How to Care for a Guinea Pig: Housing, Diet, and Health
Vet-reviewed via PetHealth+ · Last reviewed June 2026
Housing
Guinea pigs are active and need room to run, hide, and explore. Wire-bottom cages cause foot injuries — use solid flooring with absorbent bedding (paper-based or fleece over absorbent layers). Provide multiple hideouts so each pig can retreat. Temperature should stay between 15–24°C; they overheat easily and cannot sweat. Position away from direct sun, drafts, and loud noise.
Diet
Hay is the foundation — it wears down ever-growing teeth and supports gut motility. Offer timothy or meadow hay at all times. Complement with a measured portion of guinea pig pellets (not rabbit mix) and a cup of fresh vegetables daily: bell peppers, cucumber, coriander, and leafy greens are good choices. Fruit is an occasional treat only due to sugar content. Fresh water from a bottle or bowl must be available always.
Social needs
In the wild, guinea pigs live in groups. A solitary pig often becomes depressed and stressed. Introduce companions carefully on neutral territory, or adopt a bonded pair from a rescue. Monitor for bullying and ensure each pig can access food and hides.
Grooming and handling
Short-haired breeds need weekly brushing; long-haired varieties like Peruvians require daily care to prevent matting. Trim nails every few weeks. Handle gently, supporting the chest and hindquarters — never grab by the scruff. Many guinea pigs vocalise (wheeking) when excited for food.
Health warning signs
Guinea pigs hide illness until it is advanced. See a vet promptly for:
- Not eating for 12 hours (gut stasis is an emergency)
- Laboured breathing or sneezing
- Diarrhoea or reduced droppings
- Head tilt, scratching at ears, or balance loss
- Overgrown or misaligned teeth (drooling, weight loss)
- Lumps, hair loss, or itchy skin
Related guides: How to care for a rabbit · How to care for a hamster · Toxic foods for pets
Frequently asked questions
Can guinea pigs live alone?
Guinea pigs are social and should ideally live with at least one compatible companion of the same sex or neutered pairs.
What do guinea pigs eat every day?
Unlimited timothy hay, a small amount of species-specific pellets, fresh vegetables, and daily vitamin C — they cannot produce it themselves.
How big should a guinea pig cage be?
A minimum of roughly 0.7 square metres for one pig, but bigger is always better — most shop cages are too small.
How long do guinea pigs live?
Typically 4–8 years with good care, though some live longer.