is wrong. See an exotic-animal vet if you notice:

• not eating, or fewer or smaller droppings (this is urgent in guinea pigs);
• weight loss, drooling or difficulty chewing;
• sneezing, crusty eyes or noisy breathing;
• hair loss, scratching or scabs;
• limping or sitting hunched.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Keeping a single guinea pig with no companion.
2. A cage that's too small.
3. Not enough hay, or too many pellets and treats.
4. No daily vitamin C.
5. Wheels, balls or wire floors.
6. Waiting too long to see a vet. Guinea pigs hide illness well.

Getting to know your guinea pig

Each guinea pig has a personality: some wheek loudly at the sound of the fridge, some popcorn (jump and twist) when happy, and some are shy for weeks before they relax. If you're still choosing names, our guinea pig names guide has plenty of ideas, and our guinea pig breeds guide helps you tell an Abyssinian from a Teddy.