Guinea pigs - everything about care, breeds and life with a guinea pig

🐾 Why is a guinea pig a great choice?

Guinea pigs are ideal pets for children and adults alike.
They don't bark or scratch the furniture, but... they can whistle as soon as they hear a lettuce bag being opened 🍃.
They are sociable, intelligent and – most importantly – attached to their caregiver.

🍀 How to care for a guinea pig – the basics of care

It's not just about daily feeding. It's also about cleaning the cage, observing behavior, grooming the fur (especially in long-haired breeds) and providing them with company.
Guinea pigs are highly social animals – the absolute minimum is two. In many countries (e.g. Switzerland) keeping one guinea pig is actually forbidden.

🍎 Guinea pig diet – what to eat and what to avoid

Base: hay, hay and more hay. Add fresh vegetables, vitamin C pellets, some fruit (but not too much!).
Avoid iceberg lettuce, onions, potatoes – they can be harmful.
💡 Guinea pigs they do not produce vitamin C themselves, so it must be supplied to them with food.

🛏️ Guinea pig house - cage, accessories, safety

The cage must be spacious – no tight plastic “houses.”
Substrate: preferably wooden gravel or fleece mat.
Also needed: a waterer, a feeder, a sleeping house, a tunnel to play in and… lots of hay!

✂️ Nail and teeth care

Guinea pigs' claws grow constantly, so without regular trimming they can become painfully curled.
Teeth – especially the incisors – need to be worn down naturally, which is why hay and wooden chews are important.
If the guinea pig stops eating, drools - it may be overgrown teeth. Then a visit to the vet is necessary.

🧬 Guinea pig breeds – discover the diversity

• Shelties – long, silky coat

• Abyssinian - with characteristic rosettes

• Peruvian - looks like a little rock star

• American Crested – short-haired with a lovely "crown" on her head

Each breed has its own temperament and care requirements. Check out our breed descriptions!

❤️ Fun facts you'll love

• Guinea pigs can recognize the voice of their caretaker.

• They have their own “languages” – different sounds mean joy, anxiety, hunger.

• Record lifespan for a guinea pig? The average lifespan is 5–8 years, but record-holders have lived to be 14–15 years old – but that's rare.

🧠 Guinea Pig FAQs

Can a guinea pig live alone?
It can, but it shouldn't. They are herd animals.

Do guinea pigs need to be bathed?
Only in exceptional situations. Their fur cleans itself best.

Do guinea pigs bite?
Rarely. If they do, they are usually in pain or scared.