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How to Take Care of a Guinea Pig: 6 Common Questions (Vet-Reviewed)

Krystal Facey

By Krystal Facey

guinea pig licking human hand

Vet approved

Dr. Luqman Javed Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Luqman Javed

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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While it can be very exciting to bring home a new pet, you may be worried that you don’t know everything there is to know about the type of pet. For example, let’s say you get a guinea pig. You might have a dozen questions swirling around in your mind. What do I feed them? How can I set up their home in the best way possible? Do they like being held?

All of these are very common questions new pet owners will have, especially with those pets who may not be as common as a dog or a cat. Continue reading for FAQs and care tips for these furry guys.

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The 6 Common Questions About Guinea Pig Care

1. What Food Will My Guinea Pig Eat?

The diet and food requirements of a guinea pig are not like that of other rodents. While most rodents are omnivores, guinea pigs are herbivores. They need an ample amount of hay, which will make up most of their diet. In addition, they will also eat pellets, vegetables, and fruit (not all fruits and vegetables work with guinea pigs, and too much can be bad for them).

Their hay should be restocked on a regular basis so that they always have it available to them, which is also true for their water source.

Guinea pigs are relatively unique among species commonly kept as pets because they need vitamin C in their diet. This sets them apart from other rodents and pets (who can normally make vitamin C themselves) and interestingly, makes them somewhat similar to humans! Therefore, it’s important to feed them a pellet specifically made for guinea pigs. In addition, the vegetables you offer them should be those with high amounts of vitamin C.

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2. What Kind of Habitat Does My Guinea Pig Need?

A guinea pig is a relatively smaller animal, but they have a high activity level, so they need a decent amount of space. The best option for your new pet is to get them a C&C cage (Cubes and Coroplast cage). These are essentially grids that can be assembled to make the cage structure to as large a size as desired.

In addition, the more space these animals have for running around and exploring, the happier they will be in the long run.

Commercial pre-made cages would be your second best option. Rabbit hutches are workable for guinea pigs and might be the best option in terms of value for money. There are even add-ons to cages that give them space to run up and down different tunnels or rooms.


3. Does My Guinea Pig Need Toys and Exercise?

Guinea pigs do require mental and physical stimulation outside of their cages. This can include different activities, toys, and types of exercise. You should let them out of their cages occasionally to give them more space to run around.

You should be careful to keep things out of their reach that they might hurt themselves or something of yours they might destroy. It’s best to place them in a larger, secure play-pen that they cannot escape from (and that other animals or predators cannot access).

They can be given their own toys that can be chewed on to give them something to do and keep them entertained.

cute guinea pig eating lunch
Image By: R J M Bishop, Shutterstock

4. Do Guinea Pigs Like Being Interacted With?

Guinea pigs are considered by many to be less squeamish, skittish, or shy animals in comparison to other rodents. This may be in part due to the fact that the species of guinea pigs kept as pets (Cavia porcellus) is completely domesticated and found nowhere in the wild.

Guinea pigs enjoy each other’s company and they also bond well with their caretakers in most instances. They do react to positive interactions from people by purring or making small, squeaking noises. They make great pets as they are social animals who don’t like to be left alone.


5. Are Guinea Pigs Good Pets for Children?

Guinea pigs often make for a good pet for younger children or a family because they are relatively lower maintenance when compared to cats and dogs and can be left with another guinea pig for several hours while your children are away (for example, in school). Their calm demeanor and friendly disposition can be useful to teach children about responsibility.

happy smiling little girl hugging fluffy tricolor guinea pig
Image By: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock

6. How Do I Know My Guinea Pig Is Healthy?

You will notice that your guinea pig is happy and healthy if they are relatively active in their cages or during playtime outside. Other signs can include how social they are being. For example, if you have a guinea pig that usually likes jumping or squeaking, this behavior should remain relatively consistent throughout their lives. Physical traits will be most noticeable; they should have healthy, clean fur, eat regularly, be free of discharge around the nose and mouth, and breathe normally.

Signs Your Guinea Pig Might Be Unwell
  • Appearing unkempt
  • Refusing to eat
  • Limping
  • Not interacting as they used to
  • Not interested in other guinea pigs or you
  • Breathing heavily
  • Having visible discharges from the nostrils, eyes, or any other orifice of the body
  • Unexplained lethargy
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Unexplained weight loss

Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive. Generally speaking, if you suspect something is wrong with your pet, you should seek veterinary care for them promptly. As prey animals, guinea pigs are known to hide their illness for as long as possible and therefore, subtle signs that something might be off shouldn’t be ignored. In addition, your healthy guinea pigs also need annual veterinary checkups to ensure that they are in fact, healthy and taken care of properly.

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Final Thoughts

Guinea pigs are a great option for a lower-maintenance pet. They are suited for both families and individuals across any age group due to their unique personalities and sociability. With an active lifestyle, vocal communication, and quite an adorable appearance, they are easy animals to love!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Lipatova Maryna, Shutterstock

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