Guinea Pig
Social, gentle, and best kept in pairs. Guinea pigs fit people who want a small pet with personality and can provide daily feeding, fresh hay, a clean habitat, and regular interaction.
size
Small
energy
Medium
handling
Often (gentle handling)
setupComplexity
Medium
lifespan
5 to 7 years
diet
Hay-based with vegetables and vitamin C
space
Large enclosure recommended
messLevel
Medium to High
aloneTimeTolerance
Medium (best with a companion)
noise
Low to Medium (wheeks and chatter)
Best for
- People who want a gentle, social small pet
- Homes that can keep two compatible guinea pigs
- Families with older kids and supervised handling
- Owners who can keep a clean, spacious habitat
Not ideal for
- People who want a very low-cleanup pet
- Homes that can only keep one guinea pig
- Owners who travel often without reliable care
- Anyone unwilling to provide daily fresh hay and veggies
Temperament
- Friendly and social
- Often enjoys routine and gentle interaction
- Can be shy at first, warms up with consistency
Daily routine
feeding: Unlimited hay, fresh water, and daily vegetables. Provide vitamin C sources.
interaction: Gentle handling and floor time in a safe area.
cleaning: Spot-clean daily. Deep clean regularly based on enclosure size.
Living fit
apartment: Often fine if you have space for a proper enclosure.
family: Good with calm, supervised handling and routines.
firstTimeOwner: Often suitable if you learn diet and housing needs.
Health notes
- Needs dietary vitamin C. Discuss diet guidance with an exotics vet.
- Watch for dental issues and appetite changes.
- Keep enclosure dry and clean to avoid foot problems.
Cost and time
time: Moderate daily time for feeding and spot cleaning.
cost: Moderate ongoing cost for hay, bedding, veggies, and vet care.
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