How long does a guinea pig live?

How many years of joy can you expect from your furry friends? This is a question that many people ask, and of course the answer may vary depending on who you talk to… but let’s see if we can dispel some myths and give you an idea of the kind of commitment you need to be prepared to make if you want to give these wonderful little animals a forever home!

A guinea pig is not a hamster!

This, as you might think, should be fairly obvious, yet many people still confuse guinea pigs with hamsters! Not only do guinea pigs have completely different needs and grow much larger than their very distant cousins, but the life expectancy of these creatures also differs. On average, a hamster can live for 2-3 years, depending on breed type and lifestyle.

So what is the average lifespan of a guinea pig?

Namely, the average lifespan of a guinea pig is 5-7 years, although as with any living creature, there are many factors that can affect this. Some have been known to live much longer than 7 years. The 2006 Guinness World Record belongs to a guinea pig that lived for 14 years, 10.5 months! While this age is not the norm, guinea pigs are certainly a pet that you will need to give your pet care and devotion for many years to come.

How can we help our dear guinea pigs enjoy long and happy lives?

There are many things you can do to give your guinea pigs the best chance of a long life. A good diet, plenty of space, plenty of exercise, social interaction, hygiene and appropriate management of any potential health issues are all factors that can contribute to a long and happy life. So make sure you feed them the right food in the right amounts, with plenty of hay and kibble! Give your guinea pigs enough space and opportunities to run, use tunnels and stimulate with toys in their cages/runs or during ‘floor time’ in the garden. Guinea pigs are social animals, so provide them with a cage mate so they don’t feel lonely or bored. Of course, don’t forget that most guinea pigs love spending time with people, so spend time with them and cuddle them. Clean their space thoroughly and handle them regularly every day. Remember to keep a close eye on their health, seeking advice from your vet if necessary.

Health problems and diseases of guinea pigs

As with any animal, guinea pigs can develop health problems at any age. This can be very difficult to resolve, especially if a young guinea pig becomes ill. With the best will in the world and despite your best efforts to provide a healthy environment for your furry friends, problems will arise that are beyond your control. We suggest that you find a good rodent vet who is used to dealing with guinea pigs and act quickly if necessary, as they can die quickly.

So, unlike hamsters who usually only live for 1-4 years, guinea pigs can live for 5-7 years, providing you with many years of love, cuddles and caresses! So be prepared to do everything you can to give them a long, healthy and happy life, and they will really brighten up your days in return!