Source: Wikimedia Commons
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
Housing
Social animals — keep 2+ recommended. Same-sex pairs are safest
Diet
Unlimited hay + daily vitamin C (bell peppers, broccoli)
Cage
Wide floor space cage. Width matters more than height
Notes
Watch for scurvy. Dental malocclusion is also common
Beginner-friendlySocialCute vocalizationsPair housing recommended
Guinea Pig FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Guinea Pig?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Guinea Pig?
A
The ideal temperature for Guinea Pig is 18〜24℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Guinea Pig?
A
The average lifespan of Guinea Pig is 5-7 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QHow large does Guinea Pig get?
A
Guinea Pig typically reaches 20-30cm / 700-1200g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Guinea Pig?
A
Guinea Pig feeds on: Timothy hay (staple), pellets, vitamin C-rich vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Guinea Pig?
A
The price of Guinea Pig varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Guinea Pig Q&A
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