Guinea Pigs
Our How-To Guide for Guinea Pig Care
Guinea Pigs can live for 4-8 years.
Males reach sexual maturity at 9-10 weeks, and females at 6 weeks. Pregnancy lasts 59-72 days. They don’t build nests. Litter size can range from 1-6 and the young pups (not piglets) can be weaned at 3 weeks. They are born very advanced with hair, eyes open and able to ingest solids within 24 hours of birth.
Guinea pigs require Vitamin C in their diet, as they can’t produce it themselves. While pelleted food is often vitamin C-enriched, it degrades over time, so always provide a fresh supply. A balanced diet should include pellets, high-quality hay, leafy greens, small amounts of fruit, rolled oats, and dry cereals. Additional Vitamin C sources include parsley, beet greens, chicory, spinach, capsicum, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, and oranges. Introduce dietary changes gradually.
Guinea pigs are coprophagic, eating their “night faeces” to obtain Vitamin B and aid digestion. If their hutch is elevated, ensure it doesn’t have a mesh floor to allow access to these faeces.
Guinea pigs produce a lot of faeces and require daily cage cleaning. Solid cages like glass aquariums are unsuitable. Cages should be made of wood, plastic, metal, or wire mesh with good ventilation, and must be weatherproof and draught-free. Housing them with rabbits is not recommended due to potential fighting and disease spread. While a nest box isn’t essential, provide ample bedding, such as newspaper, shredded paper, wood shavings, or hay. Be cautious with wood shavings, as some types contain toxic resins.
Place the cage in a quiet area, away from direct sunlight. Guinea pigs thrive at temperatures between 18-26°C and tolerate cold better than heat and humidity.
They also need daily exercise. A garden run with rocks, plant pots, logs, and toys is ideal, but move it regularly to avoid overgrazing in one spot.
Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to heat stress, especially when temperatures exceed 25°C. They can quickly become overheated, leading to dehydration, weakness, and even heatstroke. To prevent heat stress, ensure they have access to a cool, well-ventilated environment, avoid direct sunlight, and provide plenty of fresh water. You can also use cool, damp towels or ice packs near their cage to help regulate their temperature. If your guinea pig shows signs of heat stress, such as lethargy, rapid breathing, or a warm body, seek veterinary care immediately.
Preventative Care and Diseases
There are no vaccinations required for Guinea Pigs. Regular worming of pigs housed in groups is advised. Most preventative care is based on good hygiene and diet, no overcrowding or stress.
Overgrown teeth is a genetically and diet related condition which causes excessive slobbering and wetting of chin and feet. This condition can be prevented by supplying unlimited hay, wooden toys and hard treats or mineral stones to nibble on.
Bacterial and viral diarrhoea are common and faecally transmitted, so poor hygiene encourages the spread of these diseases within a hutch.
Guinea pigs are highly susceptible to infections from bacteria carried by rabbits, dogs, and cats. Stress increases their vulnerability. Transmission occurs through aerosol and direct contact. Signs include loss of appetite, eye and nose discharges, and difficulty breathing. This serious, often fatal disease requires immediate attention.
Females over 3 years old are prone to bladder stones and cystitis, with signs such as blood in urine and a hunched posture.
Skin diseases are the most common condition in pet guinea pigs. They are very susceptible to ringworm and skin mite infestations. Most skin problems stem from stress, overcrowding, poor diet, and poor cage hygiene. Signs include severe self-trauma, thick scaling skin (often starting around the tail), and hair loss. Treatment requires thorough cage cleaning and may be prolonged.
Dermatitis of the feet often occurs in overweight guinea pigs kept on open mesh wire cage floors. Ulcerated pads allow infection, which spreads and becomes painful. This condition is hard to treat and often has a poor prognosis. Hair loss can result from hierarchical barbering, hormonal disease, nutritional deficiencies, or boredom. The skin remains non-inflamed and non-itchy.
Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency) signs include poor hair coat, leaking blood vessels, loose teeth, lameness, screaming (pain) and sometimes bone breakages.
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