Guinea Pig Facts: Care, Diet, Breeds & More

Guinea pigs are small, social rodents that make excellent family pets. Despite their name, these animals are not pigs and do not come from Guinea. Scientists believe they originated in the Andes mountains of South America over 3,000 years ago. The Incas domesticated guinea pigs for food and companionship. Today, millions of guinea pigs live as beloved pets worldwide. Their gentle nature, vocal personalities, and relatively simple care requirements make them ideal for families and first time pet owners.

Behavior and Personality

Guinea pigs are highly social animals that thrive in groups. In the wild, they live in herds of 10 or more individuals. Pet guinea pigs should never be kept alone as isolation causes stress, depression, and health problems. Same sex pairs or small groups work best. Guinea pigs communicate through an impressive range of vocalizations including wheeks, purrs, rumbles, and chirps. The excited wheek sound often occurs when they hear their owners or anticipate food. Popcorning is an adorable behavior where happy guinea pigs jump and twist in the air. These animals are crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk hours. However, they adapt to their owners' schedules and take short naps throughout the day rather than long sleep periods.

Diet and Nutrition

Guinea pigs are strict herbivores with specific dietary requirements. Unlimited timothy hay must be available at all times, forming 80 percent of their diet. Hay provides essential fiber for digestive health and helps wear down continuously growing teeth. Fresh vegetables should be offered daily, approximately one cup per guinea pig. Safe options include romaine lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber, cilantro, and parsley. Bell peppers are especially valuable due to high vitamin C content. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C naturally and require 10 to 30 mg daily. Deficiency causes scurvy, a serious condition affecting joints, skin, and immunity. Quality guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C should be given in limited amounts, about one eighth cup per pig daily. Fresh water must always be available. Avoid iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, and foods high in calcium or sugar.

Physical Characteristics

Guinea pigs have stout, compact bodies with short legs and no tail. Adult guinea pigs typically weigh 1.5 to 2.6 pounds and measure 8 to 10 inches long. Males, called boars, are usually larger than females, called sows. These animals have four toes on their front feet and three on their back feet. Guinea pig teeth grow continuously, requiring constant wear through chewing hay and vegetables. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, providing a 340 degree field of view. This wide vision helps them watch for predators. Guinea pigs have sensitive hearing and can detect frequencies beyond human range. Their vocalizations are complex, with researchers identifying at least 11 distinct sounds for communication.

Breeds and Varieties

Thirteen guinea pig breeds are recognized by major cavy organizations. The American guinea pig has short, smooth fur and is the most common breed. Abyssinians feature distinctive rosettes or whorls in their coat, creating a tousled appearance. Peruvians have extremely long, flowing hair requiring daily grooming. Teddy guinea pigs have dense, fuzzy coats that feel like plush toys. Skinny pigs are a hairless breed with only patches of fur on their nose and feet. Silkies have long, smooth hair that flows back from their face. Coronets combine long hair with a single rosette on the forehead. Each breed has unique grooming needs and characteristics.

Housing and Environment

Proper housing provides space for exercise, exploration, and comfort. Two guinea pigs need at least 7.5 square feet of cage space, roughly 30 by 36 inches. Larger is always better. Commercial cages are often too small. Many owners build custom C&C cages using cube grids and coroplast. These modular cages are spacious, affordable, and easy to clean. Fleece bedding or paper based bedding both work well. Avoid cedar and pine shavings as they contain harmful oils. Guinea pigs need hiding spots like igloos, tunnels, or boxes where they feel secure. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs do not use exercise wheels. They prefer floor space for running laps, called zoomies. Outdoor time in secure play pens allows grazing on grass, a favorite activity. However, supervision is essential to prevent escapes and protect from predators.

Health and Common Issues

Guinea pigs require regular veterinary care from exotic animal specialists. Common health problems include respiratory infections, skin conditions, dental issues, and urinary problems. Scurvy results from vitamin C deficiency and causes joint pain, reluctance to move, and rough coat. Bumblefoot is a painful foot infection from wire cage floors or unsanitary conditions. Overgrown teeth prevent eating and require veterinary trimming. Mites cause intense itching and hair loss. Female guinea pigs can develop ovarian cysts causing hair loss and hormonal issues. Spaying often resolves these problems. Guinea pigs hide illness instinctively, so daily observation for changes in eating, drinking, activity, and droppings is crucial. Weight should be monitored weekly.

Social Needs and Bonding

Guinea pigs are intelligent and form strong bonds with their cage mates and human families. They recognize individual voices and become excited when their owners approach. Regular gentle handling from young age creates friendly, confident guinea pigs. These animals rarely bite and their calm temperament suits children who handle them carefully. Guinea pigs enjoy floor time outside their cage for exploration and exercise. Providing toys, tunnels, and obstacles creates enrichment. Many guinea pigs learn simple tricks and can be clicker trained. Bonding pairs or groups requires patience but provides essential companionship. Boars can live together if neutered or introduced young with adequate space.