Guinea Pig Adoption Care Guide

Guinea pigs are social, curious, and full of character. They talk to you and to each other. But they are also prey animals who rely on safety, companionship, and routine to feel secure.
This guide will help you give them a life that is calm, healthy, and full of joy.

1. Housing & Space

Small cages are still the most common welfare mistake. Guinea pigs need constant access to a large, secure space where they can move freely.

Minimum (for two pigs):

1.5 m × 1 m floor space (about 5 ft × 3 ft) — bigger is always better.
Indoor setups: large C&C (cube and coroplast) pens or roomy hutches in a quiet area.
Outdoor setups: solid, weatherproof hutches with attached runs that allow access to grass and shelter at all times.

Avoid wire floors (they damage feet) and keep their space away from draughts or direct sun.
If outdoors, predator-proof everything and bring them inside during winter or extreme heat.

2. Companionship

Guinea pigs are herd animals, they should never live alone.

Keep them in pairs or small groups of the same sex (or neutered pairs).
Rabbits are not suitable companions, they can injure pigs and carry diseases harmful to them.
Introduce new pigs gradually on neutral ground, watching for signs of bullying.

A bonded pair keeps each other emotionally balanced and more confident around you.

3. Bedding & Cleanliness

Guinea pigs are tidy creatures who appreciate a clean home.

Use paper-based bedding, hay, or fleece liners. Avoid sawdust or wood shavings that can irritate their respiratory systems.
Spot clean daily; full clean every 3–4 days depending on size and setup.
Always provide at least one hide per pig (wooden houses, tunnels, boxes).

4. Diet & Nutrition

Their diet is non-negotiable: hay is life. It keeps their guts moving and their teeth worn down.

A balanced diet includes:

Unlimited fresh hay (Timothy, meadow, or orchard).
Daily fresh greens, about a teacup per pig (kale, herbs, bell pepper).
Pellets fortified with vitamin C as they cannot produce their own.
Fresh water daily in bottles or bowls.

5. Health & Grooming

Guinea pigs hide illness well. Watch for:

Weight loss
Refusal to eat or drink
Runny eyes or nose
Limping or bald patches
Constant scratching or head shaking

They need regular vet checks, vitamin C supplementation, and nail trims every few weeks.
Long-haired breeds need brushing several times a week to avoid matting