Quick answer
Key facts about guinea pig — size, diet, habitat, and conservation in one place.
Social herd animals
Guinea pigs evolved as prey animals living in groups and should never be kept alone — a solitary guinea pig becomes lonely and stressed. Same-sex pairs or small groups work well, with careful introductions. They communicate through wheeking (food excitement), purring, chutting, and rumble-strutting during dominance displays.
Diet and scurvy risk
Like humans, guinea pigs cannot synthesise vitamin C and need daily fresh vegetables such as bell pepper and leafy greens alongside unlimited timothy hay and fortified pellets. Teeth grow continuously and are worn down by chewing hay and fibrous food. Without vitamin C they develop scurvy, which is fatal if untreated.
Andean domestication
Indigenous peoples of the Andes domesticated guinea pigs thousands of years ago for food and ritual use. Today they are beloved pets in Europe and the Americas, with dozens of coat varieties from smooth American to long-haired Peruvians.
Housing and handling
Guinea pigs need spacious, well-ventilated enclosures with hiding places, not wire floors that hurt feet. They startle easily but generally tolerate gentle handling once accustomed to people. Regular nail trims and weight checks help catch health problems early.