Guinea Pig General Information

Who is a Guinea Pig Best For?

Guinea pigs make excellent pets for people who live in apartments, do not have large yards, and who would not be able to come home in the middle of the day to provide bathroom breaks. Piggies are also excellent for people looking for affectionate furry friends that are small enough to easily handle while not being so small they are constantly escaping and hiding. Guinea pigs are frequently recommended as childhood starter pets. This is probably best for children ages nine to eleven as younger children will struggle with impulse control, handling, and care responsibilities.

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How Long Does a Guinea Pig Live?

Anywhere from five to ten years or slightly more depending on genetic predisposition, quality of care, regular health checks, and living in healthy cage conditions.

Average Size

About two and a half pounds in weight and nine to ten inches long. Females are usually slightly smaller than males.

Types of Guinea Pigs

There are approximately twelve "official" guinea pig breeds. The most common breeds include American, Abyssinian, Teddy, Silkie, and Peruvians. Unlike dogs, piggies have been bred for appearance not personality. The main differences between breeds would be hair length, texture, and color. If you are looking for the easiest to care for breed choose an American or Self as they have short easy to maintain hair. If you are choosing for younger children avoid any "satin" breeds as their super shiny hair is also more slippery. Also avoid primarily show breeds such as Silkies and Peruvians as the long hair of these animals requires daily detangling and sometimes special shampoo.

Differences Between Males and Females

There is no obvious outward difference in appearance. To tell a male and female apart one would need to check their genitals. In general females are slightly less active and more docile while males are a little more high energy and aggressive. The same could also be said for young versus more mature guinea pigs. If choosing for a child think about a more mature animal (or even a female) that has already been well socialized. Luckily animals just like this are easily available at shelters and rescues for only a few dollars.

How Many?

Guinea pigs are really much happier in pairs. The company these social creatures can provide each other while you are away at work is vital. The best pairings are usually a male and a female, or two females. Males can get along together with more effort (try to choose a clearly dominant pig and then one who is more passive) especially if both were raised in the same cage together.

Do I Need to Neuter?

In general no, unless you are trying to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Neutering does not affect the personality of the animal involved - so neutering a male will not make him less aggressive. Spaying females is a complicated, invasive surgery. While spaying can prevent a variety of health problems, due to risk involved most veterinarians will only use as a last measure.

How Large of a Cage Do I Need?

You will need a cage three feet by three feet for a single guinea pig and three feet by four feet for two. Make sure the bottom of the cage is NOT wire as this will hurt your guinea pig's feet or even break a leg. Also, as free flowing air is very important for piggy health- do not try to use an aquarium. This can lead to a variety of respiratory problems and mold growth in bedding.

Where Can I Put The Cage?

First of all, do not put the cage outdoors, in a garage, basement, or laundry room. Guinea pigs need to be in areas that do not get really hot or cool, are not going to experience temperature fluctuations, drafts, or dampness. Guinea pigs are very sensitive to noise so do not place them near washers and driers, or entertainment centers. Lastly, do not place a guinea pig in a child's bedroom. Despite people's best intentions this frequently leads to accidents and neglect.

Bedding

Do not use pine or cedar bedding no matter what as these commonly available beddings are toxic to small animals. Also avoid anything too rough or sharp (like straw.) Good options include Timothy hay, fleece, and careFresh.

Food

Guinea pigs need fresh Timothy hay to be available all day every day. On top of that plan on serving about an eighth of a cup of food pellets twice per day. Make sure the food pellets lack unnecessary additives like food coloring, fats, sugars, nuts, seeds, and animal products. Look for a nice high protein blend with about ten milligrams of vitamin C per daily serving. Oxbow is a generally recommended brand to consider.  Vitamin C is vital for guinea pig health and without its consumption a guinea pig will suffer health problems and even scurvy. Fresh, dark, leafy greens will provide plenty of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Good vegetable choices include kale, parsley, lettuces, spinach, and bell peppers. Avoid long stalks of celery which will cause digestion problems as well as potatoes, which can be poisonous.

Guinea Pig General Information

Heather is a guinea pig expert. For more great guinea pig info visit the Guinea Pig Resource Center for more information and don't forget to sign up for Heather's free newsletter!

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