Rules can still vary by city, county or species. Check your state before buying.
Laws change. Verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing.
Check your state's rules →Housing and enclosure setup
At least 7.5 sq ft for a pair, more for groups. C&C-style cages or large open pens work far better than pet-store cages.
Fleece or paper bedding, hides for every pig, and a flat floor — no wire bottoms or ramps without sides. Keep them indoors at 65-75°F.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay, plain guinea-pig pellets fortified with vitamin C, and about a cup of fresh vegetables per pig per day.
Guinea pigs can't make vitamin C: bell pepper, parsley and leafy greens help, and a deficiency causes scurvy. No seed mixes, dairy or yoghurt drops.
Health basics
Watch for weight loss, crusty eyes, sneezing, hair loss or scratching (mites), and bladder stones (squeaking when urinating, blood in urine). Weigh weekly.
Lifespan
Typically 5-7 years.
Beginner tips
Never keep one alone. Two sows or a neutered boar with sows are the easiest combinations.
Wheeking at the fridge door is normal. Popcorning — little jumps — means a happy pig.
General guidance only. Nothing here replaces an exotics or avian vet who knows your animal.
Track it instead of guessing
Log weights, feedings, health events and care reminders for free in the keeper tools.
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