Guinea Pig
Sociable, vocal and strictly herd animals — guinea pigs must be kept in pairs or groups. They cannot make their own vitamin C, so diet is critical.
Key facts
Lifespan
4–8 years
Weight
0.7–1.2 kg
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
First-time owners
Suitable
About the Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs are daytime-active, communicative animals that whistle and rumble to their companions. Keeping one alone is a welfare problem; in Switzerland it is actually illegal. They need a large ground-level enclosure (not a hutch on legs with a tiny run), unlimited hay, fresh greens and a daily source of vitamin C, since a deficiency causes scurvy.
Living with a Guinea Pig
Pairs or groups, minimum 120cm × 60cm floor space for two, indoors or in a sheltered, insulated outdoor setup.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) — requires daily dietary vitamin C
- Dental malocclusion
- Respiratory infections
- Bumblefoot from wire or hard flooring; ovarian cysts in sows
Ask the breeder for
- Check teeth, feet and breathing before buying
Buying a Guinea Pig
Buy a same-sex pair or an already-bonded group. Do not house guinea pigs with rabbits — they have different dietary needs and rabbits can injure them.
Read the full safe-buying guideGuinea Pigs for sale
No Guinea Pig adverts are live right now. New adverts are posted daily — or set your sights a little wider.
All small pets for saleGuinea Pig FAQs
How long do Guinea Pigs live?
A Guinea Pig typically lives 4–8 years.
Are Guinea Pigs good for first-time owners?
Yes — Guinea Pigs are generally suitable for sensible first-time owners who will train and exercise them consistently.
What health tests should a Guinea Pig breeder have done?
Check teeth, feet and breathing before buying.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.