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Guinea Pig
BeginnerCavia porcellus
Gentle and social small animal. Communicates through various vocalizations and bonds closely with owners. Cannot synthesize vitamin C, so diet management is essential.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
18〜24℃
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
20-30cm / 700-1200g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Timothy hay (staple), pellets, vitamin C-rich vegetables
About
The domestic guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a species of rodent belonging to the family Caviidae, originally domesticated from wild cavies in the Andes region of South America. Adults measure 20–30 cm and weigh 700–1,200 g. Highly social animals, they thrive when kept in pairs or small groups and communicate through a rich repertoire of vocalizations. Unlike most mammals, guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously, making daily dietary supplementation with foods such as bell peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens essential to prevent scurvy. Their diet should be based on unlimited high-quality timothy hay supplemented with species-appropriate pellets and fresh vegetables. Optimal temperature range is 18–26 °C. Common health issues include vitamin C deficiency, urolithiasis, dermatophytosis, and respiratory infections. Lifespan is 4–8 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Andes region of South America
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
20-30cm / 700-1200g
Temperature
18〜24℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Timothy hay (staple), pellets, vitamin C-rich vegetables
Care Guide
Care Specifications
Group
Sources: RWAF Guinea Pig companionship
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Cavia porcellus Linnaeus, 1758
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: CITES Appendices
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Guinea Pig Listings
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