Guinea Pig 101: Caring for These Social Companions
Guinea pigs are charming, social animals that make fantastic pets. However, their care requirements are often misunderstood. If you're considering getting a guinea pig or want to improve the life of your current piggies, this guide will cover everything you need to know—from diet to enrichment to proper housing.
1. Why Guinea Pigs Need a Friend
Unlike some small pets, guinea pigs are highly social and should never be kept alone. In the wild, they live in groups, and a solitary guinea pig can become depressed, anxious, and withdrawn.
The Best Pairings:
Two females (sows) – The easiest, most compatible pairing
A neutered male + a female – Great dynamic, but neutering is required
Two males (boars) – Works if introduced young, but requires space and monitoring
Avoid: Keeping males and females together unless the male is neutered, as guinea pigs breed quickly and can become overwhelmed with litters.
Pro Tip: If your guinea pig is alone and cannot have a companion, spend extra time interacting with them and provide plenty of enrichment.
2. The Best Diet for Longevity & Dental Health
A guinea pig’s diet is crucial for their health, particularly their teeth and digestion.
Daily Diet Essentials:
80% Hay – Timothy or meadow hay is essential for digestion and keeping teeth worn down
10-15% Fresh Veggies – Leafy greens like romaine, coriander, and bell peppers (for vitamin C!)
5% Pellets – High-quality, plain pellets (avoid muesli mixes as they encourage selective feeding)
Fresh Water – Always available in a bottle or bowl
Foods to Avoid:
❌ Iceberg lettuce (low in nutrients)
❌ Avocado, onion, or garlic (toxic)
❌ Seeds and nuts (choking hazard)
❌ Pet store “treat sticks” (often full of sugar and fillers)
Vitamin C is essential! Guinea pigs can’t produce it themselves, so supplement their diet with bell peppers, fresh greens, or vitamin C tablets (never drops in water).
3. Proper Cage Setup: Why Pet Store Cages Are Too Small
Most pet store cages are far too small for guinea pigs, leading to stress and health issues.
Minimum Cage Size (for 2 Guinea Pigs):
120cm x 60cm (4ft x 2ft) minimum – Bigger is always better!
C&C Cages or DIY Setups – Best option for customisation and affordability
No Wire Floors – Wire can cause painful foot sores (sore hocks)
Bedding Options:
Fleece liners (soft, reusable, easy to clean)
Paper-based bedding (low-dust, safe for respiratory health)
Aspen shavings (safe alternative to pine/cedar, which contain harmful oils)
Avoid: Sawdust, pine, and cedar shavings, as they cause respiratory issues.
Tip: Spot-clean daily and do a full cage clean weekly to prevent odour and bacteria buildup.
4. Enrichment Activities to Prevent Boredom
Guinea pigs are intelligent and need enrichment to stay happy!
Toys & Activities:
Tunnels & Hideouts – Safe wooden or fleece hideaways for security
Foraging Boxes – Fill a box with hay and hidden veggies for natural scavenging fun
Floor Time – A secure, guinea-pig-proofed area for daily exercise
Cardboard Mazes – Cheap and fun DIY tunnels and mazes
Lap Time & Gentle Handling – Builds trust and socialisation
💡 Rotate toys regularly to keep things exciting for your piggies!
Guinea pigs are amazing, social creatures that require proper care, space, and companionship to thrive. By understanding their needs, you’ll ensure they live a long, happy life.