1. Home
  2. Small Pet
  3. Guinea Pig

Guinea Pigs Care Guide: How To Take Care of Guinea Pigs

Emily Holowczak
By Emily Holowczak
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025
Photo of two guinea pigs resting in an enclosure

Photo by kickers/Getty

Jump to section

  • Guinea Pigs: The Basics
  • Guinea Pig Supplies: What Do Guinea Pigs Need?
  • The Best Food for Guinea Pigs
  • The Best Housing for Guinea Pigs
  • The Best Toys for Guinea Pigs
  • Common Guinea Pig Health Issues
  • How To Handle Guinea Pigs
  • Guinea Pig FAQs

Congratulations on your new guinea pig! These furry friends make wonderful pets—they’re sociable small animals suitable for any family, because they love to cuddle and bond with their humans.

So, how can you make sure your guinea pig is living their best life? This guinea pig care guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Guinea Pigs: The Basics


Guinea pigs originally come from South America and are also referred to as “cavies.” (The term “cavy” is derived from their scientific name, Cavia porcellus.)

Guinea pigs are characterized by their round body and short “nub” tail. Their head is large and features soft, velvet-like ears. Guinea pigs typically have coarse hair and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

The American Cavy Breeder Association officially recognizes 13 distinct breeds, but the three types that are most popular among pet parents include:

  • American: short, smooth hair
  • Abyssinian: whorls of unruly, rough hair
  • Peruvian: long-haired, silky

As social animals, guinea pigs thrive in herds, and it is recommended to adopt guinea pigs in groups of two or more of the same sex.

Guinea pigs make adorable wheeking noises to communicate over long distances and will even start squealing when they hear their pet parents open the refrigerator in anticipation of a vegetable or fruit treat! They also purr or coo when they are happy, often when cuddling with other guinea pigs or being pet by their humans.

Each guinea pig will have their own personality, much like dogs and cats.

Photo of a guinea pig eating a piece of carrot

Arisara_Tongdonnoi/Getty

Guinea Pig Supplies: What Do Guinea Pigs Need?


Your new guinea pig will need the following to lead a happy and healthy life:

  • A large, secure enclosure or hutch
  • High-quality pelleted guinea pig food
  • Timothy or other grass hay
  • Vitamin C supplement, such as Oxbow® Natural Science supplement
  • Treats
  • Bedding
  • Food bowl and water bottle
  • Hideaway place
  • Toys
  • Wood and mineral chews
  • Small animal nail clippers, like the Kaytee® Pro-Nail Trimmer
  • Cardboard tubes or boxes

The Best Food for Guinea Pigs


Piggies primarily eat hay, which makes up about 75% of the guinea pig diet. Timothy hay, orchard grass, and other grass hays are all great options and should always be available to guinea pigs. Do not, however, feed your guinea pig alfalfa hay, as it can lead to health complications.

Recommended Products

Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay All Natural Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters & Gerbils, 90-oz.
Oxbow Animal Health Western Timothy Hay All Natural Hay for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Hamsters & Gerbils, 90-oz.
Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8
2.2KReviews
$17.24Chewy Price
Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay Small Animal Food, 15-oz bag
Oxbow Orchard Grass Hay Small Animal Food, 15-oz bag
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
846Reviews
$6.49Chewy Price

Guinea pig pellets can supplement their diet of hay. Offer 1–2 tablespoons per cavy per day and be sure to use pellets specifically formulated for guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs also love to eat fruits and vegetables! Leafy greens are a favorite option. New food items should be introduced slowly so your guinea pig’s digestive system can adjust. Vegetables should be a daily staple, including a rotation of:

  • Romaine lettuce
  • Leaf lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Clover
  • Dandelion greens
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley

You can offer each guinea pig ½–1 cup of vegetables daily.

Fruits should be given sparingly (once or twice a week) as a treat—no more than that, or they may cause digestive issues for your pig. Some fruit options include:

  • Apples
  • Berries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Pineapple
  • Kiwifruit

Vitamin C Supplements

Guinea pigs need vitamin C supplementation in their diet to stay healthy, as their body cannot synthesize the nutrient on its own. Vitamin C is important for skin health, as it helps with the formation of collagen.

Guinea pigs who do not receive enough nutritional vitamin C in their diet may show signs such as lethargy, poor hair coat, and slow wound healing. Severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to diarrhea, weight loss, respiratory failure, and even death.

Vitamin C supplements can be added to your guinea pig’s diet through drops added to their fresh water source, as well as treats featuring high concentrations of the nutrient, like Oxbow Natural Science Vitamin C Supplement.

The Best Housing for Guinea Pigs


An appropriately sized enclosure for a pet guinea pig is 36 inches long by 30 inches wide by 18 inches high, but bigger is always better.

Guinea pigs need space to run around, an eating area to munch on hay and other foods, as well as space for hideaway boxes, chews, and toys.

If housing more than one guinea pig, the cage size should increase by 20% per piggy.

Cages should feature a solid base enclosed with wire mesh bars spaced 1 inch apart.

Recommended Products

MidWest Guinea Habitat Guinea Pig Home, Regular
MidWest Guinea Habitat Guinea Pig Home, Regular
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
779Reviews
$57.59Chewy Price
Frisco Small Pet Habitat, Medium
Frisco Small Pet Habitat, Medium
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
59Reviews
$112.94Chewy Price

Any small pet enclosure should provide adequate ventilation, as many “pocket pets” have a sensitive respiratory system. Ammonia buildup from poor ventilation or inadequate cleaning can cause respiratory infections, which can be deadly.

Be sure to spot-clean your guinea pig’s cage daily, and use a recycled-paper bedding such as Carefresh® or Fresh News®. Do not use cedar shavings or any kind of dusty material for bedding, as these materials can irritate a guinea pig’s respiratory tract.

Guinea pigs may be fed with food bowls either hanging from the sides of the cage or in a ceramic bowl heavy enough that the animal can’t tip it over. Water can be offered in sipper bottles hung from the side of the cage or in a ceramic bowl like their food. Fresh food and water should be provided daily.

The best place for a guinea pig enclosure is in a quiet area of the home, away from any windows or doors. As prey animals, guinea pigs are sensitive to sounds and smells. It is not recommended to keep guinea pigs in bedrooms, as they are nocturnal animals and can keep you awake!

The Best Toys for Guinea Pigs


Guinea pigs require a variety of enrichment in their enclosure, as they can get bored easily. There are plenty of commercial guinea pig toy products as well as DIY options to provide your guinea pig the mental stimulation they need on a daily basis.

Guinea pigs need plenty of chew toys, as their teeth grow continuously throughout their life. Be sure to rotate and clean any wooden chew toys regularly, as they may become soiled with urine or accumulate dirt. Other toys for guinea pigs include brain teasers like treat balls or forage mats.

Recommended Products

Frisco Spotted Cornleaf Wall Playmat Small Pet Toy
Frisco Spotted Cornleaf Wall Playmat Small Pet Toy
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
30Reviews
$18.49Chewy Price
Oxbow Apple Stick Bundle Small Animal Chew Toy
Oxbow Apple Stick Bundle Small Animal Chew Toy
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
560Reviews
$5.99Chewy Price

Common Guinea Pig Health Issues


Guinea pigs may experience any of the following health issues during their lifetime:

  • Lice or mites
  • Ear infections
  • Sneezing
  • Pink eye
  • Ringworm
  • Heatstroke
  • Pneumonia
  • Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
  • Dental issues
  • Bacterial enteritis (i.e. Salmonella toxicity)
  • Bumblefoot (pododermatitis, or inflammation and infection of the feet)

An adult guinea pig should receive a veterinary care checkup at least once per year. Your veterinarian will check your guinea pig’s teeth during the exam and can also help you with nail trimming, if necessary.

Always consult your veterinarian if your guinea pig shows signs of illness, such as:

  • Noisy or labored breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Excessive itching
  • Loose stool
  • Discolored urine
  • New lump or tumor development
Photo of a guinea pig being held by a woman

Daisy-Daisy/Getty

How To Handle Guinea Pigs


Guinea pigs are typically easy to handle and will even come to their humans for cuddles when properly socialized. To pick up a guinea pig, use two hands: one to cup their front half and one to support their bottom. Guinea pigs generally enjoy being held and petted and may even purr like a cat when feeling content and cozy with their pet parent.

Always supervise children handling pet guinea pigs and teach them how to approach a small animal. Guinea pigs may try to run away or jump if they are startled or nervous. In the case of a fall, guinea pigs are most likely to land headfirst due to their body conformation. Be sure to inspect a guinea pig who has fallen for any injuries, especially broken teeth, and contact your veterinarian right away.

Guinea Pig FAQs


What’s the average lifespan of guinea pigs?

The average guinea pig lives five to seven years.

Do guinea pigs need shots?

Guinea pigs do not require vaccines; however, it is advised to bring your guinea pig to the veterinarian for a checkup once per year.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs primarily eat grass hay, pelleted food made for guinea pigs and veggies—and can be fed fruits as an occasional treat. Guinea pigs also require vitamin C supplements.

Do guinea pigs hibernate?

No, guinea pigs do not hibernate.

Are guinea pigs good pets?

Guinea pigs are great pets for any family, including first-time pet parents and children who understand calm and gentle handling.

Do guinea pigs bite?

Guinea pigs are typically not aggressive but may nibble or bite when they feel frightened or threatened.

Caring for a guinea pig is a rewarding experience that requires attention to their needs, from a spacious enclosure to a balanced diet and regular interaction. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll ensure your guinea pig stays happy, healthy, and well-loved.

This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.

Attributions


Emily Holowczak

Emily Holowczak

Emily Holowczak is an award winning writer, editor, and pet wellness advocate. Her work has appeared in “Equestrian Living,” “Practical
Related articles
  • What to Know About Caring for Guinea Pig Teeth: Signs of Tooth Trouble and More
    What to Know About Caring for Guinea Pig Teeth: Signs of Tooth Trouble and More

  • Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?
    Can Guinea Pigs Eat Blueberries?

  • Can Guinea Pigs Eat Watermelon?
    Can Guinea Pigs Eat Watermelon?

  • Dangers Of Spaying Guinea Pigs
    Dangers Of Spaying Guinea Pigs
  • Our experts are available 24/7:We're here 24/7:
  • 1-800-672-4399
  • United States
  • About
  • Investor Relations
  • Affiliates
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Learn
  • Give Back
  • Gift Cards
  • Sell on Chewy
Download iOS appDownload Android app
Go to ACHC pharmacy accreditationLegitscript ApprovedCompounding Pharmacy Approved
  • Copyright © 2025, Chewy, Inc.
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility
  • California Supply Chains Act
  • Vendor Compliance
Download phone image
Get the Chewy app
Download iOS appDownload Android app
We're here 24/7
1-800-672-4399
United States
Copyright © 2025 Chewy, Inc.
Terms-Privacy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)-Accessibility
California Supply Chains Act-Vendor Compliance
About-Investor Relations-Jobs-Learn
Give Back-Gift Cards-Sell on Chewy
Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
    • Track Order
    • -
    • FAQs
    • -
    • Contact Info
    AccountAccount
    Sign InNew Customer? Start here
    • Account
    • Orders
    • Manage Autoship
    • Favorites
    • Buy Again
    • Prescriptions
    • Pet Portal
    • Connect with a Vet
    • Pet Insurance Dashboard
    • My Rescues
    • Create a Pet Profile
    CartCart
    Your cart is empty.
    Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
    Not in the U.S?

    Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

    Continue to Canada site
    Use App
    24/7 Help
    Get help from our experts 24/7
    1-800-672-4399
      • Track Order
      • -
      • FAQs
      • -
      • Contact Info
      AccountAccount
      Sign InNew Customer? Start here
      • Account
      • Orders
      • Manage Autoship
      • Favorites
      • Buy Again
      • Prescriptions
      • Pet Portal
      • Connect with a Vet
      • Pet Insurance Dashboard
      • My Rescues
      • Create a Pet Profile
      CartCart
      Your cart is empty.
      Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
      Food
      • Dry Food
      • Wet Food
      • Fresh Food & Toppers
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Shop by Health Condition
      • Puppy Food
      Treats
      • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Biscuits & Cookies
      • Long-Lasting Chews
      • Jerky Treats
      • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
      Toys
      • Plush Toys
      • Chew Toys
      • Fetch Toys
      • Treat Dispensing Toys
      • Puzzle Toys
      • Rope & Tug Toys
      Supplies
      • Crates, Pens & Gates
      • Beds
      • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Training & Behavior
      • Tech & Smart Home
      Dog DealsSummer ShopPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
      Grooming
      • Brushes & Combs
      • Shampoos & Conditioners
      • Grooming Tools
      • Paw & Nail Care
      • Ear Care
      • Skin Care
      Cleaning & Potty
      • Pee Pads & Diapers
      • Poop Bags & Scoopers
      • Cleaners & Stain Removers
      • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Heartworm & Dewormers
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • DNA Testing Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Purina Pro Plan
      Hill's
      Blue Buffalo
      Frisco
      Royal Canin
      Bark
      Craveable, frozen raw meals. Serve up fresh nutrition with Stella & Chewy's.
      Food
      • Wet Food
      • Dry Food
      • Everyday Favorites
      • Shop by Health Consideration
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Highest Quality Food
      • Food Toppers
      Litter
      • Clumping
      • Scented
      • Unscented
      • Natural
      • Lightweight
      Treats
      • Crunchy Treats
      • Lickable Treats
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Catnip & Cat Grass
      Toys
      • Interactive & Electronic Toys
      • Teasers & Wands
      • Balls & Chasers
      • Catnip Toys
      • Plush & Mice Toys
      Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
      Supplies
      • Litter Boxes & Accessories
      • Cat Tech & Smart Home
      • Beds
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
      • Grooming
      Trees & Scratchers
      • Trees & Condos
      • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
      • Wall Shelves
      • Window Perches
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • Test Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Tiny Tiger
      Shop Blue Buffalo
      Shop litter robot
      Shop Temptations
      Shop Hill's Science Diet
      Shop Purina Pro Plan
      Mix up their menu. Stock up on Friskies variety packs. Shop now.
      Horse
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Health & Wellness
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Fly Control
      • Prescription Medications
      • Vaccines
      Chicken
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Nesting & Egg Supplies
      • Coops & Runs
      • Feeders, Waterers & Deicers
      Livestock
      • Cattle
      • Goat
      • Pig
      • Sheep
      • Llama & Alpaca
      Wild Bird & Wildlife
      • Wild Bird
      • Squirrel & Critter
      • Duck & Waterfowl
      • Deer
      Small Pet
      • Rabbit
      • Guinea Pig
      • Hamster
      • Ferret
      Pet Bird
      • Food
      • Treats
      • Toys & Perches
      • Litter & Nesting
      • Cages & Accessories
      Fish
      • Tanks & Aquariums
      • Food
      • Filters & Media
      • Decor & Substrate
      • Water Care
      Reptile & Amphibian
      • Live Feed
      • Food & Treats
      • Tanks & Terrariums
      • Heating & Lighting
      • Substrate & Bedding
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Shop Buckeye
      Shop Animed
      Shop Cosequin
      The Horse Shop. Your one-stop shop for everything they need to be their best.
      Prescriptions
      Order your pet's prescription items.
      How it works
      Shop all Pharmacy
      Health Services
      Chewy Vet Care
      Chat free with our vet team
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Compounded Medications
      Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
      Learn about compounding
      Dog
      • Prescription Flea & Tick
      • Heartworm Prevention
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Antibiotics & Antifungals
      • Allergy Relief
      • Anxiety & Calming
      • Ear & Skin Conditions
      • Eye Drops & Ointments
      • Urinary & Kidney
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Cat
      • Prescription Flea & Tick
      • Dewormers & Parasiticides
      • Eye Drops & Ointments
      • Antibiotics & Antifungals
      • Allergy Relief
      • Anxiety & Calming
      • Urinary & Kidney
      • Thyroid & Hormone
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Horse
      • Anti-inflammatory & Musculoskeletal
      • Vitamins & Electrolytes
      • Skin & Coat Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Metabolic & Endocrine
      • Allergy & Immune
      • Behavioral Support & Sedatives
      • Reproductive Care
      Expert Health Tips
      • PetMD
      Connect with a Vet
      Free chat or live-video advice from our licensed veterinary team.
      Learn more
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Give your pet the best possible health coverage with wellness and insurance plans.
      Learn more
      Chewy Vet Care
      Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
      Schedule a visit
      Learn
      How We Give Back
      We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
      Learn more
      Donate to a Rescue
      You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
      Find a Rescue
      Find Pets to Adopt
      Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
      Find Pets
      Join Our Network
      Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
      Join Now
      Today's Deals
      Shop Flea & TickFlea & Tick