Guinea Pig Care Guide: Cage, Diet, Vitamin C and Companionship

Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are gentle, chatty and full of character. They greet their favorite people with excited squeaks called "wheeks," purr when content and pop into the air when happy. They are a popular choice for families, but they need more space, social contact and nutritional care than many people realize. Here is how to give your guinea pigs a happy, healthy life.

Guinea pigs need company

In the wild, guinea pigs live in groups. A single guinea pig can become lonely and stressed, even with lots of human attention. Keep at least two guinea pigs together. Common pairings include two females, two males raised together, or a neutered male with one or more females. Some countries even require guinea pigs to be kept with a companion, which shows how important social contact is for them.

Cage size and setup

Guinea pigs need room to run, explore and "zoom." Many store-bought cages are too small. Guinea pig welfare groups commonly recommend:

Guinea pigs do not climb well, so floor space matters far more than height. Many owners use C&C (cubes and coroplast) cages, which are affordable and easy to expand.

• Flooring: solid floors only. Wire floors can injure feet.
• Bedding: paper-based bedding, aspen shavings or washable fleece liners. Avoid cedar and pine shavings.
• Hideouts: at least one hide per guinea pig to prevent squabbles.
• Location: indoors, away from drafts, direct sunlight and loud noise. Guinea pigs are sensitive to heat; aim for about 65 to 75°F.

What guinea pigs eat

Hay

Unlimited grass hay such as timothy or orchard grass should make up most of the diet. Guinea pig teeth grow continuously, and chewing hay wears them down.

Vitamin C every day

Like humans, guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Without enough, they can develop scurvy, causing joint pain, weakness, poor appetite and a rough coat. Adult guinea pigs typically need roughly 10 to 30 mg per day, with more during illness or pregnancy. Good sources include:

• Bell peppers (red and yellow are especially high)
• Parsley and cilantro
• Kale (in moderation)
• Small amounts of strawberries or kiwi as treats

Choose a fresh, high-quality pellet made specifically for guinea pigs, which contains stabilized vitamin C. Vitamin C added to drinking water breaks down quickly and can discourage drinking, so most vets prefer food sources or tablets they recommend.

Vegetables and treats

Offer about one cup of fresh vegetables per guinea pig daily, focusing on leafy greens and bell peppers. Many safe foods overlap with rabbits; see what rabbits can eat for ideas, but always double-check guinea pig specifics. Avoid iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, potatoes, avocado, chocolate and seeds.

Handling and bonding

Guinea pigs are naturally cautious. Let them get used to your voice and hand-feed treats before picking them up. To lift a guinea pig, place one hand under its chest and the other under its rear, holding it close to your body. Children should sit on the floor when holding a guinea pig to prevent falls.

Grooming and health

• Nails: trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Coat: brush long-haired breeds several times a week.
• Weight: weigh your guinea pigs weekly with a kitchen scale; weight loss is often the first sign of illness.
• Breathing: sneezing, crusty eyes or noisy breathing can signal a respiratory infection, which needs prompt vet care.
• Appetite: a guinea pig that stops eating needs to see an exotic pet vet quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How long do guinea pigs live?

Typically 5 to 7 years, and sometimes longer with good care.

Can guinea pigs live with rabbits?

It is not recommended. Rabbits can injure guinea pigs, they have different diets and rabbits can carry bacteria that cause illness in guinea pigs.

Are guinea pigs good pets for kids?

Their calm nature makes them one of the better small pets for families, with adult supervision. See the best small pets for kids.