Caring for a guinea pig
About feeding, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care for guinea pigs
Last updated 13 January 2026
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Nutrition for a guinea pig
Guinea pigs are herbivores. Provide fresh clean water daily, and feed appropriate diets.
(Approximately 80% of diet) High-fiber, low calcium grass hay, such as timothy and orchard grass hay for adults.
Younger guinea pigs can be fed with alfalfa hay which has higher calcium and protein content. Feeding too much alfalfa hay to adults can lead to obesity and other health-related issues.
Some fresh vegetables such as dark leafy greens. Make sure to research on which vegetables are safe for your guinea pig.
A small amount of commercial pellets.
Fruits – use sparingly as treats. Overconsumption can lead to health issues.
Guinea pigs require vitamin C from vegetable sources or supplements.
Unlike other small mammals, they are unable to make their own vitamin C. This means that it is essential to provide vitamin C supplementation in their diet.
Enclosure for a guinea pig
Their enclosures should reflect their natural behaviour as closely as possible, and provide them opportunities to do so.
Cage
Provide enough horizontal space for them to move around.
Accessories
Provide adequate hiding spaces and comfortable bedding.
Compatibility with other animals
Guinea pigs are social animals and should ideally by housed together with other guinea pigs of the same sex.
Environment
Provide a sturdy, solid flooring to prevent bumblefoot.
Enrichment for a guinea pig
Provide plenty of opportunities for your guinea pigs to exhibit their normal behaviours such as foraging and chewing/gnawing.
Veterinary care for a guinea pig
Bring your guinea pigs to the vet for regular health checks.
Seek medical help if you observe any signs of illness in your guinea pigs, such as:
Lethargy
Inappetence
Abnormal breathing
Abnormal or no faecal droppings and/or urine
Bloated abdomen
Head tilt/shaking
Lameness
Overgrown teeth and nails
